Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Hydroquinone Based Synthesis of Gold Nanorods
Published on: August 10, 2016
Topical silymarin versus hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma: A comparative study
Ahmad Nofal1, Al-Shimaa M Ibrahim1, Eman Nofal1
1Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Background:
Melasma is a highly prevalent hyperpigmentation disorder with a high relapsing rate and a negative impact on the psychological state of the affected patients. The exact pathogenesis of melasma is not completely elucidated; however, ultraviolet induced oxidative stress has an important role in its pathogenesis. Silymarin, antioxidant drug, reduces the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation such as inflammation, immune responses, DNA damage, and pigmentation.
Objectives:
To assess the efficacy and safety of topical silymarin with different concentrations (0.7% and 1.4%) versus hydroquinone 4% in the treatment of melasma.
Methods:
Forty-two adult female patients with melasma were assigned to three equal groups each containing 14 patients; group1 was treated by silymarin 0.7% cream, group 2 was treated by silymarin 1.4% cream and group 3 was treated by hydroquinone 4% cream. The duration of treatment was 3 months.
Results:
MASI score was significantly reduced in all groups at the end of third month; however, there were no significant differences in the therapeutic response between the three studied groups. No side effects were recorded with silymarin, while hydroquinone was associated with significant adverse effects.
Conclusions:
Silymarin cream might serve as an effective and safe treatment modality for melasma.
Insights
Topical silymarin cream, an antioxidant, effectively treated melasma with no side effects. This study found silymarin comparable to hydroquinone but safer for managing this common hyperpigmentation disorder.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder with high recurrence and negative psychological impact.
- Ultraviolet-induced oxidative stress plays a key role in melasma pathogenesis.
- Silymarin, an antioxidant, mitigates UV radiation damage, including pigmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of topical silymarin (0.7% and 1.4%) against hydroquinone 4% for melasma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Forty-two female patients with melasma were divided into three groups.
- Groups received either 0.7% silymarin cream, 1.4% silymarin cream, or 4% hydroquinone cream.
- Treatment duration was three months.
Main Results:
- All groups showed significant melasma improvement (reduced MASI score) after three months.
- No significant difference in therapeutic response was observed between silymarin and hydroquinone groups.
- Silymarin treatment resulted in no recorded side effects, unlike hydroquinone.
Conclusions:
- Topical silymarin cream is a potentially effective and safe treatment for melasma.
- Silymarin offers a safer alternative to hydroquinone for melasma management.
- Further research may establish silymarin as a primary treatment for melasma.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
02:24Comparative Excretory Systems
01:09Comparing Experimental Results: Student's t-Test
01:20Comparing the Survival Analysis of Two or More Groups
02:16Comparing Mitochondrial, Chloroplast, and Prokaryotic Genomes
02:34Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...