EVALUATION OF ANTI-ACNE ACTIVITY OF CRATAEVA NURVALA STEM BARK
Rajkumar Jayswal, Mr. Himanshu Bhusan Sahoo, Seema Sahu, Dr. O.P. Agrawal
ABSTRACT
Acne is a common skin condition that affects a significant portion of the population, causing physical and psychological distress. Current treatments for acne often come with side effects and limitations. In the search for safer and more effective alternatives, traditional medicinal plants have garnered interest due to their potential anti-acne properties. Crataeva nurvala, a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, has been reported to possess various therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-acne activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Crataeva nurvala stem bark. The extraction of Crataeva nurvala stem bark was performed using the maceration method, and the crude extract was concentrated on a water bath to obtain the actual yield. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard methods to identify the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, carbohydrates, diterpenes, and tannins. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extract were determined using calibration curves based on the absorbance values obtained from the reaction with gallic acid and quercetin standards, respectively. The anti-acne activity was evaluated in a rat model induced by Propionibacterium acnes. The rats were treated with different doses of the hydroalcoholic extract of Crataeva nurvala stem bark, and ear thickness was measured as an index of inflammation. The results of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, reducing sugars, saponins, diterpenes, and tannins in the extract. The TPC and TFC values indicated that Crataeva nurvala stem bark is a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In the anti-acne evaluation, the extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by the reduction in ear thickness in the rat model. The anti-acne activity of the extract was comparable to that of the standard treatment, Clindamycin.
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