The Efficacy of Two Melon-Derived Superoxide Dismutase/Wheat Gliadin Oral Formulae in the Treatment of Facial Skin Hyperpigmentation and Erythema

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of two dietary supplements containing a gliadin-bound superoxide dismutase (SOD) extract that were developed to address skin pigmentation and inflammation.

Method: A 90-day multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded clinical trial of 36 participants with a history of either facial photodamage or an inflammatory skin condition. Participants with photodamage were randomized to the brightening formula (BF) treatment group or BF placebo group. Participants with facial inflammation were randomized to the anti-inflammatory formula (AIF) treatment group or AIF placebo group. Pigmentation was assessed using VECTRA XT 3D images taken at days 0, 30 and 90 of treatment. Participant skin satisfaction was evaluated with 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires completed on days 0 and 90.

Results: No significant changes in total pigmentation occurred at 30 days in any of the treatment groups. After 90 days of treatment, total redness in the AIF group was reduced from 52.20 ± 12.57% to 44.96 ± 9.24% (p = 0.008). Total brown pigmentation was reduced from 73.77 ± 12.69% to 69.15 ± 13.56% (p = 0.042) in the BF group, with a decrease in total dark spots from 20.47 ± 16.57 to 13.76 ± 12.04 (p = 0.010). No significant changes in total redness or brown pigmentation occurred in either of the control groups (p = 0.75 and 0.89). At 90 days, VAS scores were significantly improved for radiance, brown spots and dryness in the AIF group (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in the placebo group. Radiance, softness and overall quality scores were significantly improved in the BF group. The BF placebo group reported significant improvements in brown spot and dryness scores.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the AIF and BF provide significant clinical benefits in the reduction of facial erythema and hyperpigmentation.