EVALUATION OF ANTI-ACNE POTENTIAL OF IMPATIENS WALLERIANA EXTRACT

Objective: Knowledge about medicinal plants can contribute to modern therapeutics. Impatience walleriana [Family: Balsaminaceae] an ornamental, nutritive herb has relevance in African and Asian traditional medicines. Traditionally I. walleriana is used for anti-inflammatory, anti-dermatitis effects and is known to relieve skin irritation. It is applied on skin to treat bacterial and fungal infection. Acne is a common skin disorder mainly seen in adolescents. Treatment for acne revolves around anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of drugs. Anti-bacterial and antioxidant activities of I. walleriana have been reported previously reported. In the present study anti-acne potential of I. walleriana extract is evaluated against Propionibacterium acne and an attempt has been made to co-relate findings with traditional claims. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of I. walleriana is evaluated for effectiveness against P. acne by measuring zone of inhibition using well diffusion method and by finding MIC. Tetracycline is used as standard. Results: Results of Zone of Inhibition are promising with an average of 11mm, 08mm and 4mm in the duplicate readings obtained. MIC results with 1.6µl/ml concentration reinforces the effectiveness of I. walleriana extract against P. acne organism. Conclusion: Our hypothesis is met with positive results. I. walleriana extract can be a good source for supplementing existing anti-acne medicines.