Phytochemicals, promising strategies combating Cutibacterium acnes

Abstract

The excessive proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is an important reason for the occurrence of acne vulgaris, and genetic detection ratio of C. acnes in acne is as high as 60.5%. Until now, the treatment of C. acnes is mainly limited to antibiotics, but some strains of C. acnes produce antimicrobial resistances, making it difficult for clinical treatment. Additionally, antibiotics can cause severe adverse effects. Therefore, more and more people are paying attention to phytochemicals. It is well known that plants can synthesize a range of secondary metabolites, named phytochemicals, part of which have antibacterial properties. Additionally, the main advantages of phytochemicals are that they have good efficacies and less side effects, so they are suitable choices for medical treatment. This review mainly discusses the effects and mechanisms of phytochemicals against C. acnes.

Keywords: Cutibacterium acnes; acne vulgaris; antibiosis; phytochemicals; plant composition.

FIGURE 1

The mechanisms of phytochemicals against C. acnes were summarized. In this figure, the inhibition of ATP synthase and Ftsz protein by RSL on C. acnes was speculated by the inhibition mechanism of RSL on E. coli, which has not been confirmed by relevant studies. Oregano essential oil has broad-spectrum anti-biofilm activity, but its anti-C. acnes biofilm effect is only speculated and has not been confirmed. Abbreviations in the Figure: ADP, adenosine diphosphate; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; FabD, Malonyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase; FtsZ, filamentous temperature sensitive protein; HON, honokiol; KAS III, β-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase III; MAG, magnolol; resveratrol, RSL; SAB, saponins A and B; SHI, shikonin; Trx, thioredoxin; LA, Lauric acid; OEO, oregano essential oil; PHL, Phloretin; PUN, punicalagin.