Functional Cosmetic Materials Research Articles

Evaluation of Biological Activity of Natural Composite Extracts

To increase the value of using natural plants, we developed antioxidant and anti-aging cosmetic ingredients using Portulaca oleracea(PO) and Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb(APL), known as natural medicinal plants. Both PO and APL were extracted with ethanol as solvents and thecomposite extract was prepared in a 1:1 ratio of PO and APL extracts. The final samples were compared and evaluated based on three extracts, i.e., PO extract, composite extract, and APL extract. The antioxidant effects of these samples were evaluated by measuring DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, whereas the anti-aging effects were evaluated via Collagenase and Elastase inhibition rates. In evaluating the antioxidant activity of the APL extract was the highest, whereas that of the composite extract showed inhibitory activity similar to thatof the single extracts but still lower than that of individual extracts. Moreover, the anti-aging effect of the composite extract demonstrated higher inhibitory activity than that of the single tract. The highest inhibition rate was shown in a 2:1 ratio of PO and APL composite. The results to date demonstrate that the composite extract of APL and PO has an efficacy to be used as a functional cosmetic material. With increased interest in anti-aging and well-being around the world, the development of natural materials for herbal medicine is expected to have a considerable effect on the cosmetic industry in future.

Analysis of Rcent Research Trends in Development of Functional Cosmetic Materials for Wrinkle Improvement

Analysis of Rcent Research Trends in Development of Functional Cosmetic Materials for Wrinkle Improvement

The Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ginseng Berry Extract as a Functional Cosmetic Material

The Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ginseng Berry Extract as a Functional Cosmetic Material

Skin Improvement Effects of Gardeniae fructus Extract in HaCaT Keratinocytes, B16F10 Melanocytes, and CCD-986sk Fibroblast Cells

The development of functional cosmetics with skin improvement effects from natural sources is necessary. In this study, the antioxidant, antiwrinkling, moisturizing, and whitening effects of Gardeniae fructus extract (GF) were investigated in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblast cells. Antioxidant activity was determined by a DPPH free radical scavenging assay. MMP-1, MMP-9, HAS1, and filaggrin mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR in keratinocytes and fibroblast cells. MITF and tyrosinase protein levels were evaluated by blotting analysis in melanocytes. DPPH free radical activity was investigated to determine whether GF showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity. GF induced the upregulation of HAS1 and filaggrin mRNA expression in keratinocytes and fibroblast cells. GF led to the downregulation of MMP mRNA levels in keratinocytes and fibroblast cells. Western blotting was performed to confirm the whitening-related protein (MITF and tyrosinase) levels induced by GF in melanocytes, and the inhibitory activity was superior to that of the α-MSH used for the comparison test. GF showed marked antioxidant, antiwrinkling, skin moisturizing, and whitening activity in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblast cells. Through the results of these experiments, the applicability of GF as a natural and functional cosmetic material was verified.

Evaluation of the Usefulness of the Fermented Thistle (Cirsium japonicum ) with Lactobacillus rhamnosus BHN-LAB105 for Antioxidative and Whitening Effects

Purpose: This study aimed to increase the effectiveness of the cosmetic functions of fermented thistle (Cirsium japonicum) roots, flowers, and whole plant’s extracts with Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus ) BHN-LAB105 and to evaluate the efficacy of the fermented extracts as cosmetic materials. Methods: Samples included methanol extracts of roots, flowers, and whole thistle plant. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of each extract were quantified from gallic acid and rutin. The antioxidative effect of the extract was confirmed using a 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Moreover, the whitening effect of each extract was measured using tyrosinase inhibition activity assay in cell-free level. Results: The total polyphenol contents of fermented root and whole thistle extracts were higher (67%) compared to nonfermented root and whole thistle extracts (32%). The total flavonoid contents were also higher in all fermented extracts of thistle. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of fermented roots, flowers, and whole thistle extracts was higher by 67%, 13%, and 32% compared to nonfermented extracts, respectively. The tyrosinase inhibition activity was higher by 92%, 78%, and 65% for fermented roots, flower, and whole thistle extracts, respectively. Conclusion: The highest antioxidative and whitening effects were investigated in the fermented whole thistle extracts. As a result, fermented whole thistle extracts with L. rhamnosus BHN-LAB105 could be developed as a potential functional cosmetic material.

