Acne is a common skin condition, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of hair follicles, and its associated sebaceous glands via androgen stimulation. Acne is a disease whose initial pathology is the microscopic microcomedo. The microcomedo may involve into visible open comedones (Blackheads) or closed comedones (Whiteheads). Subsequently, inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules may develop.
The severity of acne varies greatly among individuals and a genetic background plays an important role. Pathogenic factors include androgen-induced seborrhea, follicular hyperkeratosis, microbial population, and immunological and inflammatory processes. These factors influence each other, leading to acne phenotype. It is estimated that as many as 90% of all teenagers are affected by acne, with virtually 100% of teenagers experiencing some degree of comedone formation. Acne may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne lesions including open and closed comedones. Inflammatory lesions include papules, pustules, and nodules. The initial event in the development of an acne lesion is abnormal desquamation of the keratinocytes that line the sebaceous follicle, which creates a microcomedo.
An increase in circulating androgens at the onset of puberty stimulates the production of sebum into the pilosebaceous unit that is favorable for colonization of the commensal bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). With proliferation, P. acnes secrete various inflammatory molecules and chemotactic factors that initiate and perpetuate the local inflammatory response and possibly induce keratinocyte hyperproliferation as well. Sebum plays a central role in the pathogenesis of acne.
1. Natural Products and Phytomedicines
for Acne
Pharmacy Digital Library
www.pharmadigilib.in
Pharmacy Digital Library
2. ACNE
Acne is a common skin condition, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of hair follicles
and its associated sebaceous glands via androgen stimulation. Basically, acne is a disease whose initial pathology is the
microscopic microcomedo. The microcomedo may involve into visible open comedones (Blackheads) or closed comedones
(Whiteheads). Subsequently, inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules may develop.
The severity of acne varies greatly among individuals and a genetic background plays an important role. Pathogenic factors
include androgen-induced seborrhea, follicular hyperkeratosis, microbial population and immunological and inflammatory
processes. These factors influence each other, leading to acne phenotype. It is estimated that as many as 90% of all teenagers
are affected by acne, with virtually 100% of teenagers experiencing some degree of comedones formation. Acne may be
inflammatory or non-inflammatory acne lesions include open and closed comedones. Inflammatory lesions include papules,
pustules and nodules. The initial event in the development of an acne lesion is abnormal desquamation of the keratinocytes
that line the sebaceous follicle, which creates a microcomedo.
An increase in circulating androgens at the onset of the puberty stimulates the production of sebum into the pilosebaceous
unit that is favorable for colonization of the commensal bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). With proliferation, P.
acnes secrete various inflammatory molecules and chemo tactic factors that initiate and perpetuate the local inflammatory
response and possibly induce Keratinocytes hyperproliferation as well. Sebum plays a central role in the pathogenesis of
acne.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 2
3. Classification of Acne
•Mild (Grade I)
Moderate (Grade II)
Severe (Grade III)
Very severe (Grade IV)
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 3
7. Plant Part of plant Botanical name Geographical
source
Family Type of
extract
Constituents Remarks
Neem Bark,
leaves,
seed, latex
Azadirachta indica
Linn.
India, Srilanka Meliacea Hydroalcoh
olic
extract,
essential
oil.
tri-terpenoids and tetra-
nortriterpene in seed
oil; nimbolin A and B,
nimbin, gedunin, tannin
and volatile oil in the
barks and leaves.
Anti-bacterial, Anti-
inflammatory
Myrobalan
Haritaki
Dried fruit Terminalia chebula
Retz.
India, Nepal,
China, Sri lanka,
Malaysia,
Vietnam.
Combretaceae Extract Chebulin, chebulagic,
corilagin and
antioxidants.
Anti-bacterial, Anti-
inflammatory
Turmeric Rhizome Curcuma longa
Linn.
Asia, India, China
and tropical
countries
Zingiberaceae Extract Curcuminoids, essential
oil with high content of
bisatiolane derivatives
Anti-inflammatory activity
which is attributed to
curcumin
Tea Tree Leaves Melaleuca
alternifolia Cheel.
Australia. Mrytaceaea Essential
oil
terpin-4-ol Effective against a wide
range of organisms including
P. acnes. Tea tree oil has
good penetration power and
is non-irritating to skin.
Bitter
orange
Peel Tropical Asia Citrus auratium
Linn.
Rutaceae Extract linalool, linalyl acetate,
α-pinene, limonene,
netrol, geraniol, methyl
anthranilate, limonoids,
flavonoids
Juice and the milk paste of
the powdered peel had been
reported for the treatment of
acne.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 7
8. Plant Part of plant Geographical
source
Scientific name Family Constituents remarks
Amaranth Seeds, leaves China, Mexico. Amaranthus
hypochondriacus
Linn.
Amaranthacea
e
Saponin, Triterpene
saponins
Used effectively as an astringent
and also used as a good wash for
skin problems
Onion Bulb Central Asia Allium cepa Linn. Amaryllidacea
e
Flavonoids Used as a poultice for acne to draw
out inflammation and its juice is
applied to blemished skin. Studies
have revealed that onion possesses
anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory
effects
Arnica Dried flower
heads
Central Europe,
England,
Scotland, Canada.
