Skin Depigmentation Activity of Crocus sativus Extract Cream.

Purpose: To determine the antioxidant activity of Crucus sativus extract and its effect on human skin using a non-invasive probe mexameter. Methods: The antioxidant activity of C. sativus extract was determined using DPPH method. Water in oil (w/o) topical cream of C. sativus extract (3%) was formulated and compared with the base (cream without extract). Both creams (formulation and base) were applied to the cheeks of 10 healthy human volunteers for a period of 8 weeks. Melanin and erythema values of skin were measured with a mexameter. Results: The antioxidant activity of the extract was 81%. Change in the levels of skin melanin and erythema was -24.04 ± 3.23 and -13.57 ± 2.28, respectively, indicating that unlike the base, the formulation containing Crocus sativus extract produced significant (p ≤ 0.05) depigmentation and anti erythemic effect on human skin. Conclusion: Application of the formulation containing 3% C. sativus extract to human skin may be useful in the management of melanoma. However, further studies are still required to ascertain this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]