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. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.