Effect of Ssanghwa-tang Extract on Antioxidant and Anti-aging Enzyme Activities.

ABSTRACT Objectives : The present study was designed to investigate effects of Ssa nghwa-tang (Shuānghuā-gēng) on oxidation/reduction reaction-related and aging-related enzymes in vitro. Methods : We performed MTT assay, collagenase inhibition assay, elastas e inhibition assay, tyrosinase inhibition assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, SOD-like activity an d xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition assay.Results : The 50% ethanol (EtOH) extract of Ssanghwa-tang (SHT) showed 55% inhibition of collagenase activity, and 42% inhibition of elastase activity at 1 mg/ml co ncentration. Also it's treatment showed 18% inhibition of tyrosinase activity, to relate whitening effect, at the same dose of 50% ethanol extract of SHT. Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH radical scavenging, XO inhibiting activity and SOD-like activity. These scavenging, XO-inhibiting and SOD-like activiti es were measured in 80%, 75%, and 28% inhibitions, respectively, at a 1 mg/ml treated dose, compared to those of control. The inhibitory effects of 50% EtOH extract on aging and oxidation-related enzyme activities were higher than those of water extract and 95% EtOH extract.Conclusions : Taken together, our findings suggest that the SHT has potenti al and applicable benefits for development of cosmetics to have anti-aging (anti-wrinkle and whitening) and anti-oxidation functions.Key words : Ssanghwa-tang, anti-aging, anti-oxidation, collagenase, elast ase, tyrosinase