편백나무(Chamaecyparis obtusa)는 측백나무과에 속하며 우리나라 남쪽 지역에서 주로 잘 자 생한다. 편백나무의 목재는 재질이 우수하여 가구로서의 활용이 높으며 남은 목재, 가지, 잎은 정유 추출에 사용되고 있다. 편백 정유는 항염, 향균, 탈취, 진정 효능이 탁월한 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 이러한 편백나무의 잎에서 추출한 오일이 주름 개선, 피부 장벽 및 보습능에 미치는 영향을 평가하고자 하였다. 먼 저, DPPH assay와 ABTS assay를 통해 항산화 활성을 평가한 결과, 편백 오일은 두 가지 라디칼을 농도 의존적으로 유의하게 소거하였다. 그리고 주름 생성 억제 효능 평가를 위해 elastase 활성을 측정한 결과, 편백 오일은 elastase 활성을 직접적으로 억제시킴을 확인하였다. 다음으로는 real-time PCR을 통해 유전 자 발현을 확인한 결과, 편백 오일은 인간섬유아세포에서 MMP-1 유전자 발현을 유의하게 감소시켰다. 또 한, 편백 오일에 의해 각질형성세포에서 filaggrin과 HAS-2 유전자 발현이 유의하게 증가함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과를 종합해보면, 편백 오일은 주름 개선과 피부 장벽 및 보습능 강화에 도움을 주어 항노화 화장 품의 기능성 원료로서 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

본 연구는 화장품 소재로서 우슬(Achyranthes japonica Nakai)의 가능성을 확인하기 위한 것이다. 우슬 추출물이 가지고 있는 항산화, 항염증, 항주름 효과를 측정하였다. 각각의 식물 재료는 70% 에탄올을 이용하여 우슬 뿌리(Achyranthes japonica Nakai roots, AJNR)와 우슬 줄기 (Achyranthes japonica Nakai stalks, AJNS)로부터 추출하였다. RAW 264.7 세포를 배양하여 추출물의 Nitric oxide assay를 진행하였고, 섬유아세포 CCD-986sk를 배양하여 추출물의 MMP-1 assay, Type I procollagen synthesis assay를 실시하였다. 이 연구의 결과, 항산화 활성은 우슬 뿌리와 우슬 줄기 모두 우수하였고, 뿌리는 함염증 효과가 월등하게 우수하였으며 줄기는 뿌리에 비해 MMP-1 저해 활성과 Type I procollagen 합성 효과가 조금 더 높았다. 이 연구의 결과, 우슬 뿌리와 우슬 줄기의 항산화 활성은 유사한 수준으로 우수하였고, 뿌리의 항염 활성은 줄기보다 월등하게 높았다. MMP-1 저해 활성과 Type I procollagen 합성 효과는 대체적으로 우수하였는데 줄기가 뿌리에 비해 가 조금 더 뛰어났다. 그러므로 우슬은 항산화, 항염증, 항주름의 활성을 갖는 기능성 화장품 소재로서 활용이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

본 연구에서는 높은 항산화, 항염증, 피부 미백 및 멜라닌 생성억제 활성을 지닌 톱니모자반 추출물(학명 Sargassum serratifolium, ESS)의 저장 안정성을 향상시킬 목적으로 oil-in-water (O/W) 나노 에멀젼을 제조하였다. 톱 니모자반으로부터 추출되어 농축, 탈염 및 탈당 과정을 거친 ESS의 주성분은 지용성 성분으로 높은 항산화 활성 때문 에 산화가 쉽게 일어남으로써 기능성 화장품 소재로써의 단점이 있다. 본 연구에서는 이전의 연구에서 확립된 PEG 400, 폴리옥실 캐스터오일 (EL) 및 Poloxamer 407의 농도를 적용하여 MES가 함유된 O/W 나노에멀젼을 제조하였다. 확립된 조건에서 제조된 나노에멀젼의 평균 크기는 16 ~ 22 nm로 나타났으며, 나노에멀젼은 항산화, NO 생성억제 능, 멜라닌생석억제능 alc MMP-1 생성억제능이 우수한 것으로 나타났다. 저장기간에 따른 이들 효능을 분석한 결과 5 사이클의 시간 변화에도 큰 차이가 없었으므로 장기간 저장에 따른 활성변화가 없음을 나타내었다.

