• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.153-162
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• 2009

Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Korean herb medicine, has been widely used in China and Japan for fatigue and enhancement of resistance to many diseases. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of Korean red ginseng and Fagopyrum esculentum extracts (RGFE) on dermal bioactive properties. RGFE treatment significantly increased electron donating ability, nitrite scavenging activity and collagenase inhibitory activity compared to red ginseng-treated group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in RGFE-treated group was similar to that of red ginseng. However, tyrosinase activity as indicator of melanin synthesis was not affected by RGFE or red ginseng. The results indicate that RGFE has anti-oxidative property and inhibitory effect of collagenase, and it may serve as a effective ingredient for beauty food.