Intravenous glutathione for skin lightening: Inadequate safety data

Abstract

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant naturally occurring non-protein thiol that protects mammalian cells from oxidative stress. Intravenous (IV) GSH for skin lightening is advertised by clinics in South Africa and internationally online, yet to date no published review on the subject exists. Methods. We conducted a MEDLINE search (to 30 September 2015) of GSH use for skin lightening and of all indications in medicine, to evaluate its safety. Results. Two controlled clinical trials (GSH capsules: 60 patients; 2% glutathione disulphide lotion: 30 patients) and a case series (GSH lozenges: 30 patients) reported a significantly decreased melanin index. A case series (GSH soap: 15 patients) reported skin lightening based on photography. Two systematic reviews of IV GSH for preventing chemo-induced toxicity and a third review of adjuvant therapy for Parkinson's disease altogether included 10 trials. Most trials reported either no or minimal GSH adverse effects, but all had treatment durations of a few doses (IV) or 4 -12 weeks. No study reported long-term IV GSH use. Conclusion. In spite of widespread reported use, there are no studies of IV GSH use for skin lightening or of its safety for chronic use (for any indication). The switch from brown to red melanin production may increase the risk of sun-induced skin cancers in previously protected individuals. Regulatory assessment of systemic GSH administration for cosmetic use by the Medicines Control Council seems urgently warranted to protect consumers from potential side-effects and from complications of IV infusions. This is especially concerning because of reports of GSH bought online. Effective topical GSH may be useful for hyperpigmented skin disorders, but this requires scientific scrutiny. The debate on the merits of cosmetic skin lightening is best handled by multidisciplinary teams.

STUDI POTENSI SIANIDIN DAN PEONIDIN DARI UBI JALAR UNGU (ipomoea batatas L.) SEBAGAI AGEN DEPIGMENTASI SECARA IN SILICO

“…Fraksi antosianin dari ubi ungu yang mengandung senyawa aktif peonidin diketahui dapat menginduksi enzim glutation peroksidase (GPX) yang berperan dalam pemecahan ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) secara in silico (Laksmiani et al, 2016). ROS inilah yang diketahui mampu menginduksi aktivitas tirosinase sehingga terjadi peningkatan proses melanogenesis (Davids et al, 2016). Oleh karena itu, senyawa antosianin (sianidin dan peonidin) yang terdapat pada ubi ungu berpotensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai agen depigmentasi.…”

The role of systemic treatments for skin lightening

“…Intravenous (IV) administration of glutathione is a highly controversial topic. Current literature demonstrates that IV glutathione may be used for patients with a large burden of reactive oxygen species such as chemotherapy‐induced toxicity or acute paraquat intoxication . Although IV glutathione may be used anecdotally in Asia for skin lightening, there have been no peer‐reviewed studies that support its use.…”

“…Although IV glutathione may be used anecdotally in Asia for skin lightening, there have been no peer‐reviewed studies that support its use. In fact, IV administration may be associated with detrimental adverse events involving the neurologic, renal, and hepatic organ systems, increased risk of communicable diseases such as hepatitis B and C, or human immunodeficiency virus, as well as devastating skin reactions such as Stevens‐Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis …”

The clinical effect of glutathione on skin color and other related skin conditions: A systematic review

“…Third, it scavenges free radicals and peroxide which blocks tyrosinase activation. Lastly, it switches skin pigmentation pathway from eumelanin (darker pigment) to phaeomelanin (lighter pigment) …”

“…Lastly, it switches skin pigmentation pathway from eumelanin (darker pigment) to phaeomelanin (lighter pigment). 6,8,9 There are various glutathione products for skin whitening including topical, oral, and parenteral preparation. 5 Oral glutathione is the most common product in markets as a dietary supplement.…”