본 연구는 저온, 상압, 긴 시간에 추출되는 더치 coffee grounds에 대하여 상대적으로 고온, 고압, 짧은 시간에 추출되는 에스프레소 coffee grounds와 비교하여 화장품 소재로서 가능성을 확인하는 것이다. 이를 위해서 본 저자들은 더치 coffee grounds의 에탄올 추출물을 사용하여 항산화, 주름개선, 항균효과에 대한 생물학적 활성 평가를 수행하였다. 총 폴리페놀 화합물 함량은 더치 coffee grounds 추출물의 경우 90.39 ± 0.04 mg/g로 64.96 ± 0.38 mg/g의 에스프레소 coffee grounds 추출물보다 더 높은 결과를 나타났으며, 참고로 기준물질인 원두 coffee beans 추출물은 113.63 ± 0.22 mg/g을 나타내었다. DPPH 라디칼 소거능 및 SOD 유사 활성능 결과에서 기준물질인 원두 coffee bean 추출물에 대하여, 더치 coffee grounds 추출물이 에스프레소 coffee grounds 추출물 보다 좋은 소거능이 제시되었 다. Elastase 활성 저해능을 측정 결과에서 원두 coffee bean 추출물을 기준으로, 더치 coffee grounds 추출물이 에스프레소 coffee grounds 추출물 보다 높은 저해능을 나타냈다. 또한 항균 활성 측정 결과에서는 더치 coffee grounds 추출물은 Escherichia coli, Bacillus, Propionibacterium acnes에서 항균 효과가 나타났으며 기준물질인 원두 coffee bean 추출물과 clear zone 크기의 차이가 거의 없었다. 상기 실험 결과로부터 더치 coffee grounds의 우수한 항산화, 주름개선, 항균효능을 확인하였으며 향후 천연 화장품 원료로 사용될 가능성을 확인하였다.

This study was conducted to investigate anti-inflammatory and wrinkle improvement effects of Sophora flavescens Aiton water extracts (SWE) treated with proteolytic enzyme. The antioxidant activity of proteolyzed Sophora flavescens Aiton water extracts (SWE-E) showed increased total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, electron-donating ability and ABTS+ free radical scavenging activity compared with SWE. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects, the inhibition of NO production was assessed in RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS. The SWE-E showed an increased anti-inflammatory effect compared with SWE at the same concentration. The anti-wrinkle effect was evaluated by the rate of collagenase and elastase inhibitory activity, which was determined by the MMP-1 mRNA measured in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Collagenase and elastase are important enzymes that play roles in wrinkle formation, and SWE-E showed a significantly higher collagenase inhibition rate than non-treated extracts. The MMP-1 mRNA in HDF cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SWE was shown to be a non-irritant in the BCOP assay, which is an alternative method to in vivo eye irritation test. Taken together, these results suggest that proteolytic enzyme could enhance the antioxidant activity, as well as the anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle effects of SWE, and that SWE-E could be used as a cosmeceutical ingredient.

The use of bee venom (Apis mellifera L., BV) occasionally causes side effects such as inflammation and allergic reactions in the recipients. Several case reports also suggested the treatment of BV has some limitations in its clinical uses, due to the occurrence of dermal necrosis and anaphylatic reactions. It is generally understood that bee venom allergy is mainly the result of its allergic component, phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The present study was aimed to generate PLA2-free bee venom (PBV) and evaluate its efficacy as skin care and cosmetic preparation, comparing with original bee venom (BV). Our results showed that both BV and PBV exhibited significant protective effects in UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells and they also induced type I collagen synthesis in UVB-irradiated HDF cells except BV at 3 μg/ml. Furthermore, BV and PBV showed the inhibition of UVB-stimulated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a major collagen degrading enzyme in skin. However, BV, unlike PBV, exhibited strong cytotoxicities in skin cells (both HaCaT and HDF) at its working concentrations of anti-wrinkle effect. The underlying cell signaling mechanisms of anti-wrinkle effects of BV and PBV were demonstrated by the activation of ERK1/2, and p38. Conclusively, PBV appears to be the bee venom of choice with less cytotoxicity and higher efficacy on UVB-irradiated skin cells in comparison with original bee venom (BV). Therefore, PBV can better be used as a cosmetic ingredient exhibiting excellent anti-wrinkle effect against photoaging than original BV.

