Oral intake of proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds improves chloasma.
Chloasma (melasma), an acquired hypermelanosis, is often recalcitrant to various treatments and an amenable, as well as safe, pigment-reducing modality is needed. We investigated that the reducing effect of proanthocyanidin, a powerful antioxidant, on chloasma in a one-year open design study. Proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) was orally administered to 12 Japanese woman candidates with chloasma for 6 months between August 2001 and January 2002 and to 11 of these 12 for 5 months between March and July 2002. Clinical observation, L* value (lightening) and melanin index, and size (length and width) measurements of chloasma were performed throughout the study period. The first 6 months of GSE intake improved or slightly improved chloasma in 10 of the 12 women (83%, p < 0.01) and following 5 months of intake improved or slightly improved chloasma in 6 of the 11 candidates (54%, p < 0.01). L* values also increased after GSE intake (57.8 +/- 2.5 at the start vs 59.3 +/- 2.3 at 6 months and 58.7 +/- 2.5 at the end of study). Melanin-index significantly decreased after 6 months of the intake (0.025 +/- 0.005 at the start vs 0.019 +/- 0.004 at 6 months) (p < 0.01), and also decreased at the end of study (0.021 +/- 0.005) (p < 0.05). GSE is effective in reducing the hyperpigmentation of women with chloasma. The beneficial effects of GSE was maximally achieved after 6 months and these was no further improvement after this period. The latter GSE intake for 5 months may prevent chloasma from becoming worse prior to the summer season. GSE is safe and useful for improving chloasma.
Yamakoshi
Jun
J
Research and Development Division, Kikkoman Corporation, Noda City, Chiba, Japan. jyamakoshi@mail.kikkoman.co.jp
Sano
Atsushi
A
Tokutake
Shoichi
S
Saito
Makoto
M
Kikuchi
Mamoru
M
Kubota
Yoshiro
Y
Kawachi
Yasuhiro
Y
Otsuka
Fujio
F
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044945:Proanthocyanidins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012639:Seeds; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D027843:Vitis
D000975:Antioxidants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D044945:Proanthocyanidins; C013221:proanthocyanidin