Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a common skin condition, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland via androgen stimulation. Acne mainly affects the teenagers up to 95% boys and 83% girls due to the hormonal changes. The incidence of severity of acne peak at 40% in 14-17 year old girls and 35% in boys aged 16-19. Acne treatment involves the correcting of the altered pattern of follicular keratinization, decreasing sebaceous gland activity, decreasing Propionibacterium acnes population and producing anti-inflammatory effect. Tetracycline, erythromycin, roxithromycin, clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid are generally employed to inhibit inflammation or to kill the bacteria. Long term use of these antibiotics cause significant antibiotic resistance and multiple drug resistance in acne patients. There are various treatments available in the market like, hormonal therapy, oral therapy, phototherapy, laser treatment. Other alternative treatment is laser therapy, cosmetic surgery, etc. Which is a costlier option. In order to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance, medicinal plants have been extensively studied as an alternative treatment for acne. In addition, the medicinal plants/ naturally derived compounds are believed to be safer than synthetic compounds.
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