Neolitsea aciculata Essential Oil Inhibits Drug-Resistant Skin Pathogen Growth and Propionibacterium acnes-Induced Inflammatory Effects of Human Monocyte Leukemia
This study examined the chemical composition of Neolitsea aciculata essential oil (NAE) and its biological activities. NAE was obtained by hydrodistillation of N. aciculata leaves collected in Jeju Island and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer detector. 1-Dodecen-3-yne (12.5%), calarene (11.5%) and elemol (9.5%) were identified as the major components of NAE. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of NAE against skin pathogens were examined to determine the protective properties against acne vulgaris. NAE exhibited moderate to strong antibacterial activity against drug-susceptible and -resistant Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, which are known as acne-causing bacteria. In addition, NAE reduced the P. acnes-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in THP-1 cells, highlighting its anti-inflammatory effects. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of NAE also revealed moderate antioxidant properties (IC50, 21.3 μL/mL). Overall, NAE is an attractive candidate as an ingredient in skin care products.