Anti-aging and Antimicrobial Effects of the Stems and Roots of Sedum kamtschaticum in Cosmetic Production

Purpose: Sedum kamtschaticum Fisch. (SK), a plant native to Korea, was studied as a natural preservative and antiaging cosmetic ingredient.Methods: The stems and roots of SK were separated; extracted through reflux with 70% ethanol; and fractionated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol, and water. The ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated for their antiaging effects, including antiglycation activity and elastase and collagenase inhibitory activity. Their antimicrobial activity on seven microorganisms was evaluated using the paper disk diffusion method and challenge test. In addition, the stability of lotion formulations and skin penetration were assessed using the Franz diffusion cell method.Results: The ethyl acetate fractions of SK with the best antioxidant effects exhibited better antiglycation and collagenase-inhibitory activity than the positive control as well as excellent antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Emulsion formulations containing 0.05% and 0.1% SK stem extract exhibited synergistic preservative effects. The SK stem extract displayed the ability to penetrate into an artificial membrane and human cadaver skin.Conclusion: SK extracts can be used as antiaging and antimicrobial cosmetic materials.