In vitro induction of melanin synthesis and extrusion by tamoxifen

Abstract

Physical appearance has significant importance psychologically and socially, with skin and hair being of prime relevance. Effective ingredients that modulate melanin synthesis are of growing interest. Tamoxifen, a widely used selective oestrogen receptor modulator, SERM, was described occasionally in medical case reports as causing grey hair repigmentation. This work aimed to study, in vitro, the effect of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen, one of its most bioactive derivatives, on melanin production in human melanocytes.