ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIALS OF ALOE BARBADENSIS MILLER AND CITRUS LIMON PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST SKIN INFECTING PROPIONIBACTERIUM ACNES: BOTH IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO ATTEMPTS

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin condition that significantly affects facial aesthetics and psychological well-being. It is primarily caused by Propionibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium residing in the pilosebaceous units. The increasing resistance of P. acnes to conventional antibiotics has led to reduced treatment efficacy and rising healthcare costs. As a result, attention has shifted toward herbal therapies that offer safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives. Among the various botanicals, Aloe vera and Citrus lemon have shown promising antimicrobial properties and are widely used in traditional medicine. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Aloe vera and Citrus lemon extracts against P. acnes using both in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Methods: Leaves of Aloe vera and fruits of Citrus lemon were collected from District Bannu. Methanolic and aqueous extracts were prepared in concentrations of 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/ml. In-vitro testing was performed using the agar well diffusion method with Clindamycin as the positive control. In-vivo analysis involved topical application of aqueous extracts on acne lesions across multiple body parts of participants over a seven-day period. Antibacterial effects were evaluated based on the zone of inhibition and percentage reduction in acne. Results: Aloe vera extract showed inhibition zones of 12, 14, 20, and 23 mm at increasing concentrations, while Citrus lemon produced zones of 13, 16, 19, and 21 mm. Combination therapy yielded enhanced inhibition zones of 14, 17, 21, and 24 mm. In-vivo findings revealed a 61% reduction in acne with Aloe vera, 51% with Citrus lemon, and 67% when used in combination. Conclusion: Both Aloe vera and Citrus lemon demonstrated substantial antibacterial activity against P. acnes, with combined use yielding superior results. These findings support further investigation into the phytochemical constituents for potential large-scale therapeutic use.