This study has assessed the anti-oxidative activities and cytotoxic effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon ethanol extract and measured the effects of tyrosinase inhibition activities with a goal of estimating the usage of the medicinal plant as an ingredient of cosmetics. First, to perform a basic test on the extract, pH and UV-spectrum were measured. According to the measurement, the extract had control functions at pH 5.5, and maximum absorbance occurred at 530nm. In particular, DPPH (1-1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl)-inhibiting activity (IC50) and polyphenol content were 149.81 μg/mL and 51.28±2.52 mg/mL respectively. In addition, as extract concentration increased, tyrosinase inhibition activities improved as well. In raw 264.7 cell-based MTT assay, cell survival rates were 98% at 1000 ppm and 153% at 100 ppm. Therefore, it's been confirmed that there is almost no cytotoxin. According to the test results above, it appears that the Lithospermum erythrorhizon ethanol extract would be effective in anti-oxidation and application as a cosmetic ingredient.

• Hee-Jeong Park
• Ki-Young Lee