Efficacy of two plant extracts against acne vulgaris: Initial results of microbiological tests and cell culture studies.

Kılıç S., Okullu S. Ö., Kurt Ö., Sevinç H., Dündar C., Altınordu F., Türkoğlu M.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2018

Abstract

Background

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease characterized by increased sebum production, inflammation, and colonization of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on pilosebaceous follicles.

Aims

To determine the efficacy of two different plant extracts against P. acnes and to analyze the gene expression levels of IL-1α, SRD5A1, and TNFα in HaCaT cells treated with these plant extracts.

Methods

Anti-acne extract 1 (AE1) consisted of Juglans regia (walnut husk), Myrtus communis (myrtle leaves), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomilla flowers), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle leaves), and Rosa damascena (rose flowers). Anti-acne extract 2 (AE2) contained Brassica oleracea var. botrytis (broccoli) and B. oleracea var. italica (cauliflower). The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested on two different P. acnes strains: the reference strain of P. acnes (ATCC 51277) and the clinical isolate from a patient. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts was determined using the broth dilution method. Human keratinocyte cells were used for in vitro tests. Gene expression analyses were performed with RT-qPCR.

Results

The MIC values of the extracts were below 1/2048 µg/mL. In the gene expression analysis, AE1 increased the expression level of TNFα (1.1719, P < 0.0001), suppressed the expression level of IL-1α, SRD5A1 (0.0588, P = 0.0231; 0.3081, P = 0.0351), respectively. AE2 suppressed gene expression level of IL-1α, SRD5A1, TNFα (0.3815, P = 0.0254; 0.3418, P = 0.0271; 0.1997, P = 0.0623).

Conclusions

Both herbal extracts demonstrated strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity in this preliminary trial. In conclusion, the topical application of these botanical extracts can be good candidates for local acne treatment.

PMID:30414245
Category: Acne

The best supplements with Urtica Dioica in Acne category:

  • Zinamax - Zinamax contains lactoferrin, which has been shown to have a positive effect on inflammatory changes caused by acne. It contains among others: Urtica Dioica.
  • Derminax - Gels, creams and ointments are not effective because they fight symptoms not the cause. It contains among others: Urtica Dioica.
  • Nonacne - Nonacne is a completely natural supplement made exclusively from herbal ingredients. It contains among others: Urtica Dioica.

Previous article

Topical vitamins.

Next article

Study of the refirming effect of a plant complex.