Arnica montana Linn Asteraceae sesquiterpene lactones,
helanalin, 11 α, 13-
dihydrohelanalin,
chamissonolid and their
ester derivatives.
Reduce inflammation by inhibiting
the transcription factor nuclear
factor-B and hence, useful in the
treatment of acne, bruises and
sprains
White birch Bark Northern U.S,
Canada and
Northern Europe.
Betula alba Linn. Betulaceae salicylic acid, guaiacol,
terpenoids, betulin,
ylangene, betuloside
and sakuranetin.
Treatment of psoriasis, eczema,
acne and similar chronic skin
diseases.
Oregon
grape
Root, Bark North America Berberis aquifolium
Pursh.
Berberidaceae Berberine Plant is used to reduce sebum
production and kills bacteria
present on skin. It can be externally
applied in the form of cream and
gel to treat acne
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 8
9. Plant Part of plant source Scientific name Family Constituents remarks
Pumpkin Seeds Eastern European
countries, Austria,
Hungary, mexico
Curcubito pepo Linn. Curcubitacea Linoleic, oleic, palmitic and
stearic acids isolated from
its seeds
Anti-inflammatory property. Its
roots infusion is used on
syphilitic sores, herpes lesions,
acne and blackheads.
Coconut Nut African and south
east Asian
countries
Cocus nucifera Linn. Arecaceae fatty acids, sugars, vitamins,
minerals, amino acids and
phyto-hormones.
antimicrobial property and
vitamins-E, fatty acids are
converted into monolaurin
and monocarpin
Antimicrobial, antiviral anti-
protozoal activity.
Papaya fruit, seeds,
peel and leaves
Tropical regions of
America
Carica papaya Linn Caricaceae papain Wonderful exfoliating properties
such as removing dead cells and
specifically damaged skin. The
juice of raw papaya has been
shown to be beneficial in the
treatment of swollen acne and
prevents pus formation.
Eucalyptus Leaves United States,
Spain, Portugal,
India.
Eucalyptus globulus
Labill.
Mrytaceae Eucalpytol The essential oil derived from its
leaves known to possess
antiseptic properties and
astringent to treat acne prone
skin
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 9
10. Liquorice Roots, Rhizomes China, Europe, India,
Iraq, japan, Kurdistan,
Spain, Turkey, United
States.
Glycyrrhiza
glabra Linn.
Leguminosae Flavanoids. The root
contains 5-10%
glycyrrhizin,licochalcone,
glabridin, glbrene and
showed antimicrobial
activity
Licorice is a good anti-
inflammatory agent and
used for skin irritations and
in cosmetics for acne and
sunburn.
Witch hazel Leaves, bark North America’s
Midwestern
Woodlands.
Hemamelis
virginiana Linn.
Acanthacea tannins, gallic acid,
catechins, proanthocyanins,
flavonoids, essential oil,
choline, saponins and
bitters;
Because of its astringent
property it is used to remove
impurities from the skin,
even helps to unclog the
blocked skin pores and used
in treating acne
Red
sandalwood
Wood Mysore, Tamil nadu,
Rajasthan, U.P., M.P.,
and Orissa
Pterocarpus
santalinus Linn.
Fabaceae Flavonoids Astringent and tonic for
external application in
inflammation and also used
in treating skin diseases.
Black pepper Dried unripe fruit India, Malaysia,
Brazil, Sri lanka, West
indies, South America
Pipper nigrum
Linn.
Piperaceae sesquiterpenes
betacaryophelene and
alpha-humulene
Highly effective against
P.acnes, hence, used to cure
acne infection
Chitrak Roots and milky
juice
India Plumbago
zeylanica Linn.
Plimbaginace
ae
Plumbagin Antimicrobial and antibiotic
activity and is lethal to wide
spectrum bacteria
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 10
11. Plant Part of
plant
Geographical
source
Scientific name Family Constituents remarks
Walnut Kernel East Asia, South-East
Europe, North and South
America
. Juglans nigra Linn. Juglandacea
e
ellagitannins, naphthalene
derivatives juglone,
flavonoids hyperoside and
quercetin
Juglans nigra makes an
excellent wash for a variety of
skin infection including the
bad cases of acne vulgaris
Labrador
tea
Leaves North America and
Canada
Ledum groenlandicum
oedar (
Ericaceae tannic acid, arbutin, resin,
mineral salts, volatile oils
includes ledol and plaustrol
The leaves have been used as
an astringent and a stronger
decoction is used for itching
and redness from skin
ailments including acne.
Tulsi Leaves Throughout India Ocimum sanctum Linn. Labiateae Linoleic acid oil obtained from the leaves of
Ocimum sanctum is used as
antibacterial for the treatment
of acne.
Saw
palmetto
Berries of
tree
Florida and America Serenoa repens Arecaceae primary active compounds
in saw palmetto are a
combination of flavonoids,
plant sterols and fatty acids
acts as anti-acne, anti-
inflammatory agent and
immune system booster. It
alters testosterone levels by
inhibiting the conversion of
testosterone into
dihydrotestosterone or DHT
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 11
12. Plant Part of plant Geographical
source
Scientific name Family Constituents remarks
Chir pine Seeds Northern
hemisphere
Pinus roxburghii
Sarg.
