ascorbate-2-phosphate and Skin-Neoplasms

An inhibitory effect of ascorbic acid (AsA) on melanogenesis has been described. However, AsA is quickly oxidized and decomposed in aqueous solution and thus is not generally useful as a depigmenting agent.. Our purpose was to examine the effect on pigmentation of magnesium-L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (VC-PMG), a stable derivative of AsA.. Percutaneous absorption of VC-PMG was examined in dermatomed human skin, and its effect on melanin production by mammalian tyrosinase and human melanoma cells in culture was also measured. A 10% VC-PMG cream was applied to the patients.. VC-PMG suppressed melanin formation by tyrosinase and melanoma cells. In situ experiments demonstrated that VC-PMG cream was absorbed into the epidermis and that 1.6% remained 48 hours after application. The lightening effect was significant in 19 of 34 patients with chloasma or senile freckles and in 3 of 25 patients with normal skin.. VC-PMG is effective in reducing skin hyperpigmentation in some patients.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Female; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Melanins; Melanoma, Experimental; Melanosis; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Skin Absorption; Skin Neoplasms; Tumor Cells, Cultured