Dictyophora indusiata (Vent.) Desv., “Queen of the mushroom”, is a mushroom in family Phallaceae of Basidiomycota, which is commonly used as edible and medicinal mushroom in China and Korea. This study initiated to evaluate the anti-cholinesterase, skin anti-wrinkle and melanogenesis inhibitory of 80% methanol extract from fruiting body of D.indusiata. In the anti-cholinesterase experiment, acetyl-cholinesterase and butyryl-cholinesterase inhibitory activities were performed. The extract were inhibited acetyl-cholinesterase and butyryl-cholinesterase 44.09% and 49.14% at the concentration 1 mg/mL, respectively. The skin anti-wrinkle effect of the extract were determined by measuring anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities. While melanogenesis inhibitory activities were performed by tyrosinase, DOPA inhibitory and melanin synthesis inhibitory activities. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the extract were from 37.60~68.96%, while DOPA inhibitory activity were from 15.43 ~ 29.58% at the concentration ranged from 0.125~2.0 mg/mL. In addition, cellular tyrosinase activity was tested with result of the enzyme activity reduced from 99.09% to 72.91% against 25~500 μg/mL of the extract. The methanol extract of D.indusiata was inhibited melanin synthesis activity 41.86% at the concentration 500 μg/mL. The collagenase inhibitory activity of the extract from D.indusiata were 34.87%, which was comparable with the positive control, EGCG ( 45.31%). While the extract showed good inhibition of elastase enzyme (46.64%). The experiment results suggested that fruiting body of Dictyophora indusiata could be used as natural anti-cholinesterase and skin care agents.

We have tested the stability of paeoniflorin, a new cosmetic ingredient, extracted from the roots of Paeoniae lactiflora. The stability of aqueous paeoniflorin solution at pH 3, 5 and 7 varied by adding buffer solution was tested at 0℃, 25℃, 40℃, and 65℃. The test was performed with or without UV light. The solution of paeoniflorin was stable at pH 3.0, however, the recovery rate of paeoniflorin was 40% at pH 7.0. The stability of paeoniflorin solution was decreased as the pH of paeoniflorin solution was increased by pH 7.0. The effect of storage temperature of paeoniflorin solution shows that the stability of paeoniflorin solution was decreased as the temperature was increased. The stability of paeoniflorin was rather good under UV light than the condition given above 40℃. The stability of paeoniflorin in W/O emulsions shows similar pattern to that of aqueous solution.

In the previous study, we reported the antioxidative activity and inhibition of melanogenesis of Ligularia stenocephala extracts. In this study, inhibitory effect on elastase and production type I procollagen were investigated. The compounds which was investigated were 4-hydroxyacetophenone, vanillin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid isolated from Ligularia stenocephala. They were slightly mild on elastase inhibition activity but 4-hydroxyacetophenone, vanillin exhibited good inhibition activity on collagen production. These results suggest that Ligularia stenocephala may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics.

