Abstract:
Background: Centella Asiatica is a Thai folk herb with many widely known properties. Recently, there have been additional researches conducted on Centella Asiatica extracts. It has dermatological benefits including collagen production, reduction in collagen degradation , promote wound healing and scar treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated that Centella Asiatica extracts can also inhibit tyrosinase enzyme and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacies of Centella Asiatica cream with standard cream base in facial skin whitening.
Objective: To compare efficacy of Centella Asiatica Cream and standard cream base in facial skin whitening
Material and Methods: Thirty Thai volunteers were enrolled to this randomized, split face comparative study. Centella Asiatica cream and standard cream base were randomly applied in the split face design (right and left sides) twice daily for 12 weeks with follow up every 4 weeks. Skin whitening was evaluated by using mean melanin index measured by Mexameter MX18 at week 4, 8 and 12. Photographs from VISIA® Complexion Analysis System at week 0 (before treatment) and at week 12 were compared and scored evaluation scales by three doctors. Volunteers satisfaction were evaluated at week 12 through questionnaires. Volunteers side effects were assessed through questionnaires and physician observation.
Results: Thirty subjects completed the study. The subjects were female (22/30, 73.3%) and male (8/30, 26.7%). The average participant age was 31.23 ± 4.89 years old. The subject were skin type 3 (22/30, 73.3%) and skin type 4 (8/30, 26.7%). The results revealed mean melanin index of Centella Asiatica cream was significantly superior to the standard cream base from week 4 untill week 12. In addiation, the participants were significantly more satisfied with Centella Asiatica cream than standard cream base. No adverse reaction was found
Conclusion: Centella Asiatica cream could accomplish significantly better outcomes in all parameters compared to standard cream base from 4th week of treatment onwards with no recorded side effects. Therefore, suggesting that Centella Asiatica cream is effective for facial whitening.