Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LIFE SCIENCE
MEMBERS:
Dan Jenniel M. Cedeño
France Quia Belle Vilar
Pia Louise Ronquillo
TITLE DEFENSE
“The Antimicrobial Potential of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary
Essential Oil) and Abelmoschus Escelentus (Okra Extract) in Inhibiting
Acne-causing Bacteria Colonization in Pores”
Introduction
Background of the Study
The prevalence of acne, a common skin disorder, has been increasing worldwide,
affecting individuals of all ages. Acne is primarily caused by the colonization of bacteria,
particularly Propionibacterium acnes, within the skin pores. The overgrowth of these bacteria
leads to inflammation, resulting in the formation of acne lesions. The conventional treatments
for acne often involve the use of antibiotics, which may lead to the development of antibiotic
resistance. Therefore, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative antimicrobial agents
derived from natural sources.
Rosemary essential oil is derived from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis and is
known for its strong antimicrobial properties. It contains several bioactive compounds,
including rosmarinic acid, camphor, and cineole, which have been reported to possess
antibacterial activity against various pathogens. Studies have shown that rosemary essential
oil can effectively inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria, including Propionibacterium
acnes. The antimicrobial activity of rosemary essential oil is believed to be attributed to its
ability to disrupt the bacterial cell membrane and inhibit essential enzymes involved in
bacterial growth.
Okra, on the other hand, is a vegetable widely consumed in many parts of the world.
It is rich in various bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and
polysaccharides, which have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties. Several
studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effects of okra extract against various bacteria,
including those implicated in acne formation. The antimicrobial activity of okra extract is
believed to be due to its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with
essential cellular processes.
Considering the antimicrobial potential of rosemary essential oil and okra extract, it is
hypothesized that these natural compounds may effectively inhibit the colonization of acne-
causing bacteria in the skin pores. By inhibiting bacterial growth, these natural agents may
help prevent the development of acne lesions and reduce inflammation associated with the
condition. Moreover, the use of natural antimicrobial agents may offer a safer and more
sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments for acne.
Hypotheses
Objectives
This study focuses on the antimicrobial properties of rosemary essential oil and okra
extract against acne-causing bacteria. The research will involve in vitro experiments to
evaluate the inhibitory effects of these natural extracts on the growth and colonization of
Propionibacterium acnes. The study will also explore the potential mechanisms of action by
which these extracts exert their antimicrobial effects. This research will be limited to in vitro
experiments, which may not fully represent the complex interactions that occur within the
human body. Therefore, the findings may not directly translate to clinical efficacy.
The inhibition of acne-causing bacteria colonization within the skin's pores is a key
focus in the development of acne treatments. Conventional antimicrobial agents used in acne
management often pose concerns related to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects,
highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Natural compounds derived from botanical
sources, such as rosemary essential oil and okra extract, offer promising antimicrobial
properties that can potentially target acne-causing bacteria without the drawbacks associated
with conventional therapies. By leveraging the antimicrobial potential of these natural
extracts, it may be possible to develop novel formulations or products aimed at preventing
and treating acne by effectively inhibiting bacterial colonization within the skin's pores.
This study will utilize an experimental research design to investigate the antimicrobial
potential of rosemary essential oil and okra extract in inhibiting acne-causing bacteria
colonization in pores. The experimental approach involves the manipulation of variables,
such as the application of the treatments, to observe their effects on bacterial colonization.
Data will be collected through field observations, measurements, and experimentation.
Statistical and qualitative analyses will be employed to interpret the results and draw
conclusions regarding the efficacy of rosemary essential oil and okra extract in acne
management. This methodology aims to provide scientific insights into the antimicrobial
properties of these natural compounds for potential skincare applications.
Research Design
The researcher will employ experimental research to investigate the antimicrobial
potential of rosemary essential oil and okra extract in inhibiting the colonization of acne-
causing bacteria in pores.
1. Observations:
- Visually assessing changes in skin condition of participants using the treatments.
- Observing microbial colonization in pores using specialized imaging techniques.
2. Measurements:
- Measuring skin pH levels before and after treatment.
- Quantifying acne lesions and conducting microbiological measurements to assess
bacterial presence.
3. Experiments:
- Conducting in vitro experiments to assess antimicrobial activity of the treatments.
- Testing different formulations or concentrations of the treatments for efficacy in inhibiting
bacterial growth.
- Conducting controlled experiments on human subjects to evaluate the treatments' effects.
Respondents
Expected Outcomes
Deng, J., Li, Y. Q., Liu, Y., & Zhang, J. W. (2019). Evaluation of flavonoids and
polysaccharides from okra as potential antibiotic synergists against Staphylococcus
aureus. Journal of Food Science, 84(6), 1463-1470. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-
3841.14607
Jabeen, A., & Zia, M. A. (2015). Potential use of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) in novel
drug delivery systems. Drug Delivery, 22(1), 129-138.
https://doi.org/10.3109/10717544.2014.892862
Kushwaha, S., Sonkar, R., & Gupta, P. (2018). Studies on anti-acne activity of Okra fruits
(Abelmoschus esculentus). Journal of Biologically Active Products from Nature, 8(1),
50-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/22311866.2018.1497482
Miguel, M. G., Cruz, C., Faleiro, L., Simões, M. T., & Figueiredo, A. C. (2014). Antibacterial
properties of essential oils and their components against Propionibacterium acnes: An
alternative approach to acne treatment. Medicines, 1(1), 63-81.
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines1010063
Patil, A., Baba, S., &rasu, K. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of okra (Abelmoschus
esculentus) extract against a range of bacteria. Journal of Natural Science, Biology
and Medicine, 9(2), 259-262. https://doi.org/10.4103/jnsbm.JNSBM_34_18
Tajkarimi, M. M., Ibrahim, S. A., & Cliver, D. O. (2010). Antimicrobial herb and spice
compounds in food. Food Control, 21(9), 1199-1218.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2010.02.003