Microemulsions incorporating Brosimum gaudichaudii extracts as a topical treatment for vitiligo: In vitro stimulation of melanocyte migration and pigmentation

Abstract

The purpose of the study reported here was to develop and characterize microemulsions incorporating two ethanolic extracts of Brosimum gaudichaudii with different origins for topical application to treat the pigmentation disorder vitiligo. After plant extracts were obtained and submitted to in vitro biological assays against melanocytes, oil-in-water microemulsions incorporating the extracts were developed, characterized, and submitted to experiments to determine their stability, in vitro skin permeation, and irritant potential. The microemulsions were physically stable for at least 90 days and could incorporate the different concentrations of the furanocoumarins bergapten and psoralen from the Brosimum gaudichaudii extracts. Moreover, the microemulsions controlled the permeation of the furanocoumarins through the skin and were classified as weak irritants in a HET-CAM assay, which indicates their suitability for topical application. Although the extracts, by containing the furanocoumarins, stimulated melanocyte migration and pigmentation, their toxicity warrants caution. Nevertheless, because the findings suggest mechanisms by which the furanocoumarins can benefit the clinical treatment of vitiligo, microemulsions of them represent promising alternatives for topical application to treat the disorder.