A study on Antioxidative and Antioxidative Effects of Codonopsis lanceolate and Platycodon grandiflourum extracts

The effectiveness of 70% ethanol (Ethanol, EtOH) extract of Codonopsis lanceolata and Platycodon grandiflourum was investigated to verify its applicability as a functional cosmetic material. Antioxidant activity of antioxidant, total flavonoid content, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) Experiments were conducted to confirm the effect of collagen. Antioxidant activities of Codonopsis lanceolata and Platycodon grandiflourum extracts were increased by concentration of polyphenol and polabonoid effect, and no toxicity was observed in Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDF) cells. It was confirmed that collagen production was further increased in Duckweed extract. Dodeca and bellflower extracts are considered to be valuable as various functional cosmetic materials having antioxidative effect and anti-aging wrinkle improvement effect.

Development of Korean Herbal Medicine Cosmetics Containing Polygonum Multiflorum Extracts

cosmetics that can improve aging skin of middle-aged women through the analysis of anti-oxidation and anti-aging using domestic PolygonumMultiflorum.Method: Extraction, anti-aging and antioxidant experiments were designed and performed by synthesizing previous studies based on scientific evidence and a prescription in Donguibogam (Treasured Paragon of Eastern Medicine) that utilized PolygonumMultiflorum for regaining vigor and rejuvenating at an old age.Findings: The result of this study showed that PolygonumMultiflorum presented high anti-oxidation effect from the analysis of Polyphenol, Flavonoid, and DPPH and it also has an excellent inhibiting ability, showing great possibility to be used as a material for functional cosmetics. Moreover, it showed a significant synergy effect in composites mixed with other raw materials at a small mixing quantity.Improvements/Applications: it has a great potential to be developed as a natural material for complex cosmetics in future

Effects of White Hibiscus syriacus L. Root Extracts as Functional Cosmetic Materials

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the potential application of white Hibiscus syriacus (H. syriacus ) L. root extracts as functional cosmetic materials. Methods: Total extracts of white H. syriacus L. roots were fractionated into an oil layer and an aqueous layer and named chloroform (CHCl3) extract and water extract, respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa ) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) were used to investigate anti-microbial effects of white H. syriacus L. root CHCl3 and water extracts at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/mL, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2Htetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay was conducted to evaluate cytotoxicity of white H. syriacus L. root CHCl3 and water (10, 20, and 40 μg/mL) extracts. Anti-oxidant effects were examined using 2',7'–dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) assay and the effects on collagen synthesis were investigated using western blotting. Results: CHCl3 extracts exhibited dose-dependent anti-microbial effects on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus . In addition, both CHCl3 and water extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity on HaCaT and Hs68 cell lines. Anti-oxidant effects of the CHCl3 and water extracts were superior to that of glutathione, a human innate antioxidant positive control. The white H. syriacus L. root extracts slightly restored collagen synthesis, which had been decreased by ultraviolet stimulation. Conclusion: We have revealed, through the present study, the potential application of white H. syriacus L. root extracts as components of functional cosmetics.

