Research Paper : Antimicrobial Effects of Omija (Schizandra chinensis) Flesh and Seed Extracts against Human Skin Pathogens

Cho, In Jae; Kim, Min Song; Kim, Hyun Pyo; Kang, Sang Mo

Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology 2015;21(3):545-553.
Published online June 30, 2015.

오미자(Schizandra chinensis) 과육과 씨앗 추출물의 피부상재균에 대한 항균활성

조인재, 김민송, 김현표, 강상모

Research Paper : Antimicrobial Effects of Omija (Schizandra chinensis) Flesh and Seed Extracts against Human Skin Pathogens

In Jae Cho, Min Song Kim, Hyun Pyo Kim, Sang Mo Kang

Abstract

In order to develop an antimicrobial skin care cleanser using omija (Schisandra chinensis) extract, antibacterial tests against common bacteria E. coli, S. epidermidis and P. acnes related to acne, C. albicans causing dermatitis and vaginitis, and P. ovale causing dandruff were performed. Although omija flesh has been used for food, there is no previous study on antibacterial activities of omija flesh and seed separately. Thus, flesh and seed from omija were extracted with 60% and 95% ethanol respectively and used for antibacterial tests. The antimicrobial activity of omija was stronger in flesh extract compared to seed extract, and 95% ethanol extract had similar or somewhat higher activity compared to 60% ethanol extract. In addition, the flesh extract with 95% ethanol did not show antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis. The omija extract had the highest antimicrobial activities against P. acnes, followed by P. ovale, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans. Only ethanol extract showed antimicrobial activity but water extract did not. Therefore, if water soluble materials of omija are used for food firstly and the used omija leftover can be extracted with ethanol, an antibacterial cleanser may be produced economically.

Key Words: Schisandra chinensis extract, Antimicrobial, Flesh, Seed