Acne Clear Formula

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ON THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS:

Berberis vulgaris (Barberry)

Aqueous extract of dried fruit of Berberis vulgaris L. in acne vulgaris, a clinical trial

Abstract

Berberis vulgaris L. (barberry) is a very well-known herb in traditional medicine. Apart from its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the antilipogenic effect of barberry on the sebaceous glands in animals may further suggest it could be employed as an anti-acne agent. This study examined the effect of oral aqueous extract of barberry on acne vulgaris. Adolescents aged 12-17 years with moderate to severe acne vulgaris were randomly given oral gelatin capsules containing either aqueous extract of dried barberry (600 mg daily for 4 weeks, n = 25) or placebo (n = 24). Counts of facial noninflamed, inflamed, and total acne lesions, as well as the Michaelson's acne severity score were documented at baseline and at weeks 2 and 4. Both groups were comparable in terms of the patients' characteristics and baseline variables. After 4 weeks, the mean number of noninflamed, inflamed, and total lesions as well as mean Michaelson's acne severity score declined significantly by 43.25 ± 10.88% (median: 42.11%), 44.53 ± 11.78% (median: 45.45%), 44.64 ± 8.46% (median: 46.15%), and 44.38 ± 8.25% (median: 44.07%), respectively, among the extract receivers (p <.001 for all the changes). Similar changes were not significant in the placebo group. No notable complication or side effect was reported in relation to barberry. In conclusion, oral aqueous extract of dried barberry is a safe, well-tolerated, and effective choice in teenagers with moderate to severe acne vulgaris.

Source: Fouladi RF. “Aqueous extract of dried fruit of Berberis vulgaris L. in acne vulgaris, a clinical trial.” J Diet Suppl. (2012);9(4):253-61.

Berberis vulgaris Juice and Acne Vulgaris: A Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

It has previously shown that aqueous extract of dried Berberis vulgaris fruit is useful against inflamed and total acne lesions. This study aimed to investigate the role of fresh Berberis vulgaris fruit juice in decreasing acne lesion counts in a group of patients with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. A total of 38 volunteers with mild-to moderate acne vulgaris were enrolled in this study; double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. They received either 100 mL freshly prepared Berberis vulgaris fruit juice (n = 18, case group) or placebo (n = 20, control group) once daily for 30 consecutive days. Facial acne noninflamed, inflamed and total (noninflamed plus inflamed) lesions were counted at baseline, on week 2 and at endpoint (day 30) by an observer who was not aware of the grouping of patients. In the case group, there were 9 males (50%) and 9 females (50%) with a mean age of 16.1±3.9 years (Range: 12-25). In the control group, there were 9 males (45%) and 11 females (55%) with a mean age of 15.9±4.7 years (Range: 12-29). The two groups were matched for sex (p = 0.76) and age (p = 0.89). Changes in the mean count of noninflamed lesions were not different between the two groups (p = 0.33). In contrast, the mean number of inflamed and total acne lesions decreased significantly more pronounced in the case than in the control group (p = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, this study showed that fresh Berberis vulgaris fruit juice is effective against acne lesions in patients with mild-to-moderate disease.

Source: Mary Johnson and Naser Rafikhah. “Berberis vulgaris Juice and Acne Vulgaris: A Placebo-Controlled Study.” Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition(2014), 6: 47-52.

Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences

Abstract

Context: Acne vulgaris affects about 85% of teenagers and may continue to adulthood. There are about two million visits to physicians per year for teenagers and the direct cost of acne treatment in the US exceeds $1 billion per year.

Evidence Acquisition: A wide variety of treatment regimens exist for acne vulgaris including benzoil peroxide, retinoids, isotretinoids, keratolytic soaps, alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, salicilic acid as well as hormonal, anti-androgen or antiseborrheic treatments. However, none of these methods is free of side effects and their exact role in therapy is not clear. In this paper apart from presenting the possible causes of acne vulgaris and its available drugs, recently published papers about medicinal plants used in the treatment of acne vulgaris were reviewed.

Results: Consumption of alternative and complementary medicine, including medicinal plants, is increasing and is common amongst patients affected by acne and infectious skin diseases. Medicinal plants have a long history of use and have been shown to possess low side effects. These plants are a reliable source for preparation of new drugs.

Conclusions: Many plants seem to have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses in vitro. However, there are a few clinical evidences about the effectiveness and safety of these plants in the treatment of acne and other skin infections.

Source: Nasri H, Bahmani M, Shahinfard N, Moradi Nafchi A, Saberianpour S, Rafieian Kopaei M. “Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences.” Jundishapur J Microbiol. (2015);8(11):e25580.

