Efficacy of Two Moroccan Cistus Species Extracts against Acne Vulgaris: Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activities

The genus L. (Cistaceae) includes several medicinal plants growing wild in the Moroccan area. Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disorder treated with topical and systemic therapies that often lead to several side effects in addition to the development of antimicrobial resistance. Our study aimed to investigate the bioactivity of extracts of two Moroccan species, L. and L., in view of their use as potential coadjuvants in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris. Targeted phytochemical profiles obtained by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-ESI/MS analyses and biological activities ascertained by several antioxidants in vitro chemical and cell-based assays of the leaf extracts. Moreover, antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and was evaluated. Analyses revealed the presence of several polyphenols in the studied extracts, mainly flavonoids and tannins. L. and L. possessed good biological properties and all extracts showed antibacterial activity, particularly against , and , identified as the main acne-causing bacteria. The results suggest that examined extracts are promising agents worthy of further studies to develop coadjuvants/natural remedies for mild acne treatment.