Comparison of Biological Activity between Nelumbo nucifera G. Extracts and Cosmetics Adding Nelumbo nucifera G.

The solvent extracts of Nelumbo nucifera G. were investigated for antioxidant activities, whitening and anti-wrinkle effects to apply as a functional ingredient in cosmetic products. For their industrial application, the cosmetic products were also prepared with advanced formulation techniques such as W/O/W multiple emulsion. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents increased in Nelumbo nucifera G.-Leaf (NN-L). The electron donating ability of Nelumbo nucifera G.-Flower (NN-F) or Nelumbo nucifera G.-Leaf (NN-L) extracts were above 85% at a concentration of 500 ppm. The superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of Nelumbo nucifera G. (NN-L) extracts was about 60% at a concentration of 1,000 ppm. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect of NN-L extract was higher than that of NN-F and NN-S extracts. The tyrosinase inhibitory effect, which is related to skin-whitening, was 36% in NN-F at 1,000 ppm. For anti-wrinkle effect, the elastase inhibition activity of NN-L was about 30% at 1,000 ppm. The results of stability test showed that W/O/W multiple emulsion (ME) containing Nelumbo nucifera G. extracts. The electron donating ability of the ME containing NN-F and NN-L were about 60% at a concentration of 100 ppm. The superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity of the ME containing NN-L was 30% at 1,000 ppm. The tyrosinase inhibitory effect, which is related to skin-whitening, was 34% in the ME containing NN-F at 1,000 ppm. In anti-wrinkle effect, the elastase inhibition activity of the ME containing NN-L was about 55% at 1,000 ppm.