Cosmetic use of an active ingredient comprising sugar obtained from Adenophora strictain a cosmetic composition as skin depigmenting agent, is claimed. Independent claims are included for: (1) the depigmenting agent obtained from Adenophora stricta, having a sugar content of >；= 30%； (2) a process for obtaining the agent comprising solubilization of the Adenophora strictaroots in aqueous medium and enzymatic hydrolysis； and (3) a cosmetic composition for topical application on the skin having depigmenting effect, comprising the agent at 0.1-25%. ACTIVITY : Dermatological. MECHANISM OF ACTION : Rab27a synthesis inhibitor； Melanophilin synthesis inhibitor； Melanin synthesis inhibitor； Tyrosinase inhibitor. The ability of the active ingredient from Adenophora strictato inhibit the synthesis of melanophilin was tested in normal human melanocyte cultures using Western blot. The result showed that the active ingredient of the Adenophora strictadecreased 34% of synthesis of melanophilin.
