Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Acne Activities of Aqueous Extracts from A Traditional Thai Polyherbal “Ya Mong Ngoo” Formulation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the biological potential of aqueous extracts from herbal ingredients in the traditional Ya Mor Ngu formulation, namely Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm., Clinacanthus nutans (Burm.f.) Lindau, Tacca chantrieri André, and Gomphrena globosa L. as well as to develop an herbal serum formulation for skincare applications. All herbal materials were subjected to quality control by determination of moisture content according to AOAC methods prior to aqueous extraction and freeze drying. Subsequently, the extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS assays), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), in vitro anti-inflammatory activity (albumin denaturation assay), inhibitory activity against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), and cytotoxicity toward human dermal fibroblasts using the SRB assay. The results demonstrated that all herbal raw materials had moisture contents below 10%. The extract of Tacca chantrieri André, exhibited the most prominent biological potential, showing strong antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS), which correlated with high total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, and it was the only extract capable of inhibiting C. acnes. In contrast, the extract of Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm. showed superior anti-inflammatory activity. Cytotoxicity assessment at the cellular level confirmed the safety of all extracts at low to moderate concentrations. Regarding herbal serum development, the mixed extract formulation exