Changes of Biological Activities of Rhizome and Leaves of Polygonatum sibiricum Redoute according to Steaming Time and Temperature

This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/ by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of steam-treated leaves and rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum Redoute. In addition, we aimed to confirm their potential use as cosmetic materials by investigating their anti-aging and skin-whitening activity. Methods and Results: The leaves and rhizomes of P. sibiricum were treated with steam at different temperatures for different durations, and the antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity) and total phenol and total flavonoid contents of each sample were tested. The steam temperature and treatment duration siginificantly affected the antioxidant activity and, total phenol and total flavonoid content of the leaves and rhizome of P. sibiricum. Treating the P. sibiricum samples with steam at 120°C for 12 h, yielded higher total phenol and total flavonoid contents. Comparatively, the samples treated with steam at 120°C for 12 to 24 h showed significantly higher antioxidant activity. Further, the steamed samples of P. sibiricum demonstrated collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition activity, which indicated their anti-aging and skin-whitening properties. The samples steamed at 120°C for 12 h, exhibited higher collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition activity. Conclusions: Leaves and rhizomes of P. sibiricum steamed at 120°C for 12 h, showed highest antioxidant activity and, total phenol and total flavonoid contents than all other samples. Our results indicate the potential of using P. sibiricum as a cosmetic material by confirming its excellent antiaging and whitening activity.