Abstract:
Introduction: White Kwao Krua (Pueraria mirifica) is a Thai phytoestrogen-rich plant which contains substances that can reverse skin aging effect. Phytoestrogen helps enhance the morphology and synthesis of elastic fiber, collagen fiber and hyaluronic acid, resulting in the reduction of
periorbital wrinkles and the increase of elasticity and moisture in periorbital and under eye areas. Objectives: evaluate the efficiency of topical 4% Pueraria mirifica extract on the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. Material and Methods: Twenty-two Thai female volunteers, aged 30-60 years, were recruited to undergo the treatment of periorbital wrinkles. The treatment included applying either 4% White Kwao Krua extract cream or placebo cream around the left or right (randomly determined by the computer system) periorbital area. Volunteers received the said treatment twice a day for 12 weeks and after that dermatologists (who were not associated with the study) would evaluate the wrinkles by means of Rao-Goldman 5 point scoring scale, the measurement of skin surface characteristic using skin Visioscan, the measurement of skin elasticity using cutometer, and the measurement of skin moisture using corneometer. The evaluation took place at the following stages: pre-treatment, week 4, week 8 and week 12 after the treatment. The side effect evaluation took place on week 4, week 8 and week 12. Volunteers evaluated their satisfaction of wrinkles reduction in week 12. Result: Twenty two volunteers completed the 12-week period study. By using Rao Goldman 5-point scoring scale and Visioscan as the measurement, the result revealed that wrinkles in periorbital and under eye areas were significantly reduced/ improved in week 8. Statistically, 4% White Kwao Krua extract cream resulted in significant increase (in comparison to placebo cream) of periorbital elasticity in week 12 and under eye elasticity in week 8. As for skin moisture evaluation using corneometer, the study revealed that 4% White Kwao Krua extract cream (in comparison to placebo cream) resulted in the increase of skin moisture in periorbital and undereye Volunteers were satisfied with the significant reduction/ improvement of periorbital wrinkles by applying 4% White Kwao Krua extract cream. There were no side effects from the treatment. Conclusion: 4% White Kwao Krua (Pueraria mirifica) extract can significantly reduce (in comparison to placebo cream) periorbital wrinkles while increasing skin elasticity and moisture without any side effect.