Antibacterial Activity of Seaweed Extracts against Acne inducing Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)

Abstract

Propionibacterium acnes has been recognized as one of the main causative agents in pathogenesis of acne. The Institute of Dermatology of Thailand reported that acne was one of the top three diseases of patients treated during 2009-2012. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the antibacterial activities of 14 seaweed extracts against P. acnes by using agar disc diffusion technique. Yield and polyphenol contents of the extracts were determined. The results showed that the highest yield and polyphenol contents were obtained from Lobophora australis with the values of 51.39±1.90% and 28.83±2.81 mgPGE (phloroglucinol equivalent)/g dwt, respectively. The highest antibacterial activities were found in Padina
minor, L. australis and P. tetrastomatica with the inhibition zones of 12.83±0.75, 12.20±0.34 and 11.60±0.36 mm, respectively. However, these antibacterial activities were still lower than that of clindamycin (44.89±2.30 mm). Moreover, brown seaweed extracts, especially that belonging to the family Dictyotaceae showed the highest activity to inhibit acne-inducing bacteria. The results of this study can help promote the utilization of seaweed and lead to further study to develop acne medication products in the future.