Development of a Natural Cream Additive Containing an Extract of Aronia Melanocarpa Berries and a Probiotic to Inhibit Microbial Development and Increase Solar Protection

Natural products have been used in cosmetics for centuries for skincare purposes. One of the most effective ways to protect skin flora and keep the skin healthy is to use plant extracts in cosmetic products. This study aimed to investigate the biological activities of an aronia berries ethanol extract (ABEE) obtained from Aronia melanocarpa (Aronia) as well as determine its potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the study, disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC or MBC) tests were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of ABEE. Next, the antimicrobial activity of ABEE was accurately determined by counting live cells against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using the macrodilution method. The sun protection factor (SPF) of ABEE and ABEE + commercial cream mixtures was obtained in vitro. Finally, cream formulations containing ABEE and a probiotic were developed for the treatment and prevention of clinical infections. In this context, the antimicrobial activities of the developed cream mixtures were determined using the well diffusion test. The inhibition zone diameter of ABEE against test microorganisms was measured to be between 8.32 and 14.49 mm. MIC and MBC or MFC values of the extract were measured to be within 12.5-50.0 µg/µl. ABEE exhibited the best antimicrobial activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923. At an ABEE concentration of 50 mg/ml, a significant decrease in the number of viable cells of S. aureus ATCC 25923 was observed compared to the control. An ABEE concentration of 100 mg/ml inhibited all bacterial growth. The SPF value of ABEE determined in vitro was high (25) and those of the cream mixtures also increased as the ABEE concentration increased. ABEE and probiotic-containing cream mixtures exhibited high antimicrobial activities on the tested microorganisms. With the synergistic effect of the extract and probiotic, the highest antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli O157:H7 with an inhibition zone diameter of 25.40 mm. ABEE may be used as a natural antimicrobial agent to prevent or treat clinical infections in the pharmaceutical industry and as a natural ingredient in sunscreen in the cosmetic industry.