Evaluation of biosafety and skin-care efficacy for “Four white” medicinal materials used in cosmetics

To verify the antioxidant, whitening and anti-inflammatory effects of “Four white” extracts in cosmetic applications. The extracts of the Chinese herbal medicines “Four white” (Silkworm Larva, Japanese Ampelopsis root, Largehead Atractylodes rhizome. White peony root) were prepared by an alcoholic extraction method. The safety and irritation of the extracts were assessed by the erythrocyte hemolysis test and MTT. The antioxidant ability of the extracts was determined by measuring their capabilities to scavenge hydroxyl and DPPH radicals, reduce iron ions and cellular antioxidant assays. The whitening capability was determined by the ability of tyrosinase inhibition. Its anti-inflammatory capacity was determined by measuring the inhibiting rates against hyaluronidase and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells. The results of the irritation test showed that the “Four white” extract has low irritation and high biosafety. It can scavenge different free radicals and has protective effect against oxidative damage. The tyrosinase inhibition test showed that the extracts had whitening ability. In terms of anti-inflammatory activity, it can inhibit hyaluronidase activity to a certain extent and reduce the production of NO by LPS-stimulated cells. “Four white” extract has high biosafety and skin-care efficiency such as antioxidant, whitening and anti-inflammatory properties.