Development of novel topical cosmeceutical formulations with antimicrobial activity against acne-causing microorganisms from Coriandrum sativum L.

Spices possess a diverse array of natural phytochemicals with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Hence spices could be employed to treat chronic dermatologic conditions like acne vulgaris which involves infection of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus, and inflammation. Particularly with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an utmost necessity for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the management of acne. Thus, this study was focused on the development of novel topical gel formulations from the seeds of Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) and to evaluate the antibacterial potential against some acne-causing bacterial species. Initially, the antibacterial effects of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts were screened against S. aureus and P. acnes by agar well diffusion assay. Thereafter, ethyl acetate extract of C. sativum was incorporated at predetermined three different concentrations into a novel topical gel base. Agar well diffusion assay and the broth microdilution method were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the resulting formulations. Interestingly, all three formulations inhibited the growth of P. acnes and S. aureus, with the highest activity in the formulation comprised of 15% w/w of the seed extract. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity and physical parameters like pH, color, and consistency of these formulations were retained during the storage period of 30 days, demonstrating their suitability as effective therapeutic alternatives in the management of acne vulgaris.