Zinc

Innovative uses for zinc in dermatology

Abstract

Severe zinc deficiency states, such as acrodermatitis enteropathica, are associated with a variety of skin manifestations, such as perioral, acral, and perineal dermatitis. These syndromes can be reversed with systemic zinc repletion. In addition to skin pathologies that are clearly zinc-dependent, many dermatologic conditions (eg, dandruff, acne, and diaper rash) have been associated and treated with zinc. Success rates for treatment with zinc vary greatly depending on the disease, mode of administration, and precise zinc preparation used. With the exception of systemic zinc deficiency states, there is little evidence that convincingly demonstrates the efficacy of zinc as a reliable first-line treatment for most dermatologic conditions. However, zinc may be considered as an adjunctive treatment modality. Further research is needed to establish the indications for zinc treatment in dermatology, optimal mode of zinc delivery, and best type of zinc compound to be used.

Source: Bae YS, Hill ND, Bibi Y, Dreiher J, Cohen AD. “Innovative uses for zinc in dermatology.” Dermatol Clin. (2010);28(3):587-97.

An observational study of methionine-bound zinc with antioxidants for mild to moderate acne vulgaris

Abstract

APC is a novel methionine-based zinc complex with antioxidants that has been used in acne as a nutritional supplement. This is based on the proven role of zinc and antioxidants in improving acne, specially the inflammatory lesions. The objectives of this study are to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of APC in acne patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris. In this exploratory trial, 48 patients were treated with oral APC thrice a day for 3 months followed by a 4-week treatment-free period. At the end of treatment (Week 12), there was a statistically significant improvement in the global acne count (p < 0.05), which began after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Almost 79% (38/48) of the patients had 80-100% improvement. There was a significant reduction in pustules (8 weeks (p < 0.05) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001)), and papules and closed comedones (8 weeks (p < 0.05) and 12 weeks (p < 0.001)). Only two patients had side effects. The current data indicate that treatment with oral APC thrice daily for 12 weeks in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris is efficacious and well tolerated. As the onset of action is late, concomitant topical therapy can enhance the results.

Source: Sardana K, Garg VK. “An observational study of methionine-bound zinc with antioxidants for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.” Dermatol Ther. (2010);23(4):411-8.

Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne

Abstract

The effects of oral zinc sulfate (corresponding to 135 mg of zinc daily) alone and in combination with vitamin A (300,000 international units) daily on acne lesions have been compared with those of vitamin A alone and of a placebo. The number of comedones, papules, pustules, and infiltrates were counted at each visit. After four weeks, there was a significant decrease in the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates in the zinc-treated groups. The effect of zinc plus vitamin A was not better than zinc alone. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean acne score had decreased from 100% to 15%. The mechanism for the effect of zinc therapy in acne, to our knowledge, is not presently known.

Source: Michaëlsson G, Juhlin L, Vahlquist A. “Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne.” Arch Dermatol. (1977);113(1):31-6.

Diindolylmethane (DIM)

Anti-androgenic activity of absorption-enhanced 3, 3’-diindolylmethane in prostatectomy patients

Abstract

Consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of developing prostate cancer. Antineoplastic effects of cruciferous vegetables are attributable to bioactive indoles, most prominently, 3, 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM). In addition to effects on proliferation and apoptosis, DIM acts as an antiandrogen in prostate cancer cell lines. This study characterized the effects of prostatic DIM on the androgen receptor (AR) in patients with prostate cancer. Men with localized prostate cancer were treated with a specially formulated DIM capsule designed for enhanced bioavailability (BR-DIM) at a dose of 225 mg orally twice daily for a minimum of 14 days. DIM levels and AR activity were assessed at the time of prostatectomy. Out of 28 evaluable patients, 26 (93%) had detectable prostatic DIM levels, with a mean concentration of 14.2 ng/gm. The mean DIM plasma level on BR-DIM therapy was 9.0 ng/mL; levels were undetectable at baseline and in follow-up samples. AR localization in the prostate was assessed with immunohistochemistry. After BR-DIM therapy, 96% of patients exhibited exclusion of the AR from the cell nucleus. In contrast, in prostate biopsy samples obtained prior to BR-DIM therapy, no patient exhibited AR nuclear exclusion. Declines in PSA were observed in a majority of patients (71%). Compliance was excellent and toxicity was minimal. In summary, BR-DIM treatment resulted in reliable prostatic DIM levels and anti-androgenic biologic effects at well tolerated doses. These results support further investigation of BR-DIM as a chemopreventive and therapeutic agent in prostate cancer.

Source: Hwang C, Sethi S, Heilbrun LK, Gupta NS, Chitale DA, Sakr WA, Menon M, Peabody JO, Smith DW, Sarkar FH, Heath EI. “Anti-androgenic activity of absorption-enhanced 3, 3'-diindolylmethane in prostatectomy patients.” Am J Transl Res. (2016);8(1):166-76.

