Whitening Activities of Extracts of Salvia plebeia R. BR and Centella asiatica

This study attempted to assess the whitening activities of Salvia plebeia R. Br. and Centella asiatica extracts which were provided by MEIDEME CO., LTD., their safety was confirmed through cell viability testing. The whitening activities were evaluated by inhibition of melanin synthesis and reduction of whitening-related transcription factors and protein production. The results found that no statistically significant cytotoxicity was observed at 10㎍/㎖, 20㎍/㎖and 40㎍/㎖. In addition, melanin production decreased by 28.4% at Salvia plebeia R. BR and Centella asiatica extract(SCE) 40㎍/㎖. In transcription factors, tyrosinase, tyrosianse related protein(TRP-1) and dopachrome tautomerase(TRP-2) decreased by 17%, 21% and 22% respectively at SCE 40㎍/㎖, confirming statistical significance. Protein production also showed statistically significant results with decrease in tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 by 87%, 40% and 27% each at SCE 40㎍/㎖. The above results confirm that SCE is effective in promoting whitening and would be available as a cosmetic ingredient for whitening cosmetics.