From tradition to technology: Herbal remedies in modern acne therapy

Acne vulgaris, one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, affects approximately over 85% of teenagers and a large percentage of adults worldwide. Standard therapeutic options such as antibiotics, retinoids and hormonal treatment can be associated with side effects causing skin irritation, development of resistance to the antibiotic or systemic toxicity. In recent years, natural remedies have been extensively studied as safer and ecofriendly substitutes for acne treatment. Herbal medicines have certain pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sebum-controlling effects. In this article, the authors discuss acne pathogenesis, shortcomings of current treatments and medicinal plants that have traditionally been used or scientifically proven to treat acne. Special attention is focused on frequently employed herbal drugs, Azedarach indica, Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis, Ocimum sanctum, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Hippophage rhomboids (Sea Buckthorn). The phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of actions, formulation strategies and future directions of herbal antiacne agents are also discussed in the review.