To identify inhibitory effect of Bamboo extract on melanogenesis, the effect was compared with arbutin, ascorbic acid, hydroquinone, and kojic acid on the melanin biosynthesis in B16 mouse melanoma cells and cultured human melanocytes. The cell viability of the agent was tested on cultured human melanocytes. We also examined its. free radical scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH). Bamboo extract showed considerable effect against melanin production and did not reduce cell viability at the concentration tested. It also showed potent free radical scavenging activity.