Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Rhodiola rosea Root as a Cosmetic Material

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) root hot water extract as a cosmetic material.Methods: R. rosea root was extracted with hot water and used as a sample. Total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity of R. rosea root hot water extract were analyzed to measure antioxidant effects. Additionally, the antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a skin-like fungus, was measured using the paper disk method.Results: The DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity of R. rosea root hot water extract was 57.88% and 93.13%, respectively, at 1 mg/ mL. The total polyphenol and flavonoid concentrations were 375.30±4.63 μg/mL and 497.82±19.55 μg/mL, respectively. The paper disk method for the antibacterial effect on S. aureus showed clear zones at a concentration of 0.01–10 mg/mL.Conclusion: The antioxidant and antibacterial effects of R. rosea root hot water extract were confirmed, confirming its potential as a cosmetic material.