Melanin production promoter and composition for promoting melanin production

摘要

A substance excelling in the efficacy of melanogenesis promotion and being effective in hair graying prevention and amelioration and in skin melanism; and a composition making effective use of the substance. In particular, such a substance consists of a melanogenesis promoter comprising as an active ingredient a Lactuca indica extract or a lupeol fatty acid ester and/or an isomer thereof. There are provided the above melanogenesis promoter and a melanogenesis promoter composition comprising as an active ingredient a Lactuca indica extract or a lupeol fatty acid ester and/or an isomer thereof. This melanogenesis promoter composition can be used as a hair graying prevention composition or a skin melanism composition and can find appropriate application in cosmetics, drugs or food products.