Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from acne vulgaris, the main cause of pimples and a common skin condition that is frequently caused by oil, bacteria, dead skin and dirt blocking the pores of the skin.
Anti-acne medications are applied topically, sometimes as a mask or spot treatment, reports Nigerian Tribune.
Thankfully, there are several herbal remedies that may be used to treat acne, including getting rid of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples; avoiding scarring; and minimizing any negative effects or psychological fallout from the treatment.
Conventional medicines face difficulties, such as bacterial resistance, in treating acne, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches.
In a new study, researchers have reported three medicinal plants, Garcinia mangostana, Curcuma comosa, and Acanthus ebracteatus, which are traditionally used to treat different illnesses because of their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and are also useful for acne treatment.
The common name for Garcinia mangostana is mangosteen. It is a tropical fruit known for its thick purple rind and delicate, sweet, and tangy white flesh and is often called the “queen of fruits”.
In Nigeria, Garcinia mangostana is commonly known as mangosteen. Other species in the Garcinia genus, such as Garcinia manni and Garcinia afzelii, are also called African mangosteen, bush mangosteen, or okuta, though these are distinct plants from the true mangosteen.
There are no widely documented common names for Curcuma comosa in Nigeria, as the species is native to Asia and not commonly found there. In Nigeria, the local turmeric species is Curcuma longa, which is known as Ajo, Laali pupa, and Ata ile pupa in Yoruba, and Nwandumo, Ohu boboch, and Gangamau in Igbo.
There are no specific common names listed for Acanthus ebracteatus in Nigeria in the provided search results; however, it is known to be a mangrove species from Southeast Asia, with common names including sea holly and holly mangrove in that region. Other Acanthus species, such as Acanthus montanus, have common names in Nigeria like ‘bear’s breech’ or ‘mountain thistle’ and are used in traditional medicine.
In the study, the researchers found that a combination of Garcinia mangostana (GM), Curcuma comosa (CC), and Acanthus ebracteatus (AE) exhibits significant antibacterial efficacy against acne-causing bacteria in tests carried out in the laboratory.
The study, in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, demonstrated that these plant combinations create a powerful synergistic effect, enhancing their antibacterial properties without contributing to resistance, compared to individual extracts.
The combination treatment was not toxic to fibroblasts, supporting its capacity as a safe skin treatment.
The combination, especially at a 15:5:10 GM:CC: AE ratio, showed improved efficacy in inhibiting inflammation that supports acne breakouts and bacterial growth associated with acne, suggesting potential for novel acne therapies.
This includes acne-related bacteria, like Propionibacterium acnes, Cutibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus spp. These microorganisms look for a way to penetrate the epidermal layer of the skin, where they release toxins that lead to acne production.
They declared: “Overall, this study supports the development of this herbal combination as a novel, effective, and safe therapeutic option for managing acne vulgaris, addressing both bacterial proliferation and inflammation.”
They recommended further development of this combination into a topical anti-acne product, supported by clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety, and suggested exploring its synergistic mechanisms for a broader therapeutic application in other inflammatory skin conditions.
Commonly used Nigerian herbal remedies for acne include neem and aloe vera, known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Other remedies found in Nigeria include Jatropha curcas, which is boiled and applied; Eleusine indica, where the root is rubbed on the skin; and Cassia alata, where the leaves are scrubbed on the affected area. Curcuma longa (turmeric), with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, is also used.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine explained how aloe vera significantly improved acne as well as reduced hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness among participants. It soothes and hydrates the skin to reduce irritation and redness. This makes it one of the most promising herbs for acne reduction.
In one study, varying concentrations of aloe vera gel were added to a clove-basil oil and evaluated for anti-acne properties. The higher the concentration of aloe vera in the lotion, the more effective it was at reducing pimples.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help kill bacteria, lighten the skin and reduce inflammation. In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, topical and ingested turmeric can also help to modulate skin health and function in general, making it one of the best herbs for acne reduction.
Research in the research series AIP Conference Proceedings also indicated that sweet basil leaves are one of the fastest-acting herbs for acne treatment as well as prevention. The leaves and its essential oil have antibacterial power against acne-causing bacteria, and this is what helps it fight against acne.
