The present invention relates to a new use of lignan-type compounds or an extract of nutmeg or aril of nutmeg comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for skin whitening comprising a lignan-type compound or an extract of nutmeg or aril of nutmeg comprising the same. Because the lignan compound represented by Chemical Formulas 1 to 3 or the extract of nutmeg or aril of nutmeg has superior skin whitening activity by inhibiting melanin production and tyrosinase activity, it can be used for the preparation of a cosmetic composition, food composition or pharmaceutical composition for skin whitening.
