Inhibitory Effect of Chinese Crude Drugs on Tyrosinase

Abstract

Recently the application of crude drugs in cosmetics has produced a keen interest. We learned from ancient Chinese medical books that crude drugs were applied as cosmetics with medical efficacy for increasing the beauty of ladies [1]; among which it was noted that many prescriptions were for the purpose of treating hyperpigmentation such as melasma and ephelides. However, the reasons why such crude drugs were applied an also their pharmacological effects are