Health. Propolis: The Miracle Cure for Acne?

Acne results from excessive production of sebum, an oily substance normally intended to protect the skin. During puberty, under the influence of sex hormones, this production intensifies, leading to subcutaneous accumulation and the appearance of blackheads and purulent pimples.

A situation that can be difficult to navigate. Problem: While antibiotic treatments, such as erythromycin and tetracyclines, exist, various studies have highlighted a decline in their effectiveness due to the emergence of bacterial resistance.

Rwandan propolis to the rescue

Propolis is a substance produced by bees from resins secreted by plants. They use it to seal the gaps in the hive. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it protects the colony against the intrusion of pests and the proliferation of germs.

A team from the Membranes and Therapeutic Targets unit led by Jean-Michel Brunel and based in Marseille, looked at propolis samples from two sites in Rwanda, a region known for its primary forests rich in endemic plants.

"The composition of propolis depends on the local flora surrounding the apiary and on which the bees feed: it will therefore differ from one hive to another," explains Jean-Michel Brunel.

In the collected samples, the researchers identified substances with antibacterial properties. In particular, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, which is capable of inhibiting the growth of C. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne pimples.

To confirm their findings, the scientists tested propolis containing 2,4-DTBP on mice. The results were compelling: after inoculation with the bacteria responsible for acne, applying this substance reduced skin inflammation and cleared up the spots.

Even more encouraging, "a few volunteer patients were able to be treated with a cream based on this propolis: a reduction in the severity of their acne was observed within a few days," explains Jean-Michel Brunel.

The Marseille team now hopes to attract the interest of the pharmaceutical industry. "A pharmaceutical laboratory would need to be able to conduct a clinical trial on humans to ensure the safety of the potential treatment," concludes the researcher.

Either from the active molecules that we have described, or by directly using these propolises which also contain molecules with anti-inflammatory properties of interest for the treatment of acne.

In the meantime, the same team will test other propolises which come in particular from French hives.