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Published on: August 31, 2015
Clinical effect of Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 on hyperpigmented skin
Hyun-A Park1, Hoonhee Seo1,2, Sukyung Kim2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea.
Background:
The excessive production and accumulation of melanin in the epidermal skin layer can result in skin hyperpigmentation and darkening. Current technologies for regulating melanin are based on inhibiting melanin biosynthesis. They have low effectiveness and safety issues.
Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 as a probiotic strain in medicines and cosmetics for skin treatment.
Materials And Methods:
Meanwhile, our research team has reported that P. acidilactici PMC48 strain isolated from sesame leaf kimchi can directly decompose the already synthesized melanin. It can also inhibit melanin biosynthesis. In the present study, we investigated the skin-whitening effect of this strain by arranging an 8-week clinical trial with 22 participants. PMC48 was applied to each participant's artificially UV-induced tanned skin in the clinical trial. Its whitening effect was investigated based on visual evaluation, skin brightness, and melanin index.
Results:
PMC48 showed a significant effect on the artificially induced pigmented skin. The color intensity of the tanned skin was decreased by 47.647%, and skin brightness was increased by 8.098% after the treatment period. PMC48 also significantly decreased the melanin index by 11.818%, indicating its tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Also, PMC48 improved skin moisture content level by 20.943%. Additionally, 16S rRNA-based amplicon sequencing analysis showed a distinct increase in Lactobacillaceae in the skin by up to 11.2% at the family level without affecting other skin microbiota. Furthermore, it showed no toxicity in in vitro or in vivo analyses.
Discussion:
These results indicate that P. acidilactici PMC48 is a promising probiotic strain that can be used to develop medicines and cosmetic products to solve skin-related problems.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that P. acidilactici PMC48 can be a potential probiotic for the cosmetic industry against different skin disorders.
Insights
Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48, a probiotic strain, effectively reduces skin hyperpigmentation by decomposing melanin and inhibiting its synthesis. This strain offers a safe and effective solution for skin whitening and improving skin moisture.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Hyperpigmentation results from excessive melanin production and accumulation.
- Current melanin-regulating technologies have limited efficacy and safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 as a probiotic for skin treatments.
- To assess its potential in cosmetic and medicinal applications for skin hyperpigmentation.
Main Methods:
- An 8-week clinical trial involving 22 participants with UV-induced tanned skin.
- Application of P. acidilactici PMC48 to tanned skin.
- Evaluation of skin whitening effects through visual assessment, skin brightness, and melanin index measurements.
- Analysis of skin microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in tanned skin color intensity (47.647%) and melanin index (11.818%).
- Increased skin brightness (8.098%) and improved skin moisture content (20.943%).
- Increased Lactobacillaceae in skin microbiota by 11.2% without adverse effects on other microbes.
- No observed toxicity in vitro or in vivo.
Conclusions:
- P. acidilactici PMC48 demonstrates significant skin-whitening properties.
- The probiotic strain effectively decomposes melanin and inhibits its synthesis.
- P. acidilactici PMC48 is a safe and promising candidate for developing cosmetic and medicinal products for skin disorders.
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