화장품 소재 개발을 위한 제주 식물 탐색

To identify new active cosmetic ingredients of natural origin, we screened the biological activities of 50 different kinds of plants from Jeju Island, the southernmost island of the Korean Peninsula. In this study, plant extracts were screened for inhibitory effects on elastase, nitric oxide, and melanin production, and for free radical scavenging effects. Eight plants, Viburnum erosum Thunb., Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium Nakai, Sageretia theezans Brongn., Sorbus alnifolia var. hirtella T. Lee, Staphylea bumalda DC., Pourthicea villosa var. brunnea Nak., Illicium religiosum S. et Z., and Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii Nakai were potent inhibitors of elastase (over 80% inhibition at 1 mg/mL). Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. Ellipticus (Thunb.) Hara (ICSUB50/SUB: 13.99 μg/mL), Sapium sebiferum (L.) ROXB. (ICSUB50/SUB: 14.27 μg/mL), and Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii Nakai (ICSUB50/SUB: 16.46 μg/mL) showed good antioxidant effects. Eurya japonica Thunb., Quercus myrsinaefolia Bl., Caesalpinia decapetala var. japonica (S. et Z.) Ohashi, Weigela subsessilis L. H. Bailey, and Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum dosedependently inhibited LPS-induced NO production on RAW 264.7 cells (at 50-200 μg/mL). Furthermore, Elaeocarpus sylvestris var. Ellipticus (Thunb.) Hara, Ilex integra Thunb., and Agastache rugosa (Fisch. et Meyer) O. Kuntze dose-dependently inhibited α-MSH stimulated melanin synthesis on B16 F10 cells (at 25-100 μg/mL). These results suggest that Jeju Island plants possess several biological activities and may be potent anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, skin-whitening, and antioxidative ingredients as functional cosmetic materials.

찔레뿌리 초임계 추출물의 항균, 항산화 및 항염증 활성

The roots of Rosa multiflora Thunberg have been used in traditional oriental medicine as remedies for rheumatic arthralgia and scabies. In this study, the anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of a supercritical extract of Rosa multiflora root were investigated in vitro. To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the supercritical extract, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, and the inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells were examined, respectively. In addition, the anti-fungal activities of the extract were assessed. The results showed a concentration-dependent, increase in ABTS radical scavenging activity. The supercritical fluid extracts of Rosa multiflora root exhibited low toxicity to RAW 264.7 cells at 100 µg/mL the highest concentration tested. Cells stimulated with LPS produced more nitric oxide than normal control cells; however, cells treated with the supercritical fluid extract decreased this production in a concentration-dependent manner. Finally, the supercritical fluid extracts showed significant anti-fungal activity. These results suggest that extracts of the roots of Rosa multiflora might be used to develop potent anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, and may be useful as ingredients for related new functional cosmetic materials.

모링가 잎 (Moringa oleifera, Leaf) 에탄올 추출물의 화장품 소재 특성

To investigate the cosmetic effects of drumstictree (Moringa oleifera, leaf) extract on skin care, we measured antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, tyrosinase and elastic activity inhibition. B16F10 melanoma cell has been used to measure cell viability. It was 42±2.66 mg/g GAE base and 16.5±1.7 mg/g Naringin base as a measurement result of total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was 89% in a concentration at 500 μg/mL. Drumstic-tree (Moringa oleifera, leaf) extract exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activity against MRSA CCARM3115. EtOH extract of Moringa oleifera showed 25.1% (L-Tyrosine) and 20.1% (L-DOPA) of tyrosinase inhibition, respectively. In elastase inhibition assay, EtOH extract of Moringa oleifera showed 29.6% of inhibition. At a concentration of 200 μg/mL, tyrosinase and elastase activation were found to inhibited dose-dependent. These results suggest EtOH extract from Moringa oleifera has excellent activities in the antiwrinkle and whitening. Therefore, it expected to be used effectively for development of functional cosmetic materials.

Comparison of Antioxidant Ability and Whitening Efficacy of Black Snow, Snow, and Red Ginseng Water Extracts

There is a variety of commercial ginseng products currently available in the market, including red ginseng (RG), black snow ginseng (BSG), and sun ginseng (SG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the putative effects of processed Panax ginseng (BSG, SG, RG) water extracts (PGWEs: BSGWE, SGWE, and RGWE, respectively) on antioxidant ability as well as melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in melan-a cells. The total polyphenol contents of BSGWE, SGWE, and RGWE were 12.0, 8.3, and 7.7 mg/g, respectively. The total flavonoid contents of BSGWE, SGWE, and RGWE were 16.7, 8.4, and 7.9 mg/g, respectively. The electron donating abilities of BSGWE, SGWE, and RGWE at 1,000 μg/mL were 11.0%, 11.0%, and 8.3%, respectively. The inhibitory effects of BSGWE, SGWE, and RGWE on both melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity were found to be equivalent or more potent than those of positive control arbutin. These results indicate that PGWEs can be used as functional cosmetic materials for the prevention or alleviation of skin pigmentation.

