An Overview of Malaysian Rainforest Herbs with Potential Anti-acne Activity

Background: Acne vulgaris, a common dermatological disorder that affects around 85% of individuals and is characterized by inflammation and infection. Natural products and traditional medicines have been used as alternative treatments to chemical-based products due to negative side effects and drug resistance. Objective: This review aims to provide an overview of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Malaysian medicinal plants for use in acne. Methodology: The databases used were the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI), PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct. At least one keyword or combination of the following terms: i) antibacterial, ii) anti-inflammatory, iii) antioxidant, iv) anti-acne, v) antimicrobial, vi) Malaysia, and vii) medicinal plants, were used for the search. Results: Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Quercus infectoria, Strobilanthes crispus, Aquilaria crassna, Ficus deltoidea Jack, Phyllanthus emblica, Barringtonia racemosa, Boesenbergia rotunda L, Rhinacanthus nasutus, Tacca integrifolia rhizome, Clinacanthus Nutans, Labisa pumila Benth. Morinda citrifolia with Psidium guajava L. leaves, Cinnamomum verum, Moringa oleifera, Salix alba, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Garcinia mangostana, Azadirachta indica, and Aloe barbadensis miller have been linked to the use as potential anti-acne agents. Conclusion: Malaysia's rainforest herbs have the potential to be used in formulations for adjunct treatment to currently available anti-acne agents due to their antiinflammatory and antibacterial bioactivities.