Abstract

USING THE ORO- BUCCAL ROUTE TO ENHANCE DEPIGMENTATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTION WITH SKIN LIGHTENING AGENT: REVIEW

Bhakti Yashwant Sabale*, Akash Vasant Rahinj, Nidhi Narendra Shimpi and

Abstract

The current abstract discusses the global importance of glutathione. Glutathione has emerged as a skin lightening agent, valued for its depigmentation and antioxidant effects. It works by blocking tyrosinase, a critical enzyme in melanogenesis. It is available as an oral, topical, and parenteral formulation. The intravenous use of glutathione continues to increase safety concerns. Existing research is hampered by small sample sizes and short durations, leaving important questions like dosage, treatment length, and long-term efficacy unaddressed. Oral delivery has limitations due to low gastrointestinal absorption, but the Oro-buccal route shows potential by bypassing digestive breakdown and ensuring greater systemic bioavailability. Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) film has emerged as a promising carrier for efficient delivery. This review critically evaluates the evidence regarding glutathione's anti-melanogenic mechanism and therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of rigorous, large-scale, randomized trials to determine its clinical relevance. Until strong data is available, its significance in hyperpigmentation treatment remains a source of contention, necessitating cautious and evidence-based application in dermatological practice.

Keywords: Glutathione, Skin lightening, Depigmentation, Oro-buccal, Antioxidant.