Abstract
The present study was aimed to investigate the activity of Thai medicinal plants on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium
acnes in terms of free radical scavenging and cytokine reducing properties. P. acnes have been recognized as pus-forming bacteria
triggering an inflammation in acne. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH scavenging and NBT reduction assay. The result
showed that Garcinia mangostana possessed the most significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species
production. Houttuynia cordata, Eupatorium odoratum, and Senna alata had a moderate antioxidant effect. In addition, Garcinia
mangostana extracts could reduce the TNF-α production as determined by ELISA. Garcinia mangostana was highly effective in
scavenging free radicals and was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study has identified the
promising source of anti-inflammatory agent which could be useful in treatment of acne vulgaris.
© 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.