Acne: a persistent skin condition and treatments in search of renewal
Acne is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, mainly affecting adolescents but also many adults. It results from the obstruction of the hair follicles by an excess of sebum and dead cells, promoting the proliferation of the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. Conventional treatments include topical benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and antibiotics such as erythromycin. However, the repeated use of these antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistant strains of C. Acnesmaking treatments less effective and highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches.
Propolis: a diversity of compositions with various therapeutic properties
Propolis is a resinous substance that bees make by mixing plant exudates with their salivary secretions and wax. Used to clog and sterilize the hive, it has antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Its chemical composition is extremely variable, dependent on plants stalled by bees, which gives each propolis unique properties. Jean-Michel Brunel specifies: “The composition of a given propolis depends on the local flora which surrounds the apiary and which the bees feed: it will therefore be different from one hive to another“.
Promising results and encouraging application prospects
Jean-Michel Brunel’s team has analyzed propolis samples from two regions of Rwanda, rich in plant biodiversity. The tests revealed that these propolis inhibit the growth of C. Acnes. The researchers identified two distinct active molecules: linoleic acid and the 2,4-di-Tert-Butylphenol. Linoleic acid has shown significant effectiveness against C. Acnes At a concentration of 16 µg/ml, suggesting its potential for the development of propolis ointments for acne treatment. The 2,4-di-Ter-Butylphenol, on the other hand, has also demonstrated a notable antibacterial activity.
To confirm this discovery, the researchers tested the effect of propolis containing 2.4 – DTBP on a Murin model. After the inoculation of C. Acnesthe substance has reduced skin inflammation and makes the pimples disappear. “”As part of this work and thanks to a partnership with a dermatologist, some volunteer patients were also able to be treated with a cream based on this propolis: a reduction in the severity of their acne was noted in a few days “specifies Jean-Michel Brunel.
These discoveries open the way to natural topical treatments against acne, exploiting the unique properties of certain propolis. “It would be necessary that a pharmaceutical laboratory could conduct a clinical trial in humans to ensure the safety of the potential treatment, either from the active molecules that we have described, either by directly using these propolis which also contain molecules with interesting anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of acne”clarifies Jean-Michel Brunel.
The researcher plans to examine other propolis, in particular those from French hives, to assess their effectiveness not only against C. Acnes, but also against other germs responsible for skin infections, cavities or angina, “Diseases for which treatments are easy to develop in the form of ointments or even sprays “he concludes.