Naphatsorn Ditthawutthikul1,2,3,4, Pawida Saithong1,2,3,4, Phichamon Thawee1,2,3,4, Sarayut Rakarcha1,2,3,4, Anittaya Kanghae1,2,3,4. 1. Drs. Ditthawutthikul, Saithong, and Thawee are with the School of Cosmetic Science at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. 2. Dr. Ditthawutthikul is also with the Phytocosmetics and Cosmeceutical Research Unit, School of Cosmetic Science at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. 3. Dr. Rakarcha is with the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden at The Botanical Garden Organization in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 4. Dr. Kanghae is with the Program in Science, Faculty of Science and Technology at Phuket Rajabhat University in Phuket, Thailand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tannins are considered an important phytochemical used in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and are well-known for their astringent and antioxidant properties. Ficus fistulosa is a plant that grows in the Southern part of Thailand. Its fruits have an astringent taste, which might correlate with the presence of tannins. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogel containing F. fistulosa extract for controlling sebum. METHODS: First, the extract of F. fistulosa fruit was evaluated for its tannin content and astringent activity in vitro. Then it was formulated into a hydrogel in different concentrations. After, the safety and sebum-control efficacy of this hydrogel was tested in 10 healthy volunteers. The safety of this hydrogel was evaluated in volunteers using a closed patch test. RESULTS: The results of the first part of the study indicated that F. fistulosa extract contained 0.0359±0.0003mg of tannic acid equivalent per gram of extract, and its astringent activity was 87.45%±1.76%. When formulated into hydrogels of different concentrations, the results showed that the hydrogel containing 0.1% w/w had the highest stability profile. No irritation or allergy was observed. Separately, after usage twice per day for 28 consecutive days, the sebum content of the volunteers was decreased by -54.36%±13.71% relative to baseline. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that F. fistulosa fruit extract might be an effective active ingredient for use by the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry.
BACKGROUND: Tannins are considered an important phytochemical used in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and are well-known for their astringent and antioxidant properties. Ficus fistulosa is a plant that grows in the Southern part of Thailand. Its fruits have an astringent taste, which might correlate with the presence of tannins. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogel containing F. fistulosa extract for controlling sebum. METHODS: First, the extract of F. fistulosa fruit was evaluated for its tannin content and astringent activity in vitro. Then it was formulated into a hydrogel in different concentrations. After, the safety and sebum-control efficacy of this hydrogel was tested in 10 healthy volunteers. The safety of this hydrogel was evaluated in volunteers using a closed patch test. RESULTS: The results of the first part of the study indicated that F. fistulosa extract contained 0.0359±0.0003mg of tannic acid equivalent per gram of extract, and its astringent activity was 87.45%±1.76%. When formulated into hydrogels of different concentrations, the results showed that the hydrogel containing 0.1% w/w had the highest stability profile. No irritation or allergy was observed. Separately, after usage twice per day for 28 consecutive days, the sebum content of the volunteers was decreased by -54.36%±13.71% relative to baseline. CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that F. fistulosa fruit extract might be an effective active ingredient for use by the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry.
Authors: Reto I Peirano; Tina Hamann; Hans-Jürgen Düsing; Mehdi Akhiani; Urte Koop; Thomas Schmidt-Rose; Horst Wenck Journal: J Cosmet Dermatol Date: 2012-03 Impact factor: 2.696