Activity of Garcinia mangostana fruit rind extracts from various locations of Thailand against acne-inducing bacteria

Acne vulgaris is the most common cetaceous disorder found in men, women and especially in teenagers. The microorganisms involved in acne development are Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis [1]. For the fruit rind of Garcinia mangostana was reported a strong inhibitory effect on P. acnes and S. epidermidis [2]. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of G. mangostana fruit rind collected from various locations in the South and the East of Thailand against these bacteria. Alpha-mangostin, a major constituent of the fruit rind extracts, was also tested for its activity. The MIC values were evaluated using the broth microdilution method [3]. Thirteen ethanolic extracts of G. mangostana fruit rinds were prepared by soxhlet extraction with 95%ethanol. The MIC values of all crude ethanolic extracts against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were in the range of 7.81–15.63 and 15.63–31.25µg/ml, respectively, while the MBC values were in the range of 15.63–31.25 and 62.50–125.00µg/ml, respectively. The average MIC and MBC values indicate that samples from the South of Thailand have the more potent antimicrobial effect than the samples from the East. Based on MIC and MBC values, alpha-mangostin showed a good inhibitory effect on P. acnes (MIC=MBC=1.56µg/ml) and S. epidermidis (MIC=1.56, MBC=6.25µg/ml). Therefore, this compound is suitable as a marker for quality assurance of the extract and its product. The results can be used as guidance for standardization of G. mangostana extracts for anti-acne property and for finding sources of good quality of G. mangostana raw material. The anti-acne preparation from this plant extract will be further investigated.

Acknowledgements: This study was supported by research grant from Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

References: 1. Hamnerius, N. (1996) Treatment of Acne 32: 29–38. 2. Chomnawang, MT. et al. (2005)J Ethnopharmacol 101:330–333.

3. Sahin, F. (2003)J Ethnopharmacol 87:61–65.