Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that normally begins in puberty and is characterized by the presence of raised red pimples. Acne occurs when male sex hormones, known as androgens, cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much sebum. A bacteria known as Propionebacterium acnes feeds on the sebum and produces waste products that inflame the sebaceous glands. Acne is sometimes treated with topical antibiotics, azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide. In some cases a doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline, or for women, a contraceptive pill that contains anti-androgens. Some herbs may help to reduce the production of androgens and fight bacteria. However, scientific evidence to prove they work is limited. You should talk to a doctor before using herbs to treat your acne.
Examples
Herbs that may help to alleviate acne include tea tree and an herb known as guggul. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, tea tree, also known as Melaleuca alternafolia, may reduce inflammation by killing bacteria. Guggul, a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, contains a chemical called guggulsterone that may reduce acne severity.
Use
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises taking 500 mg of guggul twice daily to treat acne. Guggul may be taken as a powder, in capsules or as a tablet. Make sure that the supplement you select is standardized to contain 25 mg of the active ingredient, guggulsterone, per 500 mg of guggul. Tea tree should be applied topically as a gel or oil. Do not take tea tree orally, as it may have toxic effects.
Efficacy
Clinical data to prove the efficacy of guggul is limited. A study published in October 1994 in the "Journal of Dermatology" found that most patients who took a 25 mg dose of guggulesterone twice daily for three months experienced a reduction in acne severity. However, no other studies have been carried out since then. The results of a randomized double-blind clinical trial published in January 2007 in the "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology" found that 5 percent tea tree oil was effective in mild to moderate acne.
Side Effects
Tea tree oil is not associated with significant side effects when used topically, although some people may experience inflammation and irritation. Taking tea tree oil orally is not recommended and may cause muscle tremors, loss of coordination and an abnormal blood count. According to Drugs.com, the toxicity profile of guggul has not been adequately studied, but clinical trials have not identified any significant side effects.
Contradindications
Do not use tea tree oil or guggul if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid guggul if you have an over-active thyroid or suffer from a bleeding disorder, as this herb may stimulate the thyroid gland and increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take guggul alongside propranolol or diltiazem. Tea tree oil may interact with other acne treatments such as tretinoin or isotretinoin. Talk to your doctor before using these herbs.
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