Abstract

MARTINEZ DUARTE, Rocío Belén et al. Galenic development of a Magnolia officinalis-based gel with antimicrobial properties for acne treatment. Rev. cient. cienc. salud [online]. 2025, vol.7, e7122.  Epub Nov 27, 2025. ISSN 2664-2891.  https://doi.org/10.53732/rccsalud/2025.e7122.

Introduction. Acne is a highly prevalent multifactorial inflammatory disease, and conventional treatments with antibiotics and retinoids are limited by adverse effects, bacterial resistance, and low patient adherence. This has driven the search for safer and more effective alternatives, such as natural products. Magnolia officinalis contains honokiol and magnolol, compounds with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Topical formulations, such as gels, allow optimization of skin delivery, improved stability, and ease of application on oily or acne-prone skin. Objective. To develop and characterize a topical gel based on Magnolia officinalis extract with antimicrobial properties for acne treatment. Materials and Methods. Three gel variants with different excipient ratios were formulated, and the optimal formulation was selected based on physicochemical parameters. Quality controls were performed, including appearance, pH, viscosity, density, and extract identification by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using disk diffusion and agar well diffusion assays. Results. The selected formulation exhibited a pH of 5.5, viscosity of 159.7 cP, density of 1.039 g/mL, and positive extract identification by TLC. Antimicrobial testing showed average inhibition zones of 19.2 mm (disk diffusion) and 21.2 mm (well diffusion) against S. aureus. Conclusion. The Magnolia officinalis gel demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties and in vitro antibacterial activity, indicating its potential as a natural, safe, and sustainable topical alternative for acne management.

Keywords : antimicrobials; Magnolia officinalis; acne; gels.

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