ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMPARISON OF 10%, 20% and 40% LICORICE EXTRACT CREAM AS SKIN LIGHTENING AGENT Arie Rakhmini *,1 , Faridha S. Ilyas * , Sri Vitayani Muchtar * , Ilham Jaya Patellongi ** , Kharuddin Djawad * and Gemini Alam *** * Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia., ** Biostatistics Department, Faculty Public Health, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia., *** Pharmaceutical Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia. ABSTRACT Introduction Ultraviolet (UV) light that penetrates the skin is absorbed by melanin to protect skin cells from the detrimental effects of UV exposure. However, in certain circumstances, abnormal pigmentation can be a severe aesthetic problem. Licorice extract as a natural source has been proven invitro to stimulate and suppress melanogenesis. Objective Assess the skin lightening effect of Licorice extract cream in various concentrations. Subject and Method Women aged 30-50 years who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study conducted in the Department of Dermatovenerology Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University from May - July 2018. Each subject received three concentrations of Licorice cream (10%, 20% and 40%) to be applied on the upper and lower arms twice a day according to the patron for four weeks. The pigmentation spot was measured using the A-One Tab Skin and Hair Diagnostic System on day 0, 14 and 28. Results There were in total 12 subjects aged 30-50 years. After four weeks, the three groups of concentration improved skin brightness by decreasing the spot pigmentation. The best skin brightness levels were obtained by 10%, 40% and 20% concentration, respectively. Conclusion Licorice extract cream with 10% concentration is more effective in lightening the skin than the concentration of 20% and 40%. KEYWORDS Pigmentation, Licorice Extract, Liquiritin Introduction Prolonged exposure (photoaging) to ultraviolet (UV) light will cause oxidative stress by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) that might trigger skin malignancy. Melanin pigmenta- tion plays a role in absorbing UV light to protect skin cells from the adverse effects of UV exposure.[1] However, in certain cir- cumstances, abnormal pigmentation can be a serious aesthetic problem.[2] The use of natural materials is a way to reduce photodamage due to ROS produced induced by UV exposure. Natural in- Copyright © 2020 by the Bulgarian Association of Young Surgeons DOI:10.5455/IJMRCR.Licorice-Extract-Cream-as-Skin-Lightening-Agent First Received: November 09, 2018 Accepted: November 25, 2018 Manuscript Associate Editor: Ivon Ribarova (BG) 1 Dr Arie Rakhmini, Department of Dermatology and venerology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasanuddin, Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan Km 10, Makassar, Indonesia E-mail: arakhmini@gmail.com gredients usually contain flavonoids and phenolic components that have hydroxyl group aromatic rings so they can donate electrons and hydrogen to ROS, making them known as an- tioxidants. Glycyrrhizin is one of the main elements contained in Licorice extract. It is considered as an ingredient that can inhibit a series of lipid peroxidation reactions and inhibit free radicals. In an animal study, Glycyrrhizin proved effective as an antioxidant.[3] Licorice extract also has other active compounds which are proven invitro to stimulate and suppress melanogenesis. Glabridin is the main component of the hydrophobic fraction of Licorice extract which works by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity in B16 melanoma murine cell culture without affect- ing DNA synthesis. Other active compounds such as glabrene, isoliquiritigenin luciraside, isoliquiritin and licochalcone A iso- lated from Licorice extract also show inhibitory activity against the tyrosinase enzyme. [4] Liquiritin, one of the flavonoids con- tained in Licorice, does not affect tyrosinase. However, this compound causes depigmentation through other mechanisms, namely by dispersing melanin. To achieve clinical results, this active ingredient is usually applied to the skin at a dose of 1 Arie Rakhmini et al./ International Journal of Medical Reviews and Case Reports (2018) 2(4):131-135