아세틸 헥사펩타이드 8 (AH8)은 보톡스 메커니즘을 응용한 주름 개선 펩타이드 소재로, 보톡스의 타겟인 synatosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) N말단 서열을 모방하여 개발되었다. 주름 개선 효과가 보고되고 있지만 큰 분자량과 친수성 성질에 의하여 피부 흡수는 잘 되지 않는다는 문제가 있다. 따라서 피부 보습 성분 중에서 AH8의 피부 흡수를 증가시켜 줄 수 있는 물질을 탐색하였는데, 히알루론산(HA)이 AH8의 피부 흡수를 증가시켰다. 형광물질로 표지한 AH8만 MicropigⓇ skin 에 발라주면 대부분 각질을 투과하지 못하고 각질층에 존재하였다. 반면, HA를 함께 도포한 경우에는 각질층을 투과하여 표피, 진피로 흡수된 AH8가 증가하는 것을 형광 이미지 분석을 통해 확인했다. 특히 5 kDa 저분자량 HA가 500 kDa, 2000 kDa HA보다 피부 흡수를 더 많이 증가시켰다. HA가 피부 각질층에 미치는 영향을 푸리에변환 적외 분광법(Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR)으로 분석해보니, 고분자량 HA는 각질 수분 함량을 증가시키고, 저분자량 HA는 지질층의 유동성을 증가시키는 경향성이 있었다. 따라서 HA는 AH8의 피부 흡수를 증가시켜 주름 개선 효과를 향상시켜 줄 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

Background : Collagen and elastin contribute to form a network under the epidermis and reduce the wrinkles. Collagen and elastin are degraded by collagenase and elastase. Therefore, inhibition of collagenase and elastase activity could be an excellent method for anti-wrinkle. Pinus Koraiensis leaves contain various flavonoid compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol. According to previous reports, kaempferol has increases procollagen synthesis and inhibitory effect on MMP-1 activity. This study was performed to investigate the anti-wrinkle effect of Pinus Koraiensis leaves extract and fractions. Methods and Results : The active components of Pinus Koraiensis leaves extracts and fractions were determined. Total phenol and total flavonoid contents measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and according with aluminum chloride colormetric method. The kaempferol content analysis using HPLC system. The total phenol, flavonoid and kaempferol contents of ethyl acetate fraction was the highest. The antioxidant activity measured in according with DPPH, ABTS and RP assay. Pinus Koraiensis leaves extract and factions were the highest ethyl acetate fraction in antioxidant activity. The inhibitory activity on collagenase and elastase of Pinus Koraiensis leaves extract and factions were determined. The results of inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with wrinkle formation was the highest of n-butanol fraction, the next higher was 80% ethanol extract. As a result of using MMP-1 content and procollagen type-I C-peptide content assay kit, the anti-wrinkle effect of n-hexane fraction was highest. Conclusion : These results indicate that Pinus Koraiensis extract may help anti-wrinkl

In this study, the anti-oxidant, whitening, and anti-wrinkle effects of Castanea crenata inner shell extracts processed by enzyme treatment and pressurized extraction were investigated. The Castanea crenata inner shell was first hydrolyzed using celluclast, viscozyme, or hemicellulase. Then, it was subjected to pressure extraction for different durations (30, 60, and 120 min). The yields of the Castanea crenata inner shell extracts processed by different enzyme treatments followed by pressurized extraction for different times are in the range of 12.42-29.80%. The total polyphenol, flavonoid, and tannin contents of the C30m (celluclast enzyme and autoclave extracts at 30 min) extract were 15.48, 10.82, and 15.82 g/100 g, respectively. The total sugar content of the H120m(hemicellulase enzyme and autoclave extracts at 120 min) extract is 61.07 g/100 g. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of the C30m extract at 1,000 μg/mL are 89.20, and 81.96%, respectively. The superoxide radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of the C30m extract at 1,000 μg/mL are 67.63% and 1,324.79 μM, respectively. Further, the tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activity of the C30m extract at 1,000 μg/mL are 61.32, and 61.06%, respectively. Our results indicate that the Castanea crenata inner shell extracts processed by enzyme treatment followed by pressurized extraction could have beneficial effects on facial skin and they should be considered for use in new functional cosmetics.

본 연구는 기존의 인공적으로 합성된 유기 자외선 차단제를 대체하는 안정적인 식물유래 천연 자외선 차단제(BHC-S)를 개발하기 위하여 수행하였다. 땅콩싹추출물, 병출추출물 및 곰피추출물로 구성된 천연 자외 선 차단제(BHC-S)는 합성 자외선 차단제인 Parsol MCX-XR (OMC)와 동등 수준의 자외선 차단 효과를 가질 뿐만 아니라, 피부에 대한 안전성을 가지며, 주름개선 등 다기능성 효과를 가지는 것으로 확인되었다. 이로써, 자외선 차단 및 항노화을 위한 천연 화장품 원료로서의 이용이 가능할 것으로 판단된다.

