Development of Novel Topical Cosmeceutical Formulations from Nigella sativa L. with Antimicrobial Activity against Acne-Causing Microorganisms

Abstract

Acne vulgaris occurs due to the inflammation of sebaceous follicles in the skin. It is triggered by the activity of some bacterial species like Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Acquisition of antibiotic resistance by these microorganisms and adverse effects associated with the current treatment regimens necessitate the introduction of novel therapeutic agents for acne vulgaris. Thus, this study was undertaken to develop novel gel formulations from seeds of Nigella sativa L. and to evaluate the antibacterial potential against some acne-causing bacterial species. The antibacterial activity of seed extracts was initially screened against S. aureus and P. acnes by the agar well diffusion method. Thereafter, topical gels were formulated incorporating the ethyl acetate extract of seeds of N. sativa at three different concentrations. These topical formulations were subjected to antimicrobial activity studies while the stability was evaluated over a period of 30 days. All three formulations were capable of inhibiting the growth of S. aureus and P. acnes, with the highest antibacterial activity in the formulation comprising 15% of the seed extract. Interestingly, the antibacterial potency of this formulation against S. aureus surpassed the commercial synthetic product used as the positive control. Moreover, any alteration in color, odor, homogeneity, washability, consistency, and pH was not observed while the antibacterial potency was also retained during the storage period. The potent antibacterial activity in topical gel formulations developed from the ethyl acetate extract of N. sativa signposts their suitability as alternatives to existing antiacne agents in the management of acne vulgaris.

A review of Nigella sativa plant‐based therapy in dermatology

“…Topical N. sativa gel exhibited a greater zone of hemolysis against S. aureus (10.6 mm) but a slightly smaller zone of hemolysis against C. acnes (9.0 mm) compared to the commercial synthetic anti-acne gel (8.3 mm and 10.5 mm, respectively). 20 Acute local irritation tests of this 15% topical extract showed minimal adverse side effects, with only 14% of human participants (n = 50) displaying signs of hypersensitivity while 86% were unaffected.…”

“…The multifactorial pathogenesis of acne vulgaris is associated with androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinization, inflammation, and bacterial colonization of hair follicles by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). 20,21 Treatment options for acne vulgaris vary from topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical antibiotics, and oral antibiotics. 22 However, irritation and acquired antibiotic resistance are commonly reported adverse side effects, calling for further investigation into natural remedies for acne vulgaris.…”

A Novel Antibacterial Topical Gel from Nigella sativa and Achyranthes aspera against Acne Causing Microorganisms

“…Antibacterial extracts were screened for their effect on S. aureusas well as P. acnesusing the gel well diffusion method. Results concluded that antibacterial property of topical gel formulation prepared using ethylacetate extract of Nigella sativa proved its applicability as an alternative to existing remedies against dermal acne [1].…”

“…Because of versatility and wider surface area, skin epidermis has been considered a promising route for drug administration. Topical drug delivery system designed to distribute a variety of drugs by diffusion through the layers of the skin to the body [1]. Gels are transparent to opaque semisolids and have a gelling component that interferes with the creation of a colloidal 3D network structure.…”

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety

“…Several studies suggest acne vulgaris ameliorating properties of black cumin seeds ( Table 9 ). Nawarathne et al showed that the application of three topical gels formulated with ethyl acetate extract of black cumin seeds for 30 days inhibited growth of S. aureus and P. acnes [ 224 ]. Application of TQ-loaded ethosomes gel formulation (THQ–EGF) has been shown to decline the number and size of sebaceous glands in rats suggesting TQ as an effective treatment option for acne vulgaris [ 225 ].…”