The potential use of Garcinia mangostana gel extract as treatment for narrowband-ultraviolet B induced hyperpigmentation

BACKGROUND: Chronic and repeated sunlight exposure can result in increased melanin production and subsequent skin hyperpigmentation. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) has various biological effects, such as inhibition of melanogenesis. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Garcinia mangostana extract gel as a treatment for narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation.METHODS: Subjects in this study were healthy women aged 20-50 years. After the minimum erythematous dose (MED) was measured, Daavlin MED DosePatch® was affixed to the back of each participant with six open squares. Chromameter® and Mexameter® measurements were carried to obtain baseline scores for L* (lightness) Score and Melanin Index (MI). Subjects were then induced with NB-UVB light with a dose of 2 MED and returned 3 days later after peak hyperpigmentation occurred and given the following treatment for one month: Garcinia mangostana extract gel with a concentration of 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and base gel were applied to boxes 1-4, respectively, box 5 acted as a positive control (Kligman formula) and box 6 as negative control Afterwards, the L*, ΔL*, MI and ΔMI values were compared with the paired t-test, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests.RESULTS: The positive control and Garcinia mangostana 10% groups showed higher L* values and lower ΔL* values compared to other groups (P<0.05). In addition, lower MI values and greater ΔMI were also found compared to other groups (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: 10% Garcinia mangostana extract gel is a potential alternative treatment for NB-UVB-induced hyperpigmentation.