Hydroglycolic extract from inflorescence of Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae) (EE) was determined for its whitening and anti-aging potentials by studying its in vitro antioxidant capacity using two different assays, by investigating its in vitro anti-tyroisnase activity against tyrosinase, by demonstrating its in vitro anti-aging effect against collagenase, and by evaluating its in vivo skin whitening and antiaging potentials on human volunteers. EE extract possessed potent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities compared with positive references. The results of in vivo study imply that lotion containing EE extract demonstrated significant skin whitening effects and skin wrinkles reducing capability on human volunteers. The results obtained suggest the use of EE inflorescence hydroglycolic extract as a potential source of skin whitening and antiaging for cosmetic applications.
