Development and Evaluation of Nigella sativa L. Topical Cosmeceutical Formulations with Antiacne Activity

Abstract

The inflammation of the skin's sebaceous follicles is the cause of acne vulgaris. Certain bacterial species, such as Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, are responsible for its initiation. Novel therapeutic treatments for acne vulgaris must be introduced due to the development of antibiotic resistance by these microorganisms and side effects from the present treatment regimens. In order to create new gel formulations from Nigella sativa L. seeds and assess their antibacterial efficacy against certain bacterial species that cause acne, this study was conducted. Using the agar well diffusion technique, the antibacterial activity of seed extracts was first tested against S. aureus and P. acnes. After that, topical gels were created using three distinct strengths of N. sativa seed ethyl acetate extract. The stability of these topical formulations was assessed over a 30-day period, and antibacterial activity experiments were conducted S. aureus and P. acnes growth was inhibited by all three formulations; however, the formulation containing 15% of the seed extract exhibited the most antibacterial action. Remarkably, this formulation's antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus outperformed that of the commercial synthetic product that served as the positive control. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy was maintained during the storage period, and no changes in color, odor, homogeneity, washability, consistency, or pH were seen. Topical gel formulations made from N. sativa ethyl acetate extract have strong antibacterial activity, indicating their potential as substitutes for current antiacne medications in the treatment of acne vulgaris.