Artemisinic acid inhibits melanogenesis through downregulation of C/EBP α-dependent expression of HMG-CoA reductase gene

► The effects of artemisinic acid on melanogenesis were investigated. ► Artemisinic acid reduced melanin content and mRNA levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. ► Artemisinic acid inhibited cholesterol synthesis through downregulation of the HMG CoA reductase gene. ► Downregulation of the HMG CoA reductase gene by artemisinic acid was mediated through reduced expression of the C/EBP α gene.