Skin whitening effect of linoleic acid is enhanced by liposomal formulations.
Linoleic acid (LA) is known to have a whitening effect on hyperpigmented skin, and is encapsulated in liposomes for topical application because of its low solubility in aqueous solution, although the effect of liposomalization of LA on the whitening activity has not been evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of liposomalization on the whitening activity of LA by using LA in ethanol, hydrogel containing LA, and hydrogel containing liposomal LA towards the UV-stimulated hyperpigmented dorsal skin of brownish guinea pigs. The whitening effect was far greater for hydrogel containing liposomal LA (0.1% w/w as a final concentration of LA) than for free LA in ethanol or hydrogel containing LA. Next, the whitening effect of LA was examined with UV-stimulated hyperpigmented human upper arm skin by using a hydrogel containing liposomal LA (0.1% LA) and non-liposomal LA (3.0, 10.0% LA). Liposomal LA (0.1%) showed a whitening effect comparable to 10.0% non-liposomal LA and was far more effective than 3.0% non-liposomal LA. These results indicate that liposomal formulations are favorable for the transdermal application of LA.
Shigeta
Yasutami
Y
Department of Bioresources Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Okayama 700-8530, Japan. yasutami.shigeta@unisunstar.com
Imanaka
Hiromichi
H
Ando
Hideya
H
Ryu
Atsuko
A
Oku
Naoto
N
Baba
Naomichi
N
Makino
Taketoshi
T
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D000431:Ethanol; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D020100:Hydrogels; D008081:Liposomes; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D000431:Ethanol; D019787:Linoleic Acid