Pharmacological evaluation of anti-acne potential of celosia argentea seed extract based topical formulation

Chavan, Vaishali K.; Ansari, Iqra Ansar (22PH03); Ansari, Rakshinda Zarrin (22PH04); Shaikh, Aqsa Asif (22PH05); Idrisi, Muskan (22PH19); Jadhav, Disha (22PH20)

Pharmacological evaluation of anti-acne potential of celosia argentea seed extract based topical formulation

Date

2026-06

Authors

Chavan, Vaishali K.

Ansari, Iqra Ansar (22PH03)

Ansari, Rakshinda Zarrin (22PH04)

Shaikh, Aqsa Asif (22PH05)

Idrisi, Muskan (22PH19)

Jadhav, Disha (22PH20)

Publisher

AIKTC

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a commonly occurring skin disease where there is inflammatory involvement as well as microbial infections among the pilosebaceous follicles. Apart from the primary microbes, secondary microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus which is a type of bacteria have also been found to contribute to the development of acne vulgaris. Traditional treatments have often been linked to adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance, hence prompting researchers to look for safer and alternative sources of acne treatment, especially from plant sources. Celosia argentea Linn., (Family: Amaranthaceae), popularly referred to as the Silver Cockscomb or Kurdu in some cultural practices, is an annual medicinal herb with a rich history of usage in herbal medicine across parts of Asia and Africa. The seeds, found in both Ayurvedic and Chinese Pharmacopoeias, possess several pharmacologically-active components such as flavonoids, saponins, betalains, tannins, and phenolic compounds, responsible for their anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. The current study was conducted to assess the efficacy of an ethanol extract of C. argentea seed and develop a dermal formulation for it. The antibacterial effects of the extract as well as the formulation were determined through an agar well diffusion test using Staphylococcus aureus. The formulated dermal preparation was further assessed based on several physicochemical parameters, namely, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, and stability. The study results revealed that the Celosia argentea seed extract possessed significant antibacterial properties against S. aureus and had high potential as an active ingredient in plant-based anti-acne topical products. Keywords: Celosia argentea, Acne vulgaris, anti-inflammatory, Silver cockscomb, Kurdu, Staphylococcus aureus, anti-bacterial activity.