Global Medical and Health Communication
Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): Accredited Sinta 2

The Effect of a Combination Cream Containing 4% Licorice Extract, 5% Tranexamic Acid, and Dexpanthenol in Liposome on Melanin Levels and Expression of Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) in UV-B Exposed Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Skin

Jeanny Indriani (Master Program in Skin Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung)
Diana Krisanti Jasaputra (Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung)
Fen Tih (Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Melanin synthesis is regulated by the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a crucial regulator of melanogenesis. The combination of licorice extract and tranexamic acid has been known to exhibit synergistic effects in addressing hyperpigmentation. Additionally, the inclusion of dexpanthenol in liposome formulations can enhance the absorption of topical drugs, improve their effectiveness, and reduce side effects associated with topical treatments. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combination cream containing 4% licorice extract, 5% tranexamic acid, and dexpanthenol in liposomes on improving hyperpigmentation in UV-B-exposed Wistar rat skin, as assessed by melanin levels and MITF gene expression. This research was carried out in the laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Maranatha, and the Iratco Laboratory, Bogor, Indonesia, from April to December 2024. The results showed that the application of the combination cream significantly reduced melanin levels. In the treatment group, the lowest average melanin level was observed at 0.869±0.263, compared to 2.763±0.398 in the negative control group and 6.391±0.430 in the vehicle control group (p<0.0001). The combination cream also significantly reduced MITF expression, with the treatment group showing the lowest average MITF expression at 0.306±0.201, compared to 1.025±0.102 in the negative control group and 2.320±0.112 in the vehicle control group (p=0.000). It can be concluded that the combination cream containing 4% licorice extract, 5% tranexamic acid, and dexpanthenol in liposome effectively reduced melanin levels and MITF expression in UV-B-exposed Wistar rat skin.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

gmhc

Publisher

Subject

Description

Global Medical and Health Communication is a journal that publishes research articles on medical and health published every 4 (four) months (April, August, and December). Articles are original research that needs to be disseminated and written in English. Subjects suitable for publication include ...