In this study, the physicochemical properties and anti-wrinkle effect of polysaccharides with different molecular weights from Gloiopeltis furcata were investigated. Crude polysaccharides were isolated by viscozyme treatment followed by ethanol precipitation and lyophilization. Crude polysaccharides were hydrolyzed by acid (0.1 N HCl) and the molecular weight fractions were generated by centrifugal filter (<10 kDa, 10 to 100 kDa, and 100 kDa>). The yield of polysaccharides with different molecular weight fractions was 8.4-39.6%. The major constituents in molecular weight fractions were total sugar (81.37-85.82%), uronic acid (27.89-32.85 g/100 g), sulfate (33.38-39.04%), and protein (0.35-3.16%) The L, a, and b value of the 100 kDa group were decreased, but viscosity increased. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity of the 100 kDa group at 180.07 μM was the highest among groups. The protective effects of 100 kDa group at 0.5 and 5 μg/mL against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in L132 cell were 87.34% and 103.85%, respectively. The matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity of 100 kDa group decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-collagen synthesis activity of 100 kDa group at 0.05-0.5 μg/mL was 64.91-77.80%. The polysaccharides with different molecular weights from Gloiopeltis furcata investigated herein are useful as a potential candidate for cosmedical materials.

Background: In this study, examined the effects of an extract of a mixture of Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, Paeonia lactiflora, and Rehmannia glutinosa fermented by Leuconostoc mesenteroides, with enhanced value and functionality. In oriental medicine, a mixture of these herbs is called Samultang. Methods and Results: In this study, we evaluated the effects of a fermented extract of Samultang on oxidative stress, procollagen type I expression, and melanin production. Samultang was extracted with 70% ethanol, followed by inoculation with Leuconostoc mesenteroides to obtain the fermented extract. The evaluation of viability of B16F10 cells and human foreskin fibroblast (HHF) revealed that both ethanol and fermented extracts of Samultang were non-toxic. The results of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test showed that the fermented extract of Samultang (SC50 value = 100 ㎍/㎖) was a more effective DPPH free radical scavenger than its ethanol extract. In addition, procollagen type I expression was higher in cells treated with the fermented extract of Samultang than in cells treated with ethanol. In the non-toxic concentration range, the fermented extract of Samultang showed strong inhibitory effect on melanin production in α-melanocyte stimulatin hormone-stimulated B16F10 cells (IC50 = 37.9 ㎍/㎖). Conclusions: These results suggest that the fermented extract of Samultang has considerable protential as a cosmetic ingredient owing to its antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, and whitening effects.

황련해독탕(HHT)은 기력을 회복하며 여러 만성질환을 예방하고 치료하기 위해 예로부터 사용되어온 약재로, 본 연구는 인삼에서 분리한 유산균 Leuconostoc mesenteroides (L. mesenteroides)을 이용해 황련 해독탕 발효물(FHHT)을 제조하고 항산화, 항주름 및 미백 효과를 조사하였다. 황련해독탕 발효물은 황련해독 탕을 70% 에탄올로 추출한 후에 L. mesenteroides를 접종하여 발효 제조하였다. 발효 전 황련해독탕과 황련해 독탕 발효물에서 2가지 지표 성분 berberine과 palmatine을 high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)을 이용하여 retention times (tR)과 UV spectra를 확인함으로써 정성 및 정량 분석하였다. 세포 생존 율 실험 결과, 발효 전후 황련해독탕 모두 독성이 확인되지 않았고 DPPH 라디칼 소거능 실험은 발효물의 SC50 값이 68.85 μ g/mL로 발효 전보다 우수한 효능을 나타내었다. Procollagen type I의 생성량 측정 실험에서도 역시 황련해독탕 발효물은 발효 전보다 더 높은 발현량을 나타내었으며, 세포 독성을 나타내지 않는 농도에서 흑색종 세포인 B16F10을 이용한 멜라닌 생성 억제 활성 실험 결과, 황련해독탕 발효물은 강한 멜라닌 생성 억 제 효과를 나타내었다(IC50 = 9.82 μ g/mL). 이상의 결과들로부터 황련해독탕 발효물이 항산화 효능, 항주름 효능뿐만 아니라 미백 효능을 갖는 화장품 원료로서 개발 가능성이 있음이 시사되었다.

