| Abstract | Introduction
Acne vulgaris is a skin disease whose inflammatory component is produced by the host response by Propionibacterium
acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis have been recognized as pus-forming bacteria triggering an inflammation in acne,
occurring in specialized pilosebaceous units on the face back, and trunk
Objectives
To evaluate antiacne activity of alkaloidal fraction of Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn) Colebr., an Indian Medicinal
Plant
Methods
Alkaloidal fraction of stems of Coscinium fenestratum was evaluated by antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion
and broth dilution methods against selected bacteria. High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic profile of
Alkaloidal fraction was established and berberine content was quantified which showed potent antiacne activity.
Results
Alkaloidal fraction of stems of Coscinium fenestratum showed maximum antiacne activity the Minimum Inhibitory
Concentration values were the same (0.039 mg/ml) for both bacterial species and the Minimum Bactericidal
Concentration values were 0.039 and 0.265 mg/ml against Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis
respectively. Detection and quantification were performed by densitometry at » 415 nm. The content of berberine was
found to be 0.375%.
Conclusion
The mechanism of action of highly aromatic planar quaternary alkaloids such as berberine is attributed to their ability to intercalate with DNA It is possible that alkaloidal fraction containing berberine in Coscinium fenestratum may act in the
same mechanism to inhibit Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, the active component of the Alkaloidal Fraction could be of interest for further development as an alternative treatment for acne.
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