포도전정가지 추출물이 UVB에 유도된 HR-1 mice의 피부손상에 대한 광보호 효과

본 연구는 포도수확 후 버려지는 가지를 이용한 포도전정가지 추출물(Grape Pruning Stem Extracts, GPSE)에 함유된 polyphenol류 중 항산화, 항염증, 항암 등의 효과가 있다고 알려진 rutin, procyanidin B3, quercetin, kaempferol의 함량을 분석하고, UVB로 유도된 HR-1 mice의 손상된 피부에 대한 피부 보습, 피부 증식 억제, 항염증 등의 효과를 측정하여 기능성식품, 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 응용 가능성을 확인하고자 하였다. 포도전정가지에서 polyphenol 성분을 80% EtOH로 추출하고 여과하여 농축한 후, 동결건조하여 <TEX>$-20^{\circ}C$</TEX>에 보관하면서 사용하였다. GPSE의 유효성분 함량은 HPLC를 사용하여 분석하였다. 피부손상을 유도하기 위해 UVB를 실험동물에 조사하였고, GPSE의 효능을 확인하기 위하여 TEWL assay, 피부조직의 H&E staining 및 COX-2 단백 발현 측정을 위한 면역조직화학적염색(immunohistochemical stain) 등을 실시하였다. 포도전정가지 시료 53 kg에서 EtOH 분획 추출물 2.34 kg을 추출하여 4.42%의 수율 결과를 얻었다. 유효성분 분석 결과, procyanidin B3, 0.28 mg/g, rutin 12.81 mg/g, quercetin 0.51 mg/g 및 kaempferol 8.24 mg/g로 나타났다. TEWL assay 결과 대조군과 비교, GPSE와 serum base의 혼합물이 도포된 그룹(농도 2,000 mg/kg~125 mg/kg)에서 모두 보습효과가 있는 것을 확인하였다(p<0.05). GPSE의 피부증식억제를 통한 광보호 효과를 확인한 결과 epidermis에는 GPSE 농도 2,000 mg/kg의 농도에서 suncream과 유사한 결과를 얻을 수 있었고(p<0.05), dermis의 두께를 측정한 결과 GPSE 농도 2,000 mg/kg~125 mg/kg 모든 농도에서 UVB 조사한 그룹 두께 <TEX>$800{\mu}m$</TEX>와 비교하여 suncream 도포군이 <TEX>$580{\mu}m$</TEX>, GPSE 2,000 mg/kg~125 mg/kg 모든 농도에서 <TEX>$600{\mu}m$</TEX>이하로 나타나 UVB에 의해 손상된 HR-1 mice의 피부증식 억제를 확인할 수 있었다(p<0.05). GPSE가 UVB에 의해 손상된 HR-1 mice 피부에 항염증 정도를 확인하기 위해 COX-2 단백발현을 보기위해 immunohistochemical stain한 결과 UVB를 조사한 대조군에 비해 GPSE를 도포한 그룹 모두에서 항염증 효과를 보였지만, GPSE의 농도 1,000 mg/kg에서는 suncream 22%보다 낮은 8%에서 COX-2의 단백발현이 낮은 것으로 나타나 우수한 항염증효과를 얻을 수 있었다(p<0.05). 본 연구 결과에서, GPSE 내 rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, procyanidin B3와 같은 유효성 페놀성 화합물이 확인되었으며, GPSE는 보습효과, 피부증식억제효과, 염증발현억제효과 및 자외선 손상에 의한 피부장벽 기능 개선효과 등이 있는 것으로 확인되었다. 결론적으로 GPSE는 피부보호 효과의 가능성이 있는 기능성 물질로서 기능성 식품 및 기능성 화장품 등의 원료로 활용성이 높을 것으로 판단된다. This study intends to analyze the contents of rutin, procyanidin B3, quercetin, kaempferol, known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects, among the polyphenol type contained in the grape pruning stem extracts (GPSE), utilizing grape stems being discarded after harvest, measure the effects on the skin moisture, inhibition of skin cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory on the damaged skin of a HR-1 mice induced with UVB, and verify the applicability as a material for functional food and functional cosmetics. The results of verifying the photoprotection effects through the skin proliferation control through of GPSE showed similar result to suncream was achieved at the GPSE concentration of 2,000 mg/kg on the epidermis (p<0.05). The results showed anti-inflammatory effects on all groups applied with GPSE as compared to the control group irradiated with UVB, but at the GPSE concentration of 1,000 mg/kg, a lower COX-2 protein expression at 8%, lower than the 22% of suncream, was observed to achieve an excellent anti-inflammatory effect (p<0.05). The results of this study confirmed the existence of active polyphenol type, such as rutin, kaempferol, querocetin and procyanidin B3, within the GPSE, and GPSE has improvement effects on moisturizing effects, skin proliferation control effect, inflammatory control effect and improvement effects on the skin barrier function through UV ray damage. GPSE is a functional ingredient with a potential for skin protection effects, and has high utilization as an ingredient for functional food and functional cosmetics.

