EVALUATION OF ANTIACNE ACTIVITY OF A MARKETED ANTIANCE GEL ON SYRIAN GOLDEN HAMSTERS

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Acne is mainly caused due to androgen-mediated stimulation of sebaceous gland activity, abnormal keratinization leading to follicular plugging (comedo formation), proliferation of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes within the follicle, and inflammation. In addition to these, genetic factors, stress, and possibly diet may also influence the development and severity of acne. Common therapies that are used for the treatment of acne include topical, systemic, hormonal, herbal and combination therapy. Topically used agents are benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and retinoid. Systemically used agents are antibiotics and isotretinoin. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-acne activity of a marketed herbal anti acne gel on hamster ear and flank organ model. The dose required to induce sebaceous gland hyperplasia was evaluated in both male and female hamsters. The herbal anti acne gel did not produce any skin irritation on the ears and flank organs of hamsters when applied for 24 days. The herbal anti acne gel showed a significant decrease in the size of sebaceous glands of ear and the effect is comparable to the standard drug spironolactone. The present study indicates the sebaceous gland modulation potential of marketed herbal gel for anti ACNE activity. Keyword: sebaceousglands, propionibacterium, spironolactone, hamster