Cosmetic applications of selected traditional Chinese herbal medicines

Because tyrosinase catalyzes melanin synthesis, tyrosinase inhibitors are important in cosmetic skin-whitening. Oxidative stress contributes to skin aging and can adversely affect skin health, which means antioxidants active in skin cells may support skin health. We examined 25 traditional Chinese herbal medicines that might be useful for skin-whitening and skin health. Extracts (100 μg/mL) were tested for cytotoxicity on human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn); 12 exhibited low cytotoxicity. Their effects on tyrosinase and melanin inhibitory activities and free radical scavenging activities were further assessed. Phenolic contents were evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Four herbs, Pharbitis nil, Sophora japonica, Spatholobus suberectus, and Morus alba, exhibited potent inhibitory effects on tyrosinase (IC₅₀ values 24.9, 95.6, 83.9, and 78.3 μg/mL, respectively). Melanin inhibition was not dose-dependent. Sophora japonica (IC₅₀: 14.46 μg/mL, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH); 1.95 μg/mL, hydroxyl radical) and Spatholobus suberectus (IC₅₀: 10.51 μg/mL, DPPH; 4.36 μg/mL, hydroxyl radical) showed good antioxidative activities and high phenolic contents (255 and 189 mg of gallic acid/g extract, respectively). Among active anti-tyrosinase extracts, Sophora japonica and Spatholobus suberectus were especially potent in HEMn cells in terms of free radical scavenging effects and high phenolic contents, making them the strongest candidates for cosmetic application found in the current study.