Pinacea Pycnogenol, Borneol, limonene Treatment of acne
Rhubarb Peeled dried
rhizomes and
roots
Southern Siberia,
China and India
Rheum officinalis
Baill.
Polygonaceae potassium, calcium and lesser amount
of phosphorus. The anthraquinone
present are rhein, emodin,
chrysophanol
relieve the pain and
itchiness accompanying
psoriasis as well as acne
vulgaris.
Soapwort Root Northern Europe Soponaria officinalis
Linn.
Caryophyllacea
e
steroidal saponins (saponoside-D) administered topically
for the treatment of
acne, psoriasis, eczema
and boils
Jojoba Seeds desert shrub native
to Arizona,
California and North
Mexico.
Simmondsia
chinensis Schneider
Buxaceae straight chain monoesters of C20 and
C-22 acids and alcohols and two
double bonds.
management of acne
and psoriasis.
Thyme Leaves Europe Asia Thymus vulgaris
Linn.
Lamiaceae carvacrol, p-cymene, thymol acetate
and apigenin.
treatment of burns,
cuts, acnes and rashes
in the area of face,
neck, throat and
forehead.
Dandelion Whole plant Asia, Europe and
North America
Taraxacum officinale
Linn.
Asteracea sesquiterpene lactones, generally
occurring as glycosides, include
taraxacosides, taraxacolides,
dihydrolactucin, taraxinic acids and
ainslioside
use in dermatological
disorders such as spots,
pimples and acne.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 12
13. Plant Part of
plant
Geographic
al source
Scientific
name
Family Constituents remarks
Stinging
nettle
Leaf Europe, India,
western North
Africa
Urtica dioica Linn. Urticaceae mineral salts, phenolic ketones
acetophenone, amines-acetyl choline,
betain, choline, histamine, 5-HT,
lecithin, Flavonoids-quercetin,
isoquercetin, rutin, kaempferol, β-
sitosterol, tannins, volatile oil, vitamins,
folic acid and pantothenic acid.
The alcoholic solution of
distilled nettle had been used
traditionally for the treatment
of acne.
Benafshah Dried aerial
parts
Kashmir ,
Himachal
Pradesh ,
Kumaon hills
Viola tricolor Linn. Violaceae saponins, glycosides gultherine,
tannins, salicylic compounds, mucilage
and flavonoids
Applied externally to the skin
by means of compress, it
soothes and relieve pain
associated with acne.
Cinnamon Leaves, Bark Sri Lanka,
Malabar coast
of India
Cinnamomum
camphora Linn.
Lauraceae) flavonols, phenyl propanoids, lignans,
terpenoids, alkaloids and pro-
anthocyanadins
It imparts cooling action on
the skin, therefore, reduces
inflammatory conditions. Its
maximum benefits are
observed on oily skin. Hence,
it is useful in the treatment of
acne.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 13
14. CONCLUSION
Acne vulgaris is a common skin affliction impacting the lives of millions. There are many important aspects to be
considered for the treatment of acne. An integrated therapeutic approach is required to attain the desired results.
Studies revealed that our traditional heritage is hiding several miraculous herbs that are safe and effective
alternatives to treat acne. Although there are many medicines to choose from, plants are the natural source of
medicines, which play an important role in the treatment of acne, without or at least side effects. Hence, they are
commonly used as alternatives to synthetic medicine for acne. Pharmaceuticals are searching for a viable option
for desperate teens and other people to escape from conditions ranging from unsightly blemishes to disfiguring
inflammation that occurs due to acne. A comprehensive approach combining multiple herbs as well as lifestyle
and dietary changes has helped with acne in preliminary clinical trials. The need is to involve sustained and
continuous research using innovative technologies targeting these herbs as effective contemporary skincare
ingredients. There are sufficient pilot data to warrant larger trials on various herbal medicines in isolation and
combined and other natural therapies. All the studies support a recommendation for using these herbs in clinical
practice. This is particularly true, given how safe they are. Overall, herbal medicine has much to offer to improve
the ability to deal with the complex issue acne presents.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 14
15. REFERENCES
Jain A, Basal E. Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes-induced mediators of inflammation by Indian
herbs. Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan 1;10(1):34-8.
Prasad SB, Marimuthu S, Prasad GP. Recent Advancements in Field of Medicinal Plant Research
With special reference to Acne Therapy. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine.;11(1):10-4.
Ahuja A, Gupta J, Gupta R. Miracles of Herbal Phytomedicines in Treatment of Skin Disorders:
Natural Healthcare Perspective. Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets. 2020 Jun 22;20:1-1.
Azimi H, Fallah-Tafti M, Khakshur AA, Abdollahi M. A review of phytotherapy of acne vulgaris:
Perspective of new pharmacological treatments. Fitoterapia. 2012 Dec 1;83(8):1306-17.
PHARMADIGILIB.IN 15
