This study has found that a herbal compound containing an extract from mangosteen and 4 other herbs was effective in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The study authors tell us that this herbal mixture significantly reduced the inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.
This is good news for those who are keen on using only natural products to treat their rosacea. It is also good news for those who enjoy tropical fruits…
What herbal extracts were included, and how do they work. Read below to find out.
Mangosteen Herbal Mixture
The components of the experimental compound in the study were
- mangosteen extract,
- Lithospermum officinale extract,
- Tribulus terrestris L. extract,
- Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract
Why Mangosteen?
The authors offer the following explanation as to why mangosteen formed the basis of this herbal compound.
Mangosteen extract has been suggested as a new treatment option for acne with few side effects. Alpha-mangostin, which is a major component of mangosteen, has shown not only strong anti-bacterial activity against C. acnes but also anti-inflammatory capacity.
Lithospermum officinale, one of the main ingredients of the experimental compound, was also found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activites. Additionally, Tribulus terrestris L. and Houttuynia cordata Thunb possess therapeutic potentials against inflammation. In this study, we tried to determine the clinical efficacy of compound of these multiple herbal extracts against acne
How does mangosteen mixture work?
In this clinical trial, we have demonstrated clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in the treatmen of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Herbal extracts significantly reduced the number of noninflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions compared to the vehicle.
The mechanism by which compound of these multiple herbal extracts were effective against acne may be due to the synergistic effect of each component. The effect of mangosteen extract on acne has been studied previously and it could be explained by antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory properties.Alpha-mangostin, a major component of mangosteen extract, has potent anti-inflammatory capacity and strong anti-bacterial activity against C. acnes.
As inflammation and C. acnes are the two major pathogenic factors of acne, mangosteen extract can exhibit its efficacy in reducing acne lesions. Futhermore, mangosteen extract have demonstrated anti-oxidant capacity by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Accumulation of these molecules can attract more inflammatory cells to acne lesions leading to the development of inflammatory lesions such as papules, nodules and pustules.
and further.
Mechanism of reduction in non-inflammatory lesion has been explained by antimicrobial activity against C. acnes as C. acnes are involved in the process of comedogenesis.
Lithospermum officinale, Tribulus terrestris L. and Houttuynia cordata Thunb are the herbs that have been used in East Asia since ancient times and nowadays they are often included in cosmetics as natural substances.
Phenolic acid which is included in Lithospermum officinale has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity by inhibiting lipoxygenase activity.
Lee et al have demonstrated that Tribulus terrestris L. can reduce the expression of LPS‑induced inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α which are important molecules in the inflammatory pathway of acne. Also, through many studies, Houttuynia cordata Thunb was found to reduce inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB pathways.Because these herb extracts can inhibit various inflammatory cytokines which are important in the pathogenesis of acne, compound of these herbal extracts may have better therapeutic potential than individual ingredient.
Article Abstract
Clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A 8-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial
J Dermatolog Treat. 2019 Aug 19:1-16
Ji Hoon Yang, Jungyoon Moon, Ji Young Yoon, Ji Won Kim, Sungjun Choi, Soo Ick Cho, Eun Ju Hwang & Dae Hun Suh
Background: Herbal extracts with fewer adverse effects can be an alternative to these drugs because they can target various molecular pathways of acne pathogenesis.
Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of herbal extracts (mangosteen, Lithospermum officinale, Tribulus terrestris L., Houttuynia cordata Thunb) for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris
Methods: 60 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive blinded treatment with herbal extracts or vehicle for 8 weeks. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts, Investigator’s Global Assessment, patient’s satisfaction and safety profiles were assessed. We also performed skin biopsy at baseline and week 8 to confirm immunological changes with immunohistochemistry staining.
Results: By the end of the study period, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts were significantly decreased in herbal extracts group (P < 0.05). In immunohistochemistry staining, expression of IL-1α, IL-8 and keratin 16 were significantly decreased in herbal extracts group compared to vehicle group from baseline to week 8. There was no serious adverse events in both groups.
Conclusion: This herbal extracts can be a new therapeutic option for patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris who are reluctant to use drugs.
Is this commercially available?
How can we get this product in lotion or cream format?
Is there a ratio of the 4 herbs? Is this a cream mixture or is it a supplement?
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