본 연구에서는 참깨 추출물의 주름개선 화장품 원료로의 가능성을 확인하기 위하여, 참깨의 70% 에탄올 추출물을 제조하여, 엘라스타제 저해능, 콜라게나제 저해능, matrixmetallopoteinases (MMPs)의 단백질, mRNA 발현 저해 효능을 측정하였다. Elastase와 collagenase 저해활성은 1000 μ g/mL 농도에서 각각 37.8%와 45%의 효소 활성을 억제를 나타내었다. 섬유아세포에서 참깨 에탄올 추출물의 세포 생존율을 확인한 결과 100 μ g/mL 농도에서 96%의 생존율을 보였다. 참깨 에탄올 추출물을 처리한 섬유아세포에서 matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3)의 단백질 발현 및 mRNA 발현 억제 효과를 확인한 결과 단백질 발현은 100 μ g/mL 농도에서 63%, 43%, 49%의 저해율을 나타내었고, mRNA 발현 억제는 최고농도인 100 μ g/mL에서 각각 82% 79%, 82%의 저해율을 나타내었다. 이러한 결과로 보아 참깨 70% 에탄올 추출물이 주름개선용 기능성 화장품 소재로서의 응용이 가능할 것으로 판단되었다.

Background : This study, the fraction for testing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract was concentrated active ingredient. The concentrated fraction was applied to a cosmetic material that Astragalus testing results confirmed that the improved efficacy. Methods and Results : The fractions were performed using an n-butanol solvent for increasing the efficacy of the Astragalus extract, by using the material fractions collected to compare and ultimately an increase in whitening and wrinkle efficacy. The solvent to be used in the fractions was used for the n-butanol good dissolution to the effective substance(Astragaloside, Isoflavonoid). It increased approximately 6.5 times the sample extract and the n-butanol fraction of the Astragalus as a result Astragaloside 15 ppm, 97 ppm respectively analyzed by HPLC equipment, isoflavonoid content was confirmed by an increase in the content of the fractions increased 4.5 times to 280 ppm, 1,260 ppm. Tyrosinase inhibitory effect, respectively IC50 5.70 mg/mL, IC50 1.02 mg/mL to, Collagenase producing ability is IC50 4.88 mg/mL, IC50 0.93 mg/mL with n-butanol fraction was good whitening, anti-wrinkle efficacy than the extract. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the same amount of sample, using a purified Astragalus cosmetics received high marks. Stability evaluation(MTT assay) was checked for more than 100% cell viability at the concentration 2,000 ppm. Conclusion : n-butanol fraction of Astragalus was subjected to a component analysis and In vitro test, it was confirmed an increase active ingredient content. The results of sensory evaluation and stability evaluation, it was confirmed been made to improve qualities as a cosmetic materials.

Melanin is produced by melanocytes of the melanoepidermic unit and other cell types. These cells secrete and distribute the melanin pigment, which provides protection from ultraviolet radiation. In this study, the inhibitory activity against tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and anti-wrinkling effects on human dermal fibroblasts of Dendrobium speciosum ethanol extract were investigated. The Dendrobium speciosum extract inhibited melanin biosynthesis and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner in comparison with an untreated control group. Treatment with the Dendrobium speciosum extract suppressed α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 cells and the dendrite outgrowth of melanocyte/melanoma cells. The α-MSH-induced mRNA expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) was significantly attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner by Dendrobium speciosum treatment. In addition, Dendrobium speciosum treatment increased production of type I procollagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. Dendrobium speciosum ethanol extract exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on melanin biosynthesis, tyrosinase activity and increased procollagen synthesis. These results indicate that Dendrobium speciosum shows promise as an ingredient in cosmeceutical products due to its whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.