Abstract:
Melasma is a common, acquired hypermelanosis. The exact cause is unknown. However, many factors have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of this disorder. The management of melasma is challenging and requires a long-term treatment plan. The previous studies confirmed that grape seed extract suppressed melanin synthesis and could be whitening agent in vitro and animal studies. Therefore, grape seed extract may have potential to treat melasma.
Objective: The purpose of this study the efficacy and side effect of TISTR-GSE (TISTR = Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research), (GSE = Grape Seed Extract) Nanoemulsion from Vitis Vinifera cv. Ribier (Pok Dum) on skin melasma.
Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 17 volunteers who have melasma on their face were double-blind randomly split face. TISTR-GSE was applied on one side of face and Nanoemulsion (Base) on another side of face for 8 weeks. Results from each treatment were evaluated by using Mexameter® MX18 for MMI (Mean Melanin Index) and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI score) for weeks 0, 4, 8. Satisfaction level and side effect were also monitored.
Results: all of the volunteers were complete the treatment protocol (17 volunteers). The study showed TISTR-GSE group showed a statistically significant improvements over the control group in efficacy assessment of MMI from the 4th weeks to the end of treatment. By the study group had the decreasing mean of MMI before receiving treatment 248.50±55.29, the end of treatment (8th weeks) 222.45±43.71, decreased statistically significant 0.05 (p = 0.001). Nanoemulsion (Base) showed mean of MMI before receiving treatment 244.05±54.41 after treatment (8th weeks) 250.00±56.03, no statistically significant decline. (p = 0.149). However, the MASI score TISTR-GSE showed before receiving treatment 7.23±3.04, the end of treatment 5.81±2.40, decreased statistically significant 0.05 (p = 0.001). Nanoemulsion (Base) showed mean of MASI score before receiving treatment 6.73±2.81 the end of treatment 6.19±2.63 decreased statistically significant 0.05 (p = 0.007).
Conclusion: The result indicate that TISTR-GSE can potentially improve the melasma when compared with Nanoemulsion (Base) with minimal side effect and may be an alternative medicine for treatment of melasma.