Effects of Corchorus olitorius L. (Molokhia) Extracts as Functional Cosmetic Materials

목적: 본 연구는 몰로키아 추출물의 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 가능성을 확인하고자 진행하였다. 방법: 몰로키아 에탄올 추출물을 유기층과 수층으로 분획하여 추출물 A와 추출물 B를 얻었다. 항균 효과는 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)와 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)를 이용하여 몰로키아 추출물 A와 B의 0.1, 0.2 mg/mL 농도에서 측정하였다. 세포독성실험은 Hs68 cell과 HaCaT cell에서 몰로키아 추출물 A와 B를 10, 20, 40 μg/mL의 농도로 처리하여 확인하였다. 항산화 효과는 형광 염료를 통해서 확인하고 콜라겐 합성은 western blotting을 이용하여 분석하였다. 결과: 추출물 A와 B 모두 두 균에 대해 농도의존적으로 항균 효과가 있음을 확인할 수 있었다. Hs68 cell과 HaCaT cell에 대한 세포독성은 크지 않은 것을 알 수 있었다. 추출물 A와 B의 항산화 효과를 측정한 결과는 양성대조군인 glutathione에 비견할 수 있는 항산화력을 보였다. 마지막으로, 자외선에 의해 감소된 콜라겐이 몰로키아 추출물에 의해 미약하게 회복되는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 결론: 연구를 통해 기능성 화장품의 소재로서 몰로키아 추출물의 가능성을 확인할 수 있었다.

Anti-wrinkle Effects of Impatiens textori Methanol Extract

We evaluated the anti-wrinkle effects of Impatiens textori methanol extract (ITME). ITME treatment at 10 mg/mL decreased collagenase and elastase activity by 50.4% and 54.9%, respectively. In tests of human dermal fibroblast cytotoxicity, the maximum permissible level of ITME treatment was greater than 200 μg/mL. When compared to a control: i) treatment with 200 μg/mL of ITME significantly increased type I procollagen synthesis by 36.7% (p<0.05), and ii) treatment with 100 μg/mL ITME significantly decreased MMP-1 mRNA and protein expression by 23.1% and 35.3%, respectively (p< 0.01). Treatment with ITME resulted in a promotion of collagen synthesis and inhibition of collagen degradation in human dermal fibroblasts. Collectively, these results suggest that ITME could be used as functional cosmetic material to prevent or alleviate skin wrinkles induced by ultraviolet rays.

항산화 및 미백화장품 원료로서의 땅콩새싹 추출물에 관한 연구

To investigate the effect of peanut sprout extract on skin care, we measured anti-oxidant activity and whitening action. As a result of measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity to examine independent anti-oxidation of peanut sprout extract, there was strongly scavenging activity. Fluorescent material DCF-DA was used to measure hydrogen peroxide created in RAW 264.7 cells, and all concentration dependently decreased ROS production. As a result of measuring nitric oxide to examine anti-inflammation of peanut sprout extract, there was strongly inhibited nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells. Tyrosinase activation was found to inhibited dose-dependant. Melanin production was also prevented dose-dependant. Therefore, it is expected to be used effectively in development of functional cosmetic materials.

