Melanin determines phenotypic appearance and its election-opaque property protects cells from physical, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and chemical stimuli such as free radicals. However hyper-pigmentation is associated with various skin diseases such as keloid scar. The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extracts from Angelica dahurica Benth. (AEAD) on ${alpha}-Melanocyte$ stimulating hormone $({alpha}-MSH)-induced$ melanogenesis in B16 mouse melanoma cell. Relative high doses ($5;mg/m{ell}$) of AEAD could inhibit melanin formation without apoptotic death in cells treated with ${alpha}-MSH$. And also, ${alpha}-MSH-induced$ activation of tyrosinase was inhibited in cells treated with AEAD. These results suggest that AEAD inhibit melanogenesis through inhibiting tyrosinase activity, and also, AEAD may apply to develop whitening drugs and cosmetics.