Peel-off gel formulation from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extract as anti-acne mask

Abstract

Background: Acne is a skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation in the polisebasea that often occurs in adolescence. Utilization of the black mulberry fruit with a high phenolic is one alternative for the treatment of acne. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this research are to develop and test a peel-off mask gel prepared from black mulberries (Morus nigra) extracts, which has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Materials and Methods: Black mulberry fruit was extracted with the maceration method by using ethanol (96%). Then, the antibacterial activity of the extract was determined by the disc-diffusion method, while the mean inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mean bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the microdilution method. Then, the extract was formulated into the base of the peel-off mask gel containing variations in concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (7%, 9%, and 10%) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (2% and 2.5%). The formulations prepared were evaluated for their physical properties, including organoleptic behavior, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drying time. Irritation tests were performed, and antibacterial activity of the formulation was also assessed. Results: The results showed that the black mulberry fruit extract has antibacterial activity with MIC value of 2.5% against S. epidermidis and P. acnes, while MBC values were 2.5% and 5%, respectively. Formulations with the best results of physical evaluation were obtained for the formula containing polyvinyl alcohol at 7% and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose at 2.5%. The antibacterial activity of the peel-off mask gel formulation from black mulberries (M. nigra) extract occurs with 3 × MIC and produce inhibition zone 6.11 ± 3.2 mm against S. epidermidis and 5.43 ± 0.6 mm against P. acnes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the peel-off mask gel prepared from black mulberry (M. nigra) fruit extract is effective as well as safe to be used as a topical preparation.