Antimicrobial investigation of Linum usitatissimum for the treatment of acne.
Light petroleum, dichloromethane and methanolic extracts of Linum usitatissimum were investigated using GC/MS. The main components of three sequential extracts were methyl linolenate (11.9-33.9%) and methyl linoleate (3.4-9.1%). Components possessing antimicrobial activity against acne causing bacteria, namely alpha-linolenic acid (7.0 -7.1%), alpha-terpinene (1.7-3.1%), terpinen-4-ol (1.3-4.6%), 4-cymene (1.6-7.1%) and alpha-pinene (1.1%), were found in varying amounts. Antimicrobial screening indicated that the light petroleum extract was more active against aerobic and anaerobic test strains with a MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL and a MBC of 2.5 mg/mL against S. aureus and P. acnes. A MIC of 2.5 mg/mL was observed against S. epidermidis.
Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Pharmacy, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India.
Pratibha
P
Nand
Sushma
S
Drabu
Rajinder K
RK
Gupta
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D019597:Flax / Q000737:chemistry*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts