This study compared the effects of Camellia sinensis extract and salicylic acid topical formulations on acne vulgaris. Students with acne were divided into groups applying either Camellia sinensis or salicylic acid serum. Results found Camellia sinensis serum was effective for mild-moderate acne within a week with no side effects, while salicylic acid took longer but was more effective for moderate-severe acne. Therefore, Camellia sinensis may be suitable for initial mild acne treatment, while salicylic acid is better for more severe cases.

1. A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF
Camellia sinensis EXTRACT AND SALICYLIC ACID
TOPICAL FORMULATION ON SELECTED
STUDENTS WITH ACNE VULGARIS
BY
ASUMAH ONYEKA .M.
A SEMINAR PRESENTATION IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELORS DEGREE IN PHARMACY
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF PHARMACY
MADONNA UNIVERSITY ELELE
RIVERS STATE.
SUPERVISOR: PROF NATHAN OPARAECHE
MAY, 2021.

2. OUTLINES
 INTRODUCTION
 AIMS/OBJECTIVES
 MATERIALS AND METHODS
 RESULTS
 DISCUSSION
 CONCLUSION

3. INTRODUCTION
• Acne vulgaris is caused by a bacteria called, propionibacterium acnes. Acne vulgaris
can be classified into inflammatory and non inflammatory acne. Examples of
inflammatory acne includes; papules, pustules, nodules and cysts, while that of non-
inflammatory is characterized by comedones (Seo Y.J. et al., 2014). .
• These changes usually require androgen stimulation. Due to an increase in body
androgens, acne vulgaris occurs more often in adolescence during puberty, regardless
of sex (Preneau et al., 2012).

4. • The four main pathological factors involved in the development of acne are the
increased sebum production, irregular follicular desquamation, Propionibacterium
acnes proliferation and inflammation of the area (Olutunmbi Y. et al., 2008). The
clogging of the pore is aggravated by hyperkeratinization and excess sebum
production whilst anaerobic bacteria (mainly P. acnes) proliferate and inflammatory
mediators are released (Gollnick H et al., 2003). Inflammatory infiltrates cause the
development of the increasing degrees of severity in inflammatory acne forms (
Feldman S. et al., 2004).
• These four factors form the basis of approach used in the treatment of acne.

5. . SALICYLIC ACID
 Salicylic acid is a monohydroxybenzoic acid that is benzoic acid wit a hydroxyl
group at the ortho position. It is obtained from the bark of the white willow and
wintergreen leaves. It is derived from the metabolism of salicin. Salicylic acid is
biosynthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. It can also be prepared by the
hydrolysis of aspirin ( acetyl salicylic acid) or methyl salicylate ( oil of
wintergreen) with a strong acid or base (Graham et al., 2003).

6. TAXONOMY OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS
• CLASSIFICATION
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Asterids
• Order: Ericales
• Species: C.sinensis
• Family: Theaceae
• Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis (L.)
Kuntze

7. MECHANISM OFACTION OF SALICYLIC ACID ON ACNE
• Salicylic acid is known as a keratolytic agent whose mechanism of action is to
dissolve the intercellular cement which holds the cells of the epithelium together . It
has a minor anti-inflammatory effect, enhances penetration of certain substances and
at low concentrations it is fungistatic and bacteriostatic (Krautheim, A.et al., 2003).
• Salicylic acid works by causing the cells of the epidermis to slough off more readily,
preventing pores from clogging up, and allowing room for new cell growth.

8. MECHANISMS OF ACTION OF
CAMELLIA SINENSIS ON ACNE
• A recent study (Li et al., 2015) suggests that the clinical efficacy of green tea polyphenols
may be due to their anti-microbial properties against these bacteria. The study compared
topical green tea extract (EGCG content of 0.081%), pomegranate juice, and pomegranate
extract in terms of their anti-microbial properties. The results showed that 98% of P. acnes, P.
granulosum, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis was inhibited at concentrations of 400 µg gallic
acid equivalents (GAE)/mL GT or less.
• In addition to the anti-microbial properties of tea polyphenols, other mechanisms have been
proposed to explain the improvement in acne from topical green tea administration. ( Yoon et
al., 2013) postulated that this improvement was due to the modulation of the M locus protein
kinase-Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (MLPK-SREBP-1) signaling pathway,
which leads to reduction in lipogenesis. Additionally, EGCG increased apoptosis of the SEB-1
cell line of sebocytes and led to a reduction in the mean colony forming units of P. acnes.(
Yoon et al., 2013) Altogether, these findings further support the notion that EGCG has anti-
microbial activity against P. acnes. EGCG was also found to reduce transcription of the
nuclear factor-κB (NF-ĸB) pathway and reduce inflammation. Overall, studies suggest that tea
polyphenols exert their effect on sebum production and acne via several mechanisms,
including acting as anti-microbial, anti-lipogenic, anti-inflammatory molecules.

9. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1.To evaluate the effectiveness of
phytochemicals (Camellia sinensis extract) in
the treatment of Acne vulgaris.
2.To evaluate the effectiveness of synthetic
compounds ( Salicylic acid) in the treatment of
Acne vulgaris.
3.To establish a suitable and effective
treatment regimen for acne vulgaris.

10. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Equipments: Beaker, pH meter, Hand mixer,Water bath, Glass rod, Measuring
scale, Dropper bottles
CONSUMABLES
• Salicylic acid,Sodium hyaluronate,Camelia sinensis extract,Allantoin,
Distilled water, Sodium lactate,Glycerin,Liquid germal plus,Panthenol,
• Xanthan gum, Edta
METHODS
• Collection of plant materials.
• Extraction of plant materials.
• PREPARATION OF CAMELLIA SINENSIS SERUM.
• PREPARATION OF SALICYLIC ACID SERUM
• Product testing on subjects.

11. RESULT
The Camellia sinensis extract serum was found to be effective in the
treatment of certain types of Acne vulgaris which includes; white heads, papules
and pustles, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidative
properties. The salicylic acid serum was also found to be effective in all types of
acne due to its keratolytic and comedolytic properties. The effect of Salicylic on
various forms of acne as presented on test subjects of Group A didn’t peak until
the second, with visible reduction in blackheads (open comedones).
Where as that of Camellia sinensis peaked in the first week of treatment,
although there was little to no reduction in black heads but there was visble
reduction in pore size which indicates that there may be preventive properties of
Camellia sinensis against the formation of acne. Subjects put on Camellia
sinensis experienced no adverse effect while some experienced slight tinging,
dryness and irritation while using salicylic acid.

12. BEFORE AND AFTER RESULT

13. DISCUSSION
The results from this study showed that camellia sinensis gave
faster results in subjects on camellia sinsensis extract serum within
a week than the salicylic acid serum but the salicylic acid serum
would offer a more radical cure to the acne within a course of one -
two months in most of the subjects cause it can target the common
forms of acne (black heads, whiteheads, papules, nodules and
pustules). Therefore Camellia sinensis is suitable for the treatment
of mild - moderate forms while salicylic acid would be suitable for
moderate - some severe forms of acne.

14. conclusion
Based on this study, the treatment which showed faster results within the
short period allocated to the study shows promising use as a standard form
of treatment for acne vulgaris as compared to Salicylic acid because no
adverse effect was experienced with camellia sinensis.

15. References
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10.1067/mjd.2003.618.
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