Development and Sequential Analysis of a New Multi-Agent, Anti-Acne Formulation Based on Plant-Derived Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds

• Main Authors: Crina Saviuc, Bianca Ciubucă, Gabriela Dincă, Coralia Bleotu, Veronica Drumea, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc, Marcela Popa, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Luminita Marutescu, Veronica Lazăr
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Subjects: plant-derived compounds; antimicrobial; acne; eugenol; β-pinene; eucalyptol; limonene
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/1/175

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of natural, plant-derived compounds has been reported in many studies. Emerging evidence indicates that plant-derived essential oils and/or their major compounds may represent a plausible alternative treatment for acne, a prevalent skin disorder in both adolescent and adult populations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and subsequently analyze the antimicrobial activity of a new multi-agent, synergic formulation based on plant-derived antimicrobial compounds (i.e., eugenol, β-pinene, eucalyptol, and limonene) and anti-inflammatory agents for potential use in the topical treatment of acne and other skin infections. The optimal antimicrobial combinations selected in this study were eugenol/β-pinene/salicylic acid and eugenol/β-pinene/2-phenoxyethanol/potassium sorbate. The possible mechanisms of action revealed by flow cytometry were cellular permeabilization and inhibition of efflux pumps activity induced by concentrations corresponding to sub-minimal inhibitory (sub-MIC) values. The most active antimicrobial combination represented by salycilic acid/eugenol/β-pinene/2-phenoxyethanol/potassium sorbate was included in a cream base, which demonstrated thermodynamic stability and optimum microbiological characteristics.