Flower Bracts of Temulawak (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza) for Skin Care: Anti-acne and Whitening Agents

Abstract

This research aims to explore the skin care potency of temulawak flower bract. The dried flower bract was extracted using n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH). Its essential oil was separated by distillation. The anti-acne potency was determined by antioxidant, anti-bacteria against Propionibacterium acnes and lipase inhibition activities, while whitening was determined by tyrosinase inhibition. The results showed that MeOH extract was the most potent as antioxidant and EtOAc extract was the most potent as tyrosinase and lipase inhibitors. α-curcumene is responsible for inhibition of lipase activity while xanthorizol is responsible for inhibition of P. acnes growth.