Yoonji Lee
JTP Biodiversity Research Institute, Republic of Korea
Title: Functional research on Alnus firma Siebold & Zucc. for the Development of Cosmetic Materials for Acne Improvement
Biography
Biography: Yoonji Lee
Abstract
Alnus firma Siebold & Zucc. is a species belonging to the family of the Betulaceae and is known to be rich in flavonoids and tannin in its leaves, stems, and fruits. It has been used as a medicinal plant in Korea since ancient times, however, the antibacterial activity of Alnus firma against skin pathogens has not been well studied. In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory activity and antimicrobial activity of the extracts of Alnus firma leaves. The extractions of Alnus firma leaves were conducted using hot-water and 95% ethanol as solvents. The anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated by the inhibition of NO (nitric oxide) production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The NO scavenging ability of 95% EtOH extracts was relatively higher than the water extracts. In order to examine whether the Alnus firma leaves extracts can be used as acne improvement materials, antimicrobial tests were conducted on Corynebacterium diphtheria, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Cutibacterium acnes. The paper disc method demonstrated that each water and 95% EtOH extract had an antimicrobial effect against these skin pathogens in a concentration dependent manner. In conclusion, these results suggest that the extraction of Alnus firma leaves can be used as a new cosmetic material with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial functions.