| dc.description.abstract | Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition associated
with excessive sebum production, follicular blockage, and bacterial colonization,
primarily by Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Castor oil
(Ricinus communis L.) contains bioactive fatty acids with known antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory activities, making it a potential candidate for topical anti-acne
formulations.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of castor oil,
formulate it into a nanoemulgel, evaluate its physicochemical characteristics,
assess its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus
aureus, and elucidate its antibacterial mechanism of action.
Methods: The chemical composition of castor oil was analyzed by Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Nanoemulgel formulations
containing 1%, 2%, and 4% castor oil were prepared and evaluated for
organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, particle size, stability, and
antibacterial activity using the agar diffusion method. The antibacterial
mechanism was investigated by measuring nucleic acid and protein leakage via
UV-Visible spectrophotometry and ion leakage (Ca²⁺ and K⁺) via Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS).
Results: GC-MS analysis identified oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids as major
components of castor oil. The nanoemulgel exhibited favorable physicochemical
properties, particle sizes of 100–500 nm, and stability over 12 weeks at various
storage conditions. The 4% formulation demonstrated the largest antibacterial
inhibition zones. Mechanistic studies showed increased membrane permeability,
evidenced by nucleic acid/protein leakage (absorbance 0,225 nm -0,419 nm) and
ion leakage (Ca²⁺: 112.86–118.31 ppm; K⁺: 121.66–125.47 ppm).
Conclusion: Castor oil nanoemulgel at 4% concentration exhibited promising
stability and antibacterial activity, supporting its potential as a topical anti-acne
treatment. | en_US |
