EFFECTS OF SOME EDIBLE PLANTS ON MELANIN PRODUCTION, IMMUNOGLOBULIN SECRETION AND DIFFERENTIATION OF CULTURED MAMMALIAN-CELL LINES

The effects of non-dialyzable extracts of some edible plants on the in hibition of melanogenesis of B 16 mouse melanoma cells, the immunoglob ulin secretion of HE 4 C 5 human-human hybridoma cells, and the differ entiation of U-937 human myeloid leukemia cells were examined. The non -dialyzable extracts of green tea, eggplant, kiwi fruit, carrot and sp inach inhibited melanogenesis of B 16 cells. The highest activity on i nhibition of melanogenesis was shown by the non-dialyzable extract of green tea, and the extract decreased melanin production by 46% compare d with the control. The IgM secretion of HE 4 C 5 cells was promoted b y the non-dialyzable extracts of green tea. The processed spinach extr act induced the adhesion and morphological change of U-937 on the cult ure plate, and the expression of cell surface antigens of CD 11 b of U -937 cells was also induced by this extract.