Myrtus communis and Celastrol enriched plant cell culture extracts control together the pivotal role of Cutibacterium acnes and inflammatory pathways in acne

Abstract

Introduction Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit in which Cutibacterium acnes is one of the main triggers. A strong predominance of C. acnes phylotype IA1 is present in acne skin with higher biofilm organization and virulence, promoting local immuno‐inflammation, especially the Th17 pathway. Objectives We evaluated the single and combined pharmacological properties of the plant extracts, Myrtus communis (Myrtacine®) and Celastrol enriched plant cell culture (CEE) extracts on the C. acnes/Th17 pathway. Methods The effect of Myrtacine® on the virulence of C. acnes phylotype IA1 was quantified according to the expression of several related genes. The activity of Myrtacine® and CEE on the inflammatory cascade was assessed using monocytes‐derived dendritic cells (Mo‐DC) stimulated with membranes or biofilms of the C. acnes phylotype IA1. Finally, the effect of CEE on the Th17 pathway was studied using C. acnes stimulated sebocyte 2D cultures and 3D skin tissue models containing preactivated Th17 cells. Results Myrtacine® had an anti‐virulence effect, evident as a significant and strong inhibition of the expression of several virulence factor genes by 60%–95% compared to untreated controls. Myrtacine® and CEE significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐12p40 and TNF‐α) production by Mo‐DC in response to C. acnes phylotype IA1. Interestingly, these two ingredients resulted in synergistic inhibition of most cytokines when used in combination. Finally, we demonstrated an inhibitory effect of CEE, in solution or formulated at 0.3%, specifically on IL‐17 release by Th17 lymphocytes in a C. acnes‐stimulated sebocyte 2D cultures and by Th17‐lymphocytes integrated in a 3D skin models. Conclusions 2D and 3D models were developed to represent relevant and specific pathways involved in acne. Myrtacine® and CEE were shown to alter one or more of these pathways, indicating their potential beneficial effects on this disease.

Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources as Potential Adjuvants in the Treatment of Mild Acne Vulgaris

“…The formulation turned out to be effective in a preliminary clinical study reducing significantly acne lesions and porphyrin levels [70]. Another study on miscellaneous natural products was carried out by Mias C. et al [71]. The authors evaluated the single and combined pharmacological properties of Myrtacine ® , an extract from Myrtus communis L. (Celastraceae), and celastrol (a triterpenoid secondary metabolite isolated from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.…”

Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants as Potential Adjuvants in the Treatment of Mild Acne Vulgaris

“…The formulation turned out to be effective in a preliminary clinical study, significantly reducing acne lesions and porphyrin levels [39]. Another study on miscellaneous natural products was carried out by Mias C. et al [40]. The authors evaluated the single and combined pharmacological properties of Myrtacine ® , an extract from Myrtus communis L. (Celastraceae), and celastrol (a triterpenoid secondary metabolite isolated from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.…”

The updates and implications of cutaneous microbiota in acne

“…The plant-derived extract, Myrtus communis (Myrtacine ® ), is beneficial in acne treatment due to its anti-virulence and anti-inflammatory effects [ 51 ]. Notably, a cream formulated with Myrtacine ® significantly reduces the erythromycin-resistant (EryR) C. acnes population in acne patients [ 52 ].…”