We investigated the effects of aqueous extracts from twelve medical herbs on ${alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${alpha}$-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cell. The cells were incubated with ${alpha}$-MSH and aqueous extracts 5 days and 2 days and then analysed melanin amount and tyrosinase activities, respectively. Nine aqueous extract of herbs examined at 1 mg/m${ell}$ level decreased melanin synthesis in B16F10 cell, especially in Agastache rugosa, Leonurus siviricus and Murus bombycis. The significant decrease of released extracellular melanin were also observed in treated cells with aqueous extract from Leonurus siviricus, Murus bombycis and Ledebouriella seseioides. The ${alpha}$-MSH-induced activation of tyrosinase was inhibited in cells treated with aqueous extract from Cuscutae semen, Angelica tenuissima and Agastache rugosa. These results suggest that herbs inhibiting melanogenesis through tyrosinase activity may apply to develop whitening drugs and cosmetics.