Vol. 7, Issue 12 (2018)

Author(s):
Manjeet Singh and Alok Pal Jain

Abstract:
Nymphaea nouchali (Nymphaeaceae) possessing antibacterial properties are widely used in modern herbal medicines. Propionibacterium acnes has been recognized as a main target for medical treatment of acne since this bacterium promotes acne inflammation by inducing upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines production, resulting in an accumulation of neutrophils and oxygen-free radicals produced by neutrophils within acne lesion. Acne is the most common disorder treated by dermatologists. As many as >85% of all youngsters have some type of acne and 50% of them require medical treatment. It is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit characterized by the formation of open and closed comedones, nodules, pustules, papules and cysts. In this study anti-acne gels were prepared using polymer Carbopol along with the extracts of plant Nymphaea Nouchali. The gel formulations were prepared in different concentrations of F1 to F6. The formulations were tested for the antiacne activity by well diffusion method against Propionibacterium acnes. Results showed that the gels were non-irritant, stable and posses anti-acne activity. The efficacy when tested with a standard was almost same to that of Clarithromycin. This suggests that N. nouchali has potential against acne causing bacteria and hence they can be used in topical anti-acne preparations and may address the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria.