• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
• /
• 2003.09b
• /
• pp.438-447
• /
• 2003

We selected 113 subjects (male:59, female:54) in 20 to 29 age and observed the skin color difference between female and male. Also we measured the minimal persistent pigment darkening dose (MPPD) in same subjects. The skin colors of upper inner arm and back were measured with chromameter (CR10, Minolta, Japan) which represents skin color as $L^{*}$, $a^{*}$, and $b^{*}$ in value. MPPD was measured with solar simulator multi-port 601(Solarlight Co. USA). All statistical analysis was performed on the computer software package SPSS 8.0. The skin colors between male and female was significant difference in back and upper inner arm. There was significant difference of skin colors between back and upper inner arm in both male and female. There was no relationship existed between the values of MPPD and skin color ( $L^{*}$ $a^{*}$ $b^{*}$) of back in both male and female. As a result of survey, we knew that there was apparent difference of skin color between back and upper inner arm due to gender. Also we hope these data will be helpful to study on the correlation of the pigmentation index and skin color.(omitted)omitted)ted)

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.375-380
• /
• 2018

We have previously found that mycelia culture broth of eight kinds of traditional herbal extracts fermented with Phellinus linteus (previously named as 8-HsPLCB) not only inhibited melanin and tyrosinase activity, but also reduced the contents of melanogenesis-related proteins, including tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-stimulated B16F0 melanoma cells. For a further study, the effect of 8-HsPLCB against skin pigmentation in brown guinea pigs with ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation was investigated. 8-HsPLCB (3%) and arbutin (2%) as positive controls were applied topically twice daily for 4 weeks to the hyperpigmented areas. 8-HsPLCB showed skin-lightening effect as effective as arbutin, one of the most widely used in whitening cosmetics. Melanin index values as the degree of pigmentation showed a significant reduction week by week post 8-HsPLCB treatment and then substantially reduced by 4 weeks. The degree of depigmentation after 4 weeks of topical application with 8-HsPLCB was 32.2% as compared with before treatment (0 week). Moreover, using Fontana-Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining, 8-HsPLCB reduced melanin pigmentation in the basal layer of the epidermis and epidermal thickness changes exposed to the UV-B irradiation as compared with non-treatment and vehicle treatment. The intensity of the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB was similar to arbutin. These results suggest that the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB might be resulted from inhibition of melanin synthesis by tyrosinase in melanocytes. To conclude, 8-HsPLCB treatment showed reduction of the melanin pigment and histological changes induced by UV irradiation in brown guinea pigs.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.219-229
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the skin whitening effect of Scirpi rhizama ethanol extract (SREE) in an animal model. For the experiment of the study, three brown guinea pigs weighing about 450 g to 550 g were exposed to ultraviolet-B rays on the backs at 500 $mJ/cm^2$ once a week, three consecutive weeks and the total quantity of light was 1,500 $mJ/cm^2$. The artificial tanning spots were divided into six different groups including normal (N), control (C), vehicle control (VC), positive control (PC), experimental 1 (E1, 1% SREE), experimental 2 (E2, 2% SREE) groups. Then, 30 ${\mu}L$ of SREE was transdermaly applied on the artificial tanning spots twice a day and 5 days a week for 8 weeks. With the result of a gross observation, it was found that the degree of pigmentation became apparently thinner in the group applied with E2, compared to the control or the vehicle control group. The melanin index of E2 group was significant lower than the control or the vehicle control group. In the observation with a light microscope, it was found that the degree of melanin pigmentation and S-100 protein expression considerably decreased in the groups applied with SREE, compared to the control or the vehicle control group. With the numerical analysis of melanin pigmentation and S-100 protein expression by using image-analysis software, it was found that the tendency was coincide with the results of microscopic observation.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.417-425
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the whitening effect of Angelicae dahuricae Radix water extract (ADWE) by its application on artificial tanning spots which were induced by 1,500 $mJ/cm^2$ of UVB radiation on the backs of brown guinea pigs weighing approximately 450~500 g. Thirty ${\mu}l$ of ADWE, at each application, were applied twice a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks to the guinea pigs. The artificial tanning spots were divided into 3 groups which were vehicle control group [propylene glycol: ethanol: water (5:3:2)], positive control group (2% hydroquinone) and experimental group (2% ADWE). The visible whitening effect and changes in melanin index were evaluated once a week. On completion of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under anesthetization, and the artificial tanning spots were excised by biopsy punch and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to observe histological change and also stained with Fontana-Masson's silver (F-M) and S-100 to observe melanin pigmentation and melanocytes. In the gross observation, the experimental group showed higher pigmentation than the positive control group but lower pigmentation than the vehicle control group. Histological observation confirmed that ADWE had a positive whitening effect by showing a lower distribution of melanin and melanocytes in the epidermis of experimental group than in the vehicle control group.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.63-71
• /
• 2011

Objectives : The aim of this study is to develop the system and evaluate the optical analytical technique that reflects acupoint pigmentation and extravasated blood by cupping. Methods : We designed the system able to express XYZ coordinate on local skin color. To evaluate measurement-accuracy, we compared with 24 Color Checker Chart by standardized Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage. After confirming the performance of system, we experimented with cupping which was 80 kPa negative pressure for 1 minute on left/right BL13. The X, Y and Z values were converted to R, G and B, $L^*$, $a^*$ and $b^*$, Erythema Index (E.I.), and Melanin Index (M.I). We compared and analyzed two cases on before/after cupping. Results : The R, G and B values which were converted by X, Y and Z values had high linearity as a high level of R-square (R: 0.969, G: 0.996, and B: 0.992). Moreover, we confirmed that it was possible to quantitatively analyzed the change in skin color by cupping using R, G, B, $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$, E.I., and M.I. Conclusions : Therefore, we proposed the new analytical technique for objectifying the oriental medical diagnostic method using cupping and optical sensing technique.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.487-495
• /
• 2022

