연구논문 : 백차 열수추출물의 피부 미백효과 -in vivo 시험을 중심으로-

To investigate the whitening effect of Camellia sinensis (white tea) water extract (CSWE), CSWE was applied topically for 8 weeks on the artificial tanning spots which are induced by 1,500 mJ/㎠ of UVB radiation on the backs of brown guinea pigs weighing approximately 450-500 g. Visible whitening effect and change in melanin index were evaluated once a week during the experimental period. After finishing the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under anesthetic condition and the artificial tanning spots were sampled using biopsy punch and stained with Fontana-Masson`s silver (F-M) and S-100. In gross observation and measurement of melanin index, CSWE had a potent whitening efficacy comparable to hydroquinone (positive control). In histological observation, it was confirmed that CSWE has a positive whitening effect comparable to hydroquinone (positive control) by showing both significantly lower production of melanin pigment and melanocytes in skin epidermis than vehicle control group. Therefore, CSWE can be effective natural botanical material for skin whitening.