Selected Thai medicinal plant for the treatment of Acne: Garciniamangostana Linn

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a skin disease occurring at the cutaneous layer. It is characterized by inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions due to the overproduction and blockage of sebum and keratinous debris in sebaceous follicles. This accumulation acts as a precursor of acne lesions called microcomedo and is highly susceptible to bacterial infection, namely Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Many Thai traditional herbal medicines have been recognized as effective acne treatment, including turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.), Centella (Centellaasiatica (L.) Urb.), Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and H. Rob., Houttuyniac ordata Thunb., Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel., and mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.). Searching for an alternative treatment has been a paramount focus in the medical field due to antibiotic resistance. Traditional medicine also has its advantage of lower side effects and abundant availability. Many traditional medicines have been under intense scrutiny for such purpose and one of the most effective herbs is mangosteen. Many researchers have reported its antimicrobial property, especially against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Due to these combinatorial properties, mangosteen and many herbal medicines with similar properties would be effective candidates to the treatment of acne. Mangosteen or Garcinia mangostana Linn. of the family Guttiferae is one of the most consumed fruits and distributed widely in the countries in the tropical zone. Because of its sweet and delicious taste, it is the economic fruit especially of the countries in the South East Asia. Many chemical compounds in mangosteen are responsible for its medicinal properties and the one that is present in the highest amount is α -mangostin, extracted from the rind and is especially abundant in the ripe rind. Mangosteen extract has been more popularly utilized in the cosmetic industries due to the fact that it is able to inhibit acne causing bacteria including P. acnes (MIC 7.81 μg/mL and MBC 31.25 μg/mL) and S. epidermidis (MIC 15.63 μg/mL and MBC 31.25 μg/mL). Many other xanthones, tannins and phenols, which contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, can also be found in mangosteen. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.