EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (EVCO): NATURAL SKIN LIGHTENING ENHANCER WITH CURCUMIN

Extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) is a carrier for fragrances and ethno-medicinal ingredients in aromatherapy massage oils due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), and biological active polyphenol components.
TPA (12-O tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) is a strong promoter of chemical induced skin cancer proto-oncogenes.
Topical application of curcumin, which is a constituent of turmeric (Curcuma longa), is known to inhibit TPA induced tumor promotion in most skin.
This study assesses the stability, fragrance, rancidity, and staining/lightening effects of oil, alcohol, and water extracts of fresh and dry root turmeric and EVCO as the aromatherapy carrier, with or without Aloe vera extract as extenders.
The photographic results highlight the colour variations for 5 to 100% of all the extracts and their skin lightening intensity and variations on four skin types.
The data on rancidity indicated no oxidation, and the products have demonstrated no separation, unpleasant odour or permanent staining effects.

III International Conference on Postharvest and Quality Management of Horticultural Products of Interest for Tropical Regions

P. Bridgemohan, S. Khan

curcumin, polyphenol, aromatherapy

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1047.25