STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICALS AND ANTI ACNE ACTIVITY OF NOTONIA GRANDIFLORA LEAVES EXTRACT
Hritik Wasnik, Anjana Bharadwaj, A. Balasubramaniam
ABSTRACT
Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder often associated with Propionibacterium acnes colonization, excess sebum production, and inflammatory responses. Plant-based remedies have gained attention as alternative treatments due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile, antibacterial activity, and in vivo anti-acne potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Notonia grandiflora leaves. Leaves were subjected to hydroalcoholic extraction, and percentage yield was calculated. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to identify major secondary metabolites, followed by quantitative estimation of total flavonoid and alkaloid contents. The antibacterial activity of the extract was assessed in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes using the agar well diffusion method. In vivo anti-acne activity was evaluated in P. acnes-induced acne in rats by measuring lesion thickness over 10 days and comparing with the standard drug clindamycin. The hydroalcoholic extract showed a yield of 10.4% w/w and tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and diterpenes. Total flavonoid and alkaloid contents were 0.87 mg/100 mg and 0.63 mg/100 mg of dried extract, respectively. Antibacterial studies revealed a concentration-dependent zone of inhibition, with maximum inhibition observed at 100 mg/ml against P. acnes (16 ± 0.47 mm). In vivo studies demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent reduction in acne lesion thickness, with 200 mg/kg extract showing near-complete resolution by Day 10, comparable to clindamycin treatment (P < 0.001).The findings suggest that Notonia grandiflora leaves possess potent anti-acne activity, likely mediated through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The study supports further investigation and development of N. grandiflora-based topical formulations as a potential alternative therapy for acne vulgaris.
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