Preparation and Evaluation of Topical Formulations Containing Arctium lappa L. Root Extract for the Treatment of Acne

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21064577

Keywords:

Burdock (Arctium Lappa), Acne Vulgaris, Phytopharmaceutical Preparations, Flavonoids, Antibacterial Agents

Abstract

This study aims to formulate and evaluate topical cream and toner containing Arctium lappa root extract as a promising natural alternative treatment for acne vulgaris. Acne is a common dermatological disorder associated with sebum overproduction, follicular hyperkeratinization, and cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to cutaneous inflammation.

The active compounds were extracted from burdock roots using 70% ethanolic extraction, and then incorporated into carefully designed cream and toner formulations. Both preparations underwent comprehensive physicochemical testing to evaluate parameters including pH, appearance, viscosity, stability, and spreadability.

Analysis results demonstrated that the cream exhibits skin-compatible pH (5.4) and a viscosity of 18,257 centipoise (cP), with no phase separation or particle aggregation observed following centrifugation, along with excellent spreadability characteristics.

The findings highlight the efficacy of burdock root extract (Arctium lappa) as a phytochemical component, with published studies confirming its significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The study recommends conducting additional clinical trials to establish optimal dosage parameters and enhance the formulation's therapeutic efficacy.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] A. H. Sutaria, S. Masood, H. M. Saleh, and J. Schlessinger, “Acne vulgaris,” in StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL, USA: StatPearls Publishing, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/

[2] J. K. L. Tan and K. Bhate, “A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne,” British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 172, Suppl. 1, pp. 3–12, 2015, doi: 10.1111/bjd.13462.

[3] H. Yousef, M. Alhajj, A. O. Fakoya, and S. Sharma, “Anatomy, skin (integument), epidermis,” in StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL, USA: StatPearls Publishing, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470464/

[4] M. Vasam, S. Korutla, and R. A. Bohara, “Acne vulgaris: A review of the pathophysiology, treatment, and recent nanotechnology-based advances,” Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, vol. 36, Art. no. 101578, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101578.

[5] A. S. M. Morshed et al., “Understanding the impact of acne vulgaris and associated psychological distress on self-esteem and quality of life via regression modeling with CADI, DLQI, and WHOQoL,” Scientific Reports, vol. 13, Art. no. 21084, 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-48182-6.

[6] National Health Service, “Acne.” [Online]. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

[7] C. Y. Huang et al., “Comparative efficacy of pharmacological treatments for acne vulgaris: A network meta-analysis of 221 randomized controlled trials,” Annals of Family Medicine, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 358–369, 2023, doi: 10.1370/afm.2995.

[8] N. Yosri et al., “Arctium lappa (burdock): Insights from ethnopharmacology potential, chemical constituents, clinical studies, pharmacological utility and nanomedicine,” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 158, Art. no. 114104, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114104.

[9] RxList, “Burdock: Health benefits, side effects, uses, dose & precautions,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/burdock.htm

[10] M. Miazga-Karska, K. Michalak, and G. Ginalska, “Anti-acne action of peptides isolated from burdock root—Preliminary studies and pilot testing,” Molecules, vol. 25, no. 9, Art. no. 2027, 2020, doi: 10.3390/molecules25092027.

[11] M. Jhansi Rani et al., “Formulation and evaluation of herbal anti-acne face wash,” European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 577–581, 2020.

[12] G. K. Sharma, J. Gadhiya, and M. Dhanawat, Textbook of Cosmetic Formulations. Houston, TX, USA: Kbuuk Publications; India: Pothi.com, 2016.

[13] A. A. Setiawan, S. Megawati, A. Yuniarto, and Abdulloh, “Formulation and activity tests of anti-acne toner 70% ethanol extract black garlic (Allium sativum L.),” Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 717–723, 2025, doi: 10.29303/jppipa.v11i1.10093.

[14] T. Hakozaki et al., “The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer,” British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 147, no. 1, pp. 20–31, 2002, doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04834.x.

[15] J. B. Harborne, Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis, 3rd ed. London, U.K.: Chapman & Hall, 1998.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-24

Issue

Section

Articles – Volume 3 Number 2

Categories

How to Cite

[1]
T. Aldaher, F. Alhakim, R. Alhindi, and F. Shikh Alsouk, “Preparation and Evaluation of Topical Formulations Containing Arctium lappa L. Root Extract for the Treatment of Acne”, J.W.P.U, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 189–202, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.21064577.

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.