Abstract:

This study prepared Artemisia scoparia extract using ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction, with a p-hydroxyacetophenone content over 10%. The whitening, soothing, and antibacterial effects of the extract at different doses were systematically evaluated using zebrafish models, macrophage inflammation models, and antibacterial rate assays, combined with the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane（HET-CAM）test to assess ocular irritation at effective doses. The results demonstrate that, for whitening efficacy, 0.2%-0.4% extract significantly inhibits melanin generation in zebrafish embryos（P<0.05）, outperforming 0.1% niacinamide（P<0.05）. The 0.4% extract reduces LPS-induced TNF-α secretion by 42.33%, meeting cosmetic soothing standards. The minimum inhibitory concentrations（MIC90）of 0.2%-0.4% Artemisia scoparia extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are all ≤1%, indicating a significant antibacterial activity. Additionally, the 0.4% extract shows no ocular irritation （ES=0） in the HET-CAM test. This study confirms that Artemisia scoparia extract at 0.2%-0.4% concentrations exhibits triple efficacy in whitening, soothing, and antibacterial effects, with excellent safety profiles compliant with cosmetic ingredient standards, providing a scientific basis for developing multifunctional natural cosmetics.

Key words: Artemisia scoparia extract, whitening, soothing, antibacterial, safety evaluation