Protective Effects of Thuja Orientalic Extract against Oxidative Stress

This paper aimed to verify the protective effects of Thuja orientalic extract against oxidative stress caused by H2O2 Rotenone and Paraquat in the keratinocyte(HaCaT cell) of human-derived normal skin for the development of safer health food or functional cosmetic materials. It has been reported that Thuja orientalic has antioxidant effects. In accordance with the cytotoxicity of Thuja orientalic extract against HaCaT cells using MTT, the appropriate concentration was less than 50㎍/mL. Thuja orientalic extract exhibited protective effects against H2O2, rotenone, and paraquat by 86.6%, 86.45%, and 60.24%, respectively, at the concentration of 50㎍/mL. Thuja orientalic extract has protective effects against all three artificial stresses, and more protective effects against H2O2 and rotenone. The analysis results indicated that Thuja orientalic extract had antioxidant effects that could offer protection to the cells from a variety of oxidative stresses. Accordingly, Thuja orientalic extract has a highly applicable value as a functional health food or cosmetic ingredient in the current times in which wellbeing is a priority.

Cosmeceutical Activities of Broccoli Extracts

In this study, we investigated the anti-oxidative effects, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts from broccoli to evaluate its use as a functional ingredient in cosmetics. The extracts are WE (water extract at RT), MWE (mineral water extract at RT), EE (70% ethanol extract at RT), and USEE (heat process for 12 hours at 60℃ after ultrasonification for six hours with 70% ethanol). The measurements of the total polyphenol content from broccoli extracts were highest in EE at 425.24±13.9 mg/g dry. The result of electron donating ability of EE was the highest at 10,000 ㎍/㎖ as 97.81% and increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The ferric reducing antioxidant powder (FRAP) of EE was the highest at 10,000 ㎍/㎖ as 1235.6 μM. In an antimicrobial activity test, the EE showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. acnes, and P. ovale. Furthermore, broccoli extract exhibited no cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. Also anti- inflammatory activity by NO assay showed LPS-induced NO was significantly inhibited following treatment with EE of 1,000 ㎍/㎖. Therefore, the broccoli ethanol extract can be used as a resource of natural cosmetic material for functional cosmetics.

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Aceriphyllum rossii Leaf Ethanol Extract on Melanocytes

We evaluated the skin whitening effects of Aceriphyllum rossii leaf ethanol extract (ARLEE) in vitro using melan-a cells. The maximum permissible level for ARLEE application to melan-a cells was 50 μg/mL. In gross observation, ARLEE reduced melanin deposition and melanocyte dendricity in a dose-dependent manner. When compared to treatment with vehicle, ARLEE treatment (50 μg/mL) significantly decreased melanin contents by 33.0% (p<0.001), an even greater decrease than arbutin (positive control) treatment (27.2%). ARLEE treatment (50 μg/mL) significantly decreased intracellular tyrosinase activity by 48.8% (p<0.001), an even greater decrease than seen after arbutin treatment (36.0%). ARLEE treatment (50 μg/mL) significantly decreased tyrosinase protein and mRNA expression by 30.5% and 37.7% (p<0.01), respectively. These results suggest that ARLEE has better skin whitening activity than arbutin in melan-a cells, and this activity is likely mediated at the level of tyrosinase transcription. These results suggest that ARLEE could be used in functional cosmetic materials to prevent or alleviate skin pigmentation.

Stability of Cosmetics Containing Onchungeum Extract

The stability of Onchungeum ethanol extract was investigated to determine its applicability as a functional cosmetic material. For its industrial application, the cosmetics were prepared with a water/oil/water(W/O/W) multiple emulsion. The results of the stability test showed that the W/O/W multiple emulsion containing ethanol extract of Onchungeum was highly stable for 60 days without change in particle stability, pH, viscosity, temperature and exposure to artificial lighting. These results suggest that an ethanol extract of Onchungeum can be a useful functional cosmetics material for improving skin diseases.