The escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance and concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of chemical additives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products have spurred the search for safer, natural alternatives. Conventional treatments for skin infections often rely on antibiotics, the overuse of which contributes to resistance. Similarly, chemical sunscreens, while effective, have raised concerns about skin penetration and potential negative impacts on skin biology. In this context, natural products, particularly plant extracts and probiotics, have garnered significant attention for their diverse biological activities and potential applications in skincare. Aronia melanocarpa (Aronia) berries are rich in bioactive compounds like polyphenols, known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a promising candidate for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, probiotics such as Limosilactobacillus fermentum are recognized for their ability to improve skin health and flora, exhibiting antimicrobial and photo-protective effects. This research investigates the potential of an ethanol extract of Aronia berries (ABEE) and its synergistic effect with the probiotic L. fermentum in cream formulations aimed at inhibiting microbial development and enhancing solar protection, offering a natural alternative to conventional additives.
Methods
The study involved the preparation of an ethanol extract from Aronia melanocarpa berries, followed by in vitro evaluation of its antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms using disc diffusion, microdilution (to determine MIC and MBC/MFC), and macrodilution methods. The sun protection factor (SPF) of ABEE and ABEE-commercial cream mixtures was determined spectrophotometrically. Subsequently, cream formulations incorporating ABEE and/or L. fermentum were developed, and their antimicrobial activities were assessed using the well diffusion test. Statistical analysis was conducted to ascertain the significance of the findings.
Key Findings
•ABEE demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, with the largest inhibition zone observed against S. aureus ATCC 25923.
•The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC) values of ABEE varied among the tested microorganisms, with the lowest values (12.5 µg/µl) recorded against S. aureus ATCC 25923.
•In vitro analysis revealed a high SPF value of 25 for ABEE, suggesting its potential as a natural sunscreen ingredient.
•The SPF of cream mixtures increased proportionally with increasing concentrations of ABEE, reaching a maximum of 16.84 with 10% ABEE.
•Cream formulations containing both ABEE and the probiotic L. fermentum exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria, with a notable inhibition zone diameter of 25.40 mm against E. coli O157:H7, indicating a potential synergistic effect.
This research highlights the novel potential of Aronia berry ethanol extract (ABEE) as a natural additive in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The study demonstrates ABEE’s significant antimicrobial and antifungal activities against pathogenic microorganisms, coupled with a high sun protection factor, suggesting its utility in developing natural sunscreens and antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, the synergistic antimicrobial effect observed when ABEE is combined with the probiotic L. fermentum in cream formulations underscores a promising strategy for developing effective, natural treatments and preventative measures against clinical infections. The findings suggest that ABEE, alone or in combination with probiotics, could serve as a valuable natural alternative to chemical preservatives and synthetic antimicrobial agents in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, paving the way for the development of innovative, naturally derived products with enhanced antimicrobial and photoprotective properties. Future implications of this research include further exploration of the synergistic mechanisms between ABEE and probiotics, in vivo studies to confirm the efficacy and safety of these formulations, and the development of novel cosmetic and pharmaceutical products leveraging the benefits of Aronia berries.
Link to the study: https://hjic.mk.uni-pannon.hu/index.php/hjic/article/view/1246
