Abstract

G. Sridhar*, Dr. A. S. K. Sankar, N. Praveenkumar, S. Manimegalai, E. Mathesh, K. Menaka, P. Mohan, M. Nandhakumar

ABSTRACT

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults worldwide. The long-term use of conventional anti-acne medications is often associated with adverse effects, including skin irritation, dryness, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Consequently, there is increasing interest in the development of plant-based therapeutic alternatives with improved safety profiles and therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of fifteen medicinal plants reported to possess antibacterial activity relevant to acne management. Information regarding botanical family, biological source, plant part used, extraction method, bioassay employed, and antibacterial activity expressed as zone of inhibition has been systematically compiled. The reviewed studies demonstrate that various plant extracts, including methanolic, ethanolic, aqueous, and essential oil preparations, exhibit significant inhibitory effects against acne-associated microorganisms such as Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. By critically summarizing the available experimental evidence, this review highlights the antibacterial potential of medicinal plants and supports their prospective application as natural therapeutic agents in the management of acne vulgaris.