Abstract:
Background: Melasma is common in Thai woman. Nowadays, treatment does not show satisfying outcomes. New researches are focused on antioxidant effect in melasma treatment which based on newly developed melasma hypothesis about oxidative stimulating effect from UV. Proanthocyanidins is an effective antioxidant found in grape seed extract which can significantly inhibit tyrosinase enzyme, reduce melanin pigment and anti-inflammatory. No clinical study has been conducted regarding the potential benefits of oral grape seed extract in Thai women for melasma treatment.
Objective: To compare effectiveness of daily 240 mg of grape seed extract with placebo for melasma treatment in Thai women.
Methods: Thirty-eight female participants with facial melasma were enrolled in prospective randomized double-blind, placebo-control trial. Participants in each group were prescribed with capsules of grape seed extract or placebo for eight weeks. Researchers follow up melasma every four weeks. Changes in pigmentation were measured using a Mexameter, Melasma area and severity index (MASI) and medication side effects were evaluated at each follow-up visit along with self-report satisfaction survey (global evaluation) at 12th week.
Results: Mean melanin index and MASI score were significantly reduced since 4th week of participation in grape seed group but non-significantly reduced in placebo group throughout 12 weeks. Between group comparison of mean melanin index was found that grape seed group was significantly lower compared with the placebo group since 8th week and MASI score was significantly lower compared with the placebo group since 4th week. Participants were more satisfied with oral grape seed extract than placebo. Minimal adverse reaction such as dizziness was found on one participant throughout the study.
Conclusion: Oral proanthocyanidins from 240 mg grape seed extract for eight weeks has significantly effectiveness in melasma treatment compared with placebo in Thai woman. As a result, grape seed extract might be considered as an alternative treatment in melasma.