Cosmeceutical efficiency by some plant extracts used traditionally for skin care in inhibiting tyrosinase activity in a human epidermal melanocyte (HEM) cell line

The progression of age and dark spots on human skin is undesirable as it indicates the reduction of skin beauty. The melanin produced by melanocytes is responsible for the associated darkening of the skin. Tyrosinase modulates the melanogenesis process and is a therapeutic target for skin disorders such as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of plant extracts in maintaining the cells health and tyrosinase enzyme function using a human epidermal melanocyte (HEM) cell line. Ethanol extracts of Cassipourea flanaganii (Schinz) Alston, Chenopodium album L., Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f ex Benth and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (L.) Hayek were observed to be non-toxic to melanocytes at a concentration of 15 μg/mL. There was no significant difference between the extracts and the positive control in inhibiting cellular tyrosinase activity with IC50 values ranging between 1.42 and 1.55 μg/mL. The observed anti-tyrosinase activity of the plant extracts against the cell lines contribute positively in achieving the desired skin complexion while providing photo protection. Therefore, plant extracts that are efficient and safe to use can be incorporated into formulations intended for beauty enhancement.