Pycnogenol is used as a dietary supplement based on various medical research studies suggesting health benefits. In recent years, it has also been used in cosmetic products, but the clinical research on its dermatologic effects has been insufficient. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of pycnogenol topically applied to skin of individuals with acne in their teens and twenties. Cosmetics containing 0.2% pycnogenol were applied to a group of 11 clinical subjects for 6 weeks and their skin conditions were assessed. The group that used cosmetics with pycnogenol showed decrease in P-Acnes, acne causing bacteria, phorphyrin index, a metabolite, and the pigmentation and redness index. This study confirms that pycnogenol extract is effective dermatologically in decreasing acne bacteria and reducing redness and pigmentation of skin affected by acne.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.233-245
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary habits and nutrient intakes on skin condition of female university students. The subjects were 95 female university students in Daegu. This study examined anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, food intake habits and skin condition (moisture, elasticity, sebum (U-zone, T-zone), pores, evenness and melanin pigmentation. The subjects in this study had an average age of 21.4, an average height and weight of 161.2 cm and 52.9 kg, respectively, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 20.3 $kg/m^2$. The means of skin elasticity, pores, evenness, and melanin pigmentation were within the normal range of women in their 20s and the skin moisture state was slightly lower than the normal range, which showed a dry tendency. The sebum in the U-zone and the T-zone was lower than the standard values, which showed less secretion in both areas. The subjects with high nut intake showed a better skin pore state (p < 0.05). Those with a high intake of instant foods showed a sig-nificantly low skin moisture and a significantly higher sebum rate (p < 0.05). The group with high skin elasticity and the group with less melanin pigmentation showed a significantly low animal protein intake (p < 0.05). The group with high skin elasticity also showed a significantly higher vitamin A and niacin intakes as well (p < 0.05). The group with high skin evenness showed a significantly lower animal lipid intake and a significantly higher vitamin E intake (p < 0.05). In addition, those with high skin elasticity and evenness as well as low melanin pigmentation showed a tendency of high intake of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin A, carotene, vitamin C or vitamin E. In summary, a moderate intake of plant-based products and also the antioxidant vitamins within such products seems to have a beneficial effect on maintaining a healthy and good skin condition.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.42-47
• /
• 1991

A suspected intergeneric hybrid cross between Pungtungia herzi and Pseudopungtungia nigra was collected at the Ungcheon River. Overall hybrid index did not show the hybrid connection clearly, but the most striking key character between two genus, pigmentation on the all fins except pectoral, the shape and position of the mouth part appeared to show the intermediary. So this specimen was thought to be an intergeneric natural hybrid which merits further study.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.170-175
• /
• 2011

Exposure to the sun, ultraviolet radiation, and oxidative stress are the chief etiologic factors responsible for melasma. The ingredients of Korean red ginseng powder, which include ginsenoside and phenolic compounds, have antioxidative effects and reduce ultraviolet B-induced pigmentation. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Korean red ginseng powder in patients with melasma. In 25 female patients, 3 g of Korean red ginseng powder was orally administered for a 24 week period. The level of pigmentation and erythema were determined and clinical improvement was evaluated by the melasma area and severity index (MASI), melasma quality of life scale (MELASQoL), and patient- and investigator-rated global improvement scale. After 24 weeks, the MASI score decreased from 8.8 to 5.6, and MELASQoL showed improvement in 91% of patients (p<0.05). The mean level of pigmentation decreased from 184.3 to 159.7 and erythema levels decreased from 253.6 to 216.4 (p<0.05). Additionally, 74% of the patients showed some improvement in both patient- and investigator-rated global improvement scales at week 24. Korean red ginseng powder was well tolerated by most of the patients. In conclusion, Korean red ginseng powder showed good tolerability and beneficial effects in patients with melasma. The use of Korean red ginseng would be counted as a useful adjunctive therapy for patients with melasma.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.166-171
• /
• 2020

Background and Objectives Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by brown or dark brown colored macules and patches which mostly involve the face. Compared to nanosecond lasers, picosecond lasers have fewer adverse effects on surrounding tissues and give better results for melanin fragmentation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the pico-toning technique using a low fluence 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser on melasma patients. Materials and Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of melasma cases treated using the pico-toning technique from June 2017 to November 2020. Based on photographic images, the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score was blind evaluated by two independent plastic surgeons. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire after treatment sessions. All adverse effects and complications were reviewed based on medical records. Results A total of 23 patients were included in the study. The mMASI scores for baseline and 2 months after the last procedure were 5.1 ± 1.4 and 2.6 ± 0.4, respectively. The mean mMASI score reduced significantly after the treatment session (p < 0.05). The patient satisfaction score with the procedure was 3.8 ± 1.0. The subject satisfaction score and difference in the mMASI score before the procedure and 2 months after the last procedure showed a significant correlation. Adverse effects observed in this study were erythema (n = 1) and edema (n = 1). Conclusion The results of the study show that the pico-toning technique is effective in Asian patients with melasma. We believe that safety was enhanced by using low fluence, and thus better results were achieved with fewer adverse effects.