Evaluation of traditionally claimed Salmalia malabarica (DC) Schot & Endlicher for anti - acne activity: An in-vitro and in-vivo approach

Abstract

In Indian tradition, aerial parts of Salmalia malabarica (Bombacaceae) has been used in the treatment of various skin troubles, especially paste of thorns work out on Acne vulgaris. The objective of the present study is to evaluate leaves, bark and thorns of S. malabarica for anti-acne activity in animal model. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, tannins in the plant extract. Anti-acne properties of all extracts were assayed using Clindamycin as standard drug. The drug was studied against P. acnes by in-vitro anti-bacterial studies. The MIC’s for this assay were determined by a broth dilution method. The Sprague-Dawley male rats (180-220 g) were used for in-vivo studies which were divided into six groups of six animals each. Acne (granulomatous inflammation) was induced by injecting heat killed Propionibacterium acnes strain in normal saline to the sub cutaneous regions in ear of each rat regardless of weight. Then, the ethanolic extract of leaves (AEL), bark (AEB) and thorns (AET) with the dose 200mg/kg b.w., p.o. each, were administered to the three different groups of animals for 35 days and thickness of the ear was measured daily. On the day 10th, ear was assessed for histopathology parameters with respect to infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes. The AET exhibited noteworthy activity in all the parameters of the study. The results of in-vitro and in-vivo studies strongly indicate that the AET has potent anti-acne property than AEL and AEB in comparison to the standard drug Clindamycin. These findings divulge that the present study corroborate the ethnomedicinal use of S. malabarica in the treatment of acnes.