The Forsythiae Fructus is an oriental medicine containing various lignans. In this study, the Forsythiae Fructus were extracted by hot water (Sample 1), hot water after bio-conversion using Lactobacillus strain (Sample 2-LP2, 2-LA, 2-LC, 2-LL, 2-BL and 2-LM) and 70% ethanol (Sample 3). Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were improved by bio-conversion process using Lactobacillus strain, compared to water extract. Especially, sample 2-LL and 2-LA which had shown the high total polyphenol and flavonoid content in antioxidant activity. Also, sample 2-LL and 2-LA showed higher melanin generation inhibitory activity as of 55%, 53% in maximum extract concentration of 100μg/ml. In the anti-inflammation test of the Forsythiae Fructus extracts, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis was inhibited. Specially, both 70% Forsythiae Fructus ethanol extract and sample 2-BL which have shown the relatively higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD) like activities. In conclusion, the Forsythiae Fructus extracts with bio-conversion process has effect of skin whitening and anti-inflammation activity than other extracts. It could be used as a valuable materials for functional cosmetics.

• 양서진 | Yang, Seo-Jin
• 최태부 | Choe, Tae-Boo