Biological Potentials of Etlingera elatior Inflorescences Extracted via Microwave-Assisted Extraction for Cosmetic Applications

Etlingera elatior, widely known as Torch ginger, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. It is recognized for its medicinal benefits, such as aiding the healing of skin conditions, alleviating flatulence, and enhancing blood circulation. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts, along with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, from three varieties of Torch ginger inflorescences: red, pink, and white. Each type of inflorescence was extracted using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with different ethanol concentrations (100%, 80%, and 50% v/v). The results showed that the 50% ethanolic extract of the red inflorescence exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects. Moreover, this extract contained the highest concentrations of total phenolics and flavonoids, measuring 102.7 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of extract and 56.7 mg catechin/g of extract, respectively. Regarding melanin production, the 100% ethanolic extract of the red inflorescence showed the greatest reduction in melanin production in B16F10 melanoma cells and the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, when anti-inflammatory activity was assessed based on nitric oxide inhibition in RAW264.7 macrophage cells, the 100% ethanolic extract of the red inflorescence demonstrated significant effectiveness without any signs of cytotoxicity, with an IC₅₀ value of 40.4 µg/mL. Overall, MAE of Torch ginger inflorescences using different ethanol concentrations yielded a phenolic and flavonoid rich extract with potent antioxidant, anti‐tyrosinase, and anti‐inflammatory activities, positioning it as a promising candidate for next‐generation skin‐brightening and anti‐inflammatory cosmeceutical formulations.