Yashada bhasma ( Z inc calx) and T ankana ( B orax) inhibit P ropionibacterium acne and suppresses acne induced inflammation in vitro

Summary Objective Yashada bhasma ( YB ) and T ankana ( TA ) are well characterized minerals used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various skin ailments. Yashada bhasma and TA are a unique preparation of zinc and borax, respectively. The study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro inhibitory effect of YB , TA and its combination ( YBTA ) on P ropionibacterium acne growth and P . acne ‐induced inflammation. Methods The minerals were tested for anti‐ P . acne activity by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The effect of these minerals on P . acne induced TNF ‐ α and IL ‐8 production and gene expression were studied in THP ‐1 cells. In vitro toxicity was tested on human keratinocytes ( H a C a T ) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts ( NIH 3T3) using MTT assay. Results The minimum inhibitory concentrations ( MIC values) for YB , TA and YBTA against P . acne were 0.1 ± 0.2, 1.9 ± 0.5 and 0.3 ± 0.5 mg mL −1 , respectively. YB , TA and YBTA inhibited TNF α by 57.57%, 59.09% and 68.93% and IL ‐8 production by 48.76%, 47.92% and 51.13% in P . acne‐ stimulated THP‐1 cells, respectively. The CTC 50 values on H a C a T and NIH3T3 was 17.44 ± 0.5 and 16.37 ± 0.2 μg mL −1 for YB , 1023.03 ± 4.0 and 1286.17 ± 4.4 μg mL −1 for TA and 89.12 ± 2.3 and 111.58 ± 3.5 μg mL −1 for YBTA , respectively. Conclusion The present study revealed the inhibitory effect of YB , TA and YBTA on P . acne growth and inflammation. Clinical studies have suggested the anti‐acne benefits of formulations containing YB and TA . The findings obtained from the present in vitro studies provide evidence to support the mechanism of anti‐acne properties of YB and TA .