Background
Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common adolescent skin condition which is mainly caused by
Cutibacterium acnes
overcolonization and subsequent inflammation.
Objective
Our previous studies demonstrated that ethanol extracts of
Meconopsis quintuplinervia
Regel (EMQ) possess significant antimicrobial properties. However, their protective effects and potential mechanisms against AV remain unclear.
Methods
In the present study, the EMQ treatment potential for AV was evaluated in a
C. acnes
-induced mouse ear edema model, and the EMQ anti-inflammatory mechanism was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
Results
The results showed that EMQ alleviated edema formation and inflammatory cell infiltration in an acne mouse model by suppressing inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α expression. Moreover, EMQ inhibited the phosphorylation of MAP kinases (MAPKs) such as p38, JNK, and ERK, the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.
Conclusion
These findings suggest the potent anti-inflammatory activity of EMQ is possibly through the regulation of the MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of
C. acnes
activity combined with a powerful anti-inflammatory effect of EMQ indicated its potential as a novel therapeutic option for AV.