Planta Med 2022; 88(13): 1256-1262
DOI: 10.1055/a-1699-3284
Formulation and Delivery Systems of Natural Products
Original Papers

Antimicrobial Formulation of Chrysopogon zizanioides Essential Oil in an Emulsified Lotion for Acne

Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
,
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
,
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
,
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
› Author Affiliations
Supported by: Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee

Abstract

Acne is a skin condition arising from excess sebum production and microbial overgrowth within the pilosebaceous unit. Several commercial essential oils have shown promising activity against acne-related pathogens. Due to their volatility and thermal instability, the formulation of essential oils into commercial products remains a pharmaceutical challenge. Thus, this study aimed to develop a viable anti-acne topical treatment as an oil-in-water emulsified lotion to overcome these challenges. Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity with a mean minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.14 mg/mL against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Emulsified lotions containing C. zizanioides were developed through the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance approach. At tested hydrophilic-lipophilic balance values of 8, 9, and 10, C. zizanioides emulsified lotions displayed maximum stability at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 with a minimum change in mean droplet size and polydispersity index of 20.61 and 33.33%, respectively, over 84 days. The C. zizanioides emulsified lotion at optimum hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 9 completely inhibited the growth of C. acnes and killed S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. pyogenes within 24 h. Additionally, the lotion retained antimicrobial activity against these test micro-organisms over the 84-day stability test period. Thus, the C. zizanioides emulsified lotion demonstrated physical stability and antimicrobial efficiency, making it an ideal natural product anti-acne treatment.



Publication History

Received: 26 August 2021

Accepted after revision: 12 November 2021

Article published online:
28 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
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