The following is a summary of “Beneficial esthetic lightening effects of Cuscuta extract on skin darkness in healthy individuals: A clinical trial study,” published in the November 2022 issue of Primary care by Roohaninasab, et al.
For the Cuscuta species, several biological processes and pharmaceutical applications have been identified. For a study, researchers sought to evaluate Cuscuta’s positive effects on skin black spots in healthy adults, which were a significant aesthetic problem, particularly in women.
About 70 healthy people who sought advice on eradicating skin darkening and had no signs of systemic or skin illnesses participated in this prospective, interventional before-after experiment. After being manufactured, the Cuscuta extract was checked for plant quality control and microbiological contamination. Dermacatch, a reliable skin colorimetric measuring technique, was used to determine the amount of melanin present at baseline and after 1 and 3 months following the intervention.
When the melanin content of the lesions and the treated region was compared to the normal area around them at baseline and one month after treatment, it was found to have significantly decreased from 519.61 ± 45.09 to 498.50 ± 39.35 (P < 0.00). From the first month to the third month following therapy, the decreasing trend remained significant (from 498.50 ± 39.35 to 483.53 ± 40.99, P < 0.001). Even after controlling for baseline factors, including gender, age, and the length of the skin lesions, the declining tendency persisted. Both patients and investigators reported high levels of satisfaction with the anti-melanogenesis activity of Cuscuta extract.
In healthy people, Cuscuta extract can be used to get rid of hyperpigmented lesions and lighten their skin.
Reference: journals.lww.com/jfmpc/Fulltext/2022/11000/Beneficial_esthetic_lightening_effects_of_Cuscuta.44.aspx