Efficacy of Two Moroccan <i>Cistus</i> Species Extracts against Acne Vulgaris: Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities
Maryem Bouabidi,
Federica Lina Salamone,
Chemseddoha Gadhi,
Hafida Bouamama,
Antonio Speciale,
Giovanna Ginestra,
Luana Pulvirenti,
Laura Siracusa,
Antonia Nostro,
Mariateresa Cristani
Affiliations
Maryem Bouabidi
Laboratory of Sustainable Development and Health Research (LRDDS), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Cadi Ayyad University, 549 Bd Abdelkrim Al Khattabi, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Federica Lina Salamone
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Chemseddoha Gadhi
Laboratory of Agri-Food, Biotechnology and Valorization of Plant Bioresources, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Bd. Prince My Abdellah, B.P. 2390, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Hafida Bouamama
Laboratory of Sustainable Development and Health Research (LRDDS), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Cadi Ayyad University, 549 Bd Abdelkrim Al Khattabi, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Antonio Speciale
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Giovanna Ginestra
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Luana Pulvirenti
Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ICB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
Laura Siracusa
Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (ICB-CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami, 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
Antonia Nostro
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Mariateresa Cristani
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Background: The genus Cistus L. (Cistaceae) includes several medicinal plants growing wild in the Moroccan area. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disorder treated with topical and systemic therapies that often lead to several side effects in addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of extracts of two Moroccan Cistus species, Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L., in view of their use as potential coadjuvants in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris. Methods: Targeted phytochemical profiles obtained by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI/MS analyses and biological activities ascertained by several antioxidants in vitro chemical and cell-based assays of the leaf extracts. Moreover, antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans was evaluated. Results: Analyses revealed the presence of several polyphenols in the studied extracts, mainly flavonoids and tannins. Cistus laurifolius L. and Cistus salviifolius L. possessed good biological properties and all extracts showed antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes, identified as the main acne-causing bacteria. Conclusion: The results suggest that examined extracts are promising agents worthy of further studies to develop coadjuvants/natural remedies for mild acne treatment.
