Garcinia mangostana hydrogel patch: bactericidal activity and clinical safety for acne vulgaris treatment

Garcinia mangostana, simply known as mangosteen, has long been used by Thai traditional medicine because of its reported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities for the treatment of skin infections. In this study, mangosteen pericarps were developed into a hydrogel patch to eradicate acne-inducing bacteria.

The G. mangostana extract was investigated for bactericidal activity. A hydrogel patch containing the extract was examined for mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, in vitro release, skin permeation, and a phase I clinical study of skin irritation and allergic testing by a closed patch test.

The G. mangostana hydrogel patch made from carrageenan and locust bean gum powders was yellow in color, smooth, durable, and flexible. This G. mangostana hydrogel patch was effective against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The active ingredient, α-mangostin, was released and permeated from the G. mangostana hydrogel patch within the first 30 min at 33.16 ± 0.81% and 32.96 ± 0.97%, respectively. The G. mangostana hydrogel patch showed no irritation in 30 healthy volunteers. However, two volunteers had delayed allergic contact dermatitis to 0.5% (w/w) G. mangostana hydrogel patch.

This hydrogel patch containing G. mangostana ethanolic extract is not recommended for patients who have any reaction to mangosteen but has utility as an anti-acne facial mask.