Evaluation of Whitening Effect of Tricholoma matsutake Extract Ointment on Guinea Pig Model of Chloasma

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Tricholoma matsutake extract ointment in the treatment of chloasma using animal chloasma model. The guinea pig model of chloasma was established by uv irradiation combined with intramuscular injection of progesterone. The T. matsutake extract ointment was obtained commercially from the Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. Results of the study showed that none of the preparations had toxic effect on guinea pig skin tissue, which proved the safety of the experimental dose of matsutake. Compared with model group, the epidermal layer thickness of guinea pig skin in arbutin control group, 0.5% matsutake group and 1% matsutake group was slightly thicker, the arrangement of fibrous tissue in dermis was improved, and the structure of hair follicle and sebaceous gland was normal. The deposition of melanin particles in epidermis, basal cell layer and spinous layer of skin was significantly improved, and the number of melanin particles was significantly decreased. The content of tyrosinase decreased significantly. SOD activity was significantly increased, with statistical significance. MDA content was significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically significant. Collectively, it could be summarized that the effect of 1% matsutake group was similar to that of arbutin control group, and it could be used as a new safe whitening ingredient.