Anti-Acne Action of Peptides Isolated from Burdock Root—Preliminary Studies and Pilot Testing

Abstract

This work aimed to study the anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-oxidant potential effects of low molecular weight (LMW) peptides (Br-p) isolated from burdock (Arctium lappa L.) roots. We conducted a preliminary study to exclude or confirm the antibiotic activity of the LMW peptides fraction of this plant. Br-p were isolated using gel filtration and a 10 kDa cut-off membrane. The obtained peptides were identified by MALDI TOF/TOF. Antibacterial activity was tested against acne strains using diffusion tests, MIC and MBC. The fibroblast cytotoxicity of Br-p was tested, and the selectivity index (SI) value was determined. The fraction of 46 Br-p peptides isolated from burdock root with a molecular weight below 5000 Da and theoretic pI (isoelectric point) of 3.67–11.83 showed a narrow spectrum of activity against Gram-positive acne bacterial strains. One of the Br-p peptides assessed on MALDI RapidDeNovo was LRCDYGRFFASKSLYDPLKKRR cationic peptide. It was analogous to that contained in A. lappa protein, and theoretically it was matched as a peptide with antibiotic nature. Br-p did not show toxicity to fibroblasts in the tested concentration up to 10 mg/mL, obtaining CC50 10 mg/mL. The SI value for the tested Propionibacterium strains ranged from 160 to 320. Finally, an active dressing based on chitosan/alginate/genipin was prepared using freeze-drying. The formed dressing was evaluated for its anti-acne activity. To sum up: preliminary biological studies confirmed the anti-acne properties of the isolated peptide fraction from burdock root and pointed to the possibility of using it to create an active dressing on the skin.

Synthesis, Characterization and Testing of Antimicrobial Activity of Composites of Unsaturated Polyester Resins with Wood Flour and Silver Nanoparticles

“…Seeding of materials with bacterial strains for biofilm formation determination was made to visualize viability of the biofilm structure [ 26 ]. The materials samples (unmodified one as a control (1); modified materials (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)) were washed in ethanol (2000 μL) and M-H broth (2000 μL) and moved to the bottoms of fresh 12-well polystyrene plates (NEST Biotechnology, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China).…”

“…Using the procedure of double fluorescence staining of dead and living bacterial cells, the presence, architecture and structure of the viability of the biofilm can be demonstrated. In this assay, the Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay kit for Bacteria LIVE/DEAD Cells (Biotium, Fremont, CA, USA) was used [ 26 , 27 ]. After 48 h incubation with the tested strain, the biomaterials were moved to new plates and covered with 500 µL of 0.9% NaCl and live/dead dye (prepared by mixing 1 µL of DMAO with 1 µL of EthD-III in 8 µL of 0.9% NaCl).…”

Zinc(II) Complexes of Amino Acids as New Active Ingredients for Anti-Acne Dermatological Preparations

“…Various compounds, such as essential oils and antimicrobial peptides originating from plants, as well as some retinoids, may show activity against C. acnes [10,11,35]. Miazga-Karska et al [11] showed that the low molecular weight burdock peptide Br-p inhibited the growth of C. acnes at concentrations lower than 63 mg/L, depending on the strain tested. The peptide was also found to limit the growth of S. aureus and S. epidermidis at 250 and 500 mg/L, respectively.…”

“…However, the misuse of antibiotics, often combined with their prolonged use, has resulted in the evolution of bacterial resistance to traditional drugs. Such cases have already been noted in many countries of the European Union [10,11]. Therefore, it is essential to search for alternative substances that can be effective in acne treatment.…”

Identification of a Sesquiterpene Lactone from Arctium lappa Leaves with Antioxidant Activity in Primary Human Muscle Cells

“…Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae), commonly called burdock, is a popular plant in folk medicine widely used in China and other parts of the world. Arctium lappa ( A. lappa ) has recognized healthy effects and is applied to treat various diseases including diabetes, gout, rheumatism and skin problems [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Research on A. lappa extracts obtained from roots, seeds and leaves has identified several classes of bioactive secondary metabolites including lignans, flavonoids, quinic acids, phenolics, polyacetylenes, terpenoids, lactones and polysaccharides [ 22 ].…”