Extracts of rambutan seed and mangosteen rind toxicity on skin associated opportunistic pathogens causing acne vulgaris

Abstract

More than three quarter of human face acne problem at least once in their lives. Acne, also called Acne Vulgaris, is a cutaneous disorder which interferes with the sebum production. Two most known bacteria isolated from the skin surface with acne development are Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The current treatments of acne, such as amoxicillin and tetracycline, come along with various side effects. On the other hand, agricultural waste such as hull and seeds of fruits have been exploited and to be found highly potential in antibacterial activities. The main aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activities of rambutan seed extracts in comparison to mangosteen rind towards acne-inducing bacteria, S. epidermidis. The results obtained show that the rambutan seeds extraction had comparable antibacterial activities against S. epidermidis to mangosteen rind extraction. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of mangosteen rind extraction is potentially higher than the rambutan seeds extraction. The synergistic activity of both extracts in MIC supersedes antimicrobial activity that of individual extracts. As a conclusion, the dichloromethane extract of rambutan seeds has antibacterial activities towards acne inducing bacteria, S. epidermidis, as found in mangosteen rind.