Antimicrobial Activity of Smilax china L. Root Extracts against the Acne-Causing Bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes, and Its Active Compounds.

The root of Smilax china L. is used in traditional Korean medicine. We found that the Smilax china L. root extract has strong antimicrobial activity against two Cutibacterium acnes strains (KCTC 3314 and KCTC 3320). The aim of this study was to identify the beneficial properties of Smilax china L. extracts for their potential use as active ingredients in cosmetics for the treatment of human skin acne. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF/MS) methods were used to obtain the profile of secondary metabolites from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the crude extract. Agar diffusion and resazurin-based broth microdilution assays were used to evaluate antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), respectively. Among the 24 metabolites, quercetin, resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol were the most potent compounds against Cutibacterium acnes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of quercetin, resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol were 31.25, 125, and 250 µg/mL, respectively.

Cutibacterium acnes KCTC 3314 Growth Reduction with the Combined Use of Bacteriophage PAP 1-1 and Nisin.

Severe acne has high psychological impacts recorded worldwide, from depression to suicide. To control acne infection, bacteriophage could be used in synergy or combination with antibiotics/antimicrobials. Bacteriophages are specific to their hosts without interfering with the normal skin microbes and have the ability to lyse bacterial cells. In this current study, the bacteriophage PAP 1-1 was isolated, characterized, and tested against the pathogenic acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium acnes. Examination under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the newly isolated phage has a morphology typical of siphoviruses. Phylogenetic analysis, utilizing the maximum likelihood (ML) algorithm based on complete genome sequences, revealed that PAP 1-1 clustered together with bacteriophages active to Propionibacterium acnes (now known as C. acnes), forming a distinct evolutionary lineage. The genomic analysis further identified the presence of an endolysin gene in PAP 1-1, suggesting its potential to regulate the growth of C. acnes. Subsequent experiments conducted in RCM broth confirmed the ability of PAP 1-1 to effectively control the proliferation of C. acnes. In combination with bacteriocin from Lactococcus lactis CJNU 3001 and nisin, PAP 1-1 greatly decreased the viable cell counts of C. acnes in the broth.

Garcinia mangostana hydrogel patch: bactericidal activity and clinical safety for acne vulgaris treatment.

Background and purpose: Garcinia mangostana, simply known as mangosteen, has long been used by Thai traditional medicine because of its reported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities for the treatment of skin infections. In this study, mangosteen pericarps were developed into a hydrogel patch to eradicate acne-inducing bacteria. Experimental procedure: The G. mangostana extract was investigated for bactericidal activity. A hydrogel patch containing the extract was examined for mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, in vitro release, skin permeation, and a phase I clinical study of skin irritation and allergic testing by a closed patch test. Finding/Results: The G. mangostana hydrogel patch made from carrageenan and locust bean gum powders was yellow in color, smooth, durable, and flexible. This G. mangostana hydrogel patch was effective against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The active ingredient, α-mangostin, was released and permeated from the G. mangostana hydrogel patch within the first 30 min at 33.16 ± 0.81% and 32.96± 0.97%, respectively. The G. mangostana hydrogel patch showed no irritation in 30 healthy volunteers. However, two volunteers had delayed allergic contact dermatitis to 0.5% (w/w) G. mangostana hydrogel patch. Conclusion and implication: This hydrogel patch containing G. mangostana ethanolic extract is not recommended for patients who have any reaction to mangosteen but has utility as an anti-acne facial mask.