PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND ANTI-ACNE ACTIVITY OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA LEAF EXTRACT
Nidhi Burade and Dr. Harpreet Kaur Khanuja*
ABSTRACT
Background: Acne vulgaris represents one of the most prevalent dermatological disorders globally, affecting approximately 85% of adolescents and young adults. The increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics and associated adverse effects have necessitated the exploration of natural alternatives with potent anti-acne properties. Objective: This comprehensive study investigates the phytochemical composition of Lagerstroemia speciosa (Banaba) leaf extract and evaluates its therapeutic potential against acne through antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity assessments. Methods: Fresh leaves of L. speciosa were collected, authenticated, and extracted using ethanol and aqueous solvents. Comprehensive phytochemical screening was conducted using standard qualitative and quantitative methods. Anti-acne activity was evaluated against Propionibacterium acnes using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time-kill assays. Antioxidant potential was assessed through DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, terpenoids, and steroids. The ethanolic extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against P. acnes with zone of inhibition ranging from 16±9.2mm to 22±9.1mm at concentrations of 25-100 mg/mL. MIC and MBC values were determined to be 0.325 mg/mL and 0.625 mg/mL, respectively. The extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 105-130 μg/mL in DPPH assay and demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects with 42% reduction in paw edema. Conclusion: L. speciosa leaf extract possesses promising anti-acne properties attributed to its rich phytochemical profile, particularly corosolic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin. The extract's multifaceted mechanism involving antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities positions it as a viable natural therapeutic alternative for acne management.
Keywords: Lagerstroemia speciosa, anti-acne activity, phytochemical screening, Propionibacterium acnes, corosolic acid, natural therapeutics.
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