Abstract:
Background: Dihydrooxyresveratrol, a new derivative of oxyresveratrol, indicates more potent tyrosinase inhibitory activities than oxyresveratrol. A related study showed topical dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 0.2% had significantly more effect than alpha arbutin cream 2% for facial whitening , topical dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 0.5% is equally effective as hydroquinone cream 2% and more quickly reduced mean melanin index at week 4. These study was conducted at Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Objective: To compare the efficacy of dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 4 % and hydroquinone cream 4 % in the treatment of melasma.
Methods: Twenty-one volunteers (aged 20-65 years) with bilateral melasma were enrolled. Dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 4% and hydroquinone cream 4% were randomly applied in a split-face design (right and left sides), once daily for 12 weeks. Clinical assessment for melasma severity score, using the melasma area severity index (MASI score), ranged from 0-24 per side, tested at baseline, weeks 4, 8 and 12. Mean melanin index measured by Mexameter® MX18, side effects and global satisfaction scales were also recorded.
Results: Twenty volunteers completed the study. No statistically significant differences were detected of MASI score and mean melanin index reduction at baseline and between treatment between dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 4% and hydroquinone cream 4%. However, hydroquinone cream 4% group demonstrated significantly differing MASI score and mean melanin index reduction from baseline at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (p<0.05). Dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 4% demonstrated significantly differing MASI score and mean melanin index reduction from baseline at weeks 8 and 12 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Topical dihydrooxyresveratrol cream 4% is equally effective as hydroquinone cream 4% . Therefore, it can be an excellent alternative treatment for melasma.