Characterization as Cosmetic Substances of Artemisia argyi H. Extracts

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate and verify the functionality of Artemisia argyi H. as cosmetic substances. Antimicrobial activity of water, 60% ethanol and 100% ethanol extracts showed inhibitory effects against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterobacter aerogenes except Escherichia coli. As the results of MIC(Minimun inhibitory concentration) test, 60% ethanol extracts inhibited the growth of P. acnes at a concentration of 1.25 mg/mL. The mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity of water, 60% ethanol, and 100% ethanol extracts of A. argyi H. was increased in concentration-dependent manner. Melanin syntheses of B16/F10 mellanoma cells was also reduced by the extracts of A. argyi H. Especially, 60% ethanol extracts showed a excellent elastase inhibition of 51.9% at 125 ug/mL. In addition, the samples also showed a strong absorption in the range of UV-B(290-320nm). Overall, these results suggest that the extracts of A. argyi H. might be used for cosmetic industry such as anti-wrinkle or whitening substances.