3,3′-Diindolylmethane Modulates Estrogen Metabolism in Patients with Thyroid Proliferative Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The incidence of thyroid cancer is four to five times higher in women than in men, suggesting a role for estrogen (E2) in the pathogenesis of thyroid proliferative disease (TPD) that comprises cancer and goiter. The objective of this study was to investigate the antiestrogenic activity of 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM), a bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, in patients with TPD.

Methods: In this limited phase I clinical trial study, patients found to have TPD were administered 300 mg of DIM per day for 14 days. Patients subsequently underwent a total or partial thyroidectomy, and tissue, urine, and serum samples were collected. Pre- and post-DIM serum and urine samples were analyzed for DIM levels as well as estrogen metabolites. DIM levels were also determined in thyroid tissue samples.

Results: DIM was detectable in thyroid tissue, serum, and urine of patients after 14 days of supplementation. Urine analyses revealed that DIM modulated estrogen metabolism in patients with TPD. There was an increase in the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrones (C-2) to 16α-hydroxyestrone (C-16), consistent with antiestrogenic activity that results in more of C-2 product compared with C-16.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that DIM enhances estrogen metabolism in TPD patients and can potentially serve as an antiestrogenic dietary supplement to help reduce the risk of developing TPD. The fact that DIM is detected in thyroid tissue implicates that it can manifest its antiestrogenic activity in situ to modulate TPD.

Source: Rajoria S, Suriano R, Parmar PS, Wilson YL, Megwalu U, Moscatello A, Bradlow HL, Sepkovic DW, Geliebter J, Schantz SP, Tiwari RK. “3,3'-diindolylmethane modulates estrogen metabolism in patients with thyroid proliferative disease: a pilot study.” Thyroid. (2011);21(3):299-304.

Pantothenic acid

Effects of supplemental pantothenic acid on wound healing: experimental study in rabbit

Abstract

The effect of pantothenic acid supplementation and deficiency on wound healing was investigated over a one month postoperative period in rabbits. The supplemented group was injected with pentothenate (20 mg/kg of body weight/24 h) for three weeks and compared to a placebo group (0.5 ml of distilled water). Deficient animals were fed with a pantothenate free diet also for three weeks. These three experimental groups were matched against a control group. The degree of wound healing was determined by the mean of postoperative breaking strength and wound fibroblast population changes. Pantothenic acid urinary excretion measured by gas chromatography served as control of pantothenate consumption. With regard to these three parameters no significant difference has been found between placebo and controls. The average urinary elimination in the pantothenic acid group was significantly higher as far as the pantothenate supplemented group was concerned, while the deficient group showed no significant decrease when compared to controls. Chronic pre- and postoperative pantothenic acid supplementation significantly increased aponeurosis strength after surgery; it improved slightly, but not significantly the strength of the skin. Furthermore, the fibroblast content of the scar became significantly greater during the fibroblast proliferation phase after pantothenic supplementation. These data suggest that pantothenic acid induces an accelerating effect of the normal healing process. The mechanism responsible for this improvement seems to be an increase in cellular multiplication during the first postoperative period. But the exact intimate mechanism of the beneficial effect of pantothenate remains unclear.

Source: Aprahamian M, Dentinger A, Stock-Damgé C, Kouassi JC, Grenier JF. “Effects of supplemental pantothenic acid on wound healing: experimental study in rabbit.” Am J Clin Nutr. (1985);41(3):578-89.

The potential role of B5: A stitch in time and switch in cytokine

Abstract

The wound healing process is a multifaceted sequence of activities associated with tissue restoration. Novel approaches for the perfection of wound healing have been determined as a stitch in time saves nine. Dysregulation of the immune response is a key element in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases and serves as a potential target for novel therapeutic strategies. Vitamin B5 (VB5), also known as pantothenate or "anti-stress vitamin," is the precursor of coenzyme A, which is essential in every micro-organism. Many pantothenic acid amides acquire persuasive antimicrobial activity. Pantothenic acid improves surgical wounds healing with moisturizing and skin barrier enhancing potential. Its deficiency leads to reduced cortisol production, increased arthritic pain, myalgia, fatigue, headache, depression, insomnia, and widespread "proinflammatory" effects on the immune-system. VB5 triggers immune cells to produce cytokines and is multifunctional. The paradoxical effect of VB5 on the switch of anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines has been revealed. This review aims to present the long research journey of B5 as it is becoming a forerunner in the healing of wounds and in enhancing the immune function, thus providing potentially important therapeutic implications. As its role in healing a wound stitch is promising, amending the immune system damage too is a hopeful target.

Source: Gheita AA, Gheita TA, Kenawy SA. “The potential role of B5: A stitch in time and switch in cytokine.” Phytother Res. (2020);34(2):306-314.

 

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23038982/
2. https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ajcn.2014.47.52
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740760/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20510767/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20666829/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/137693/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4759426/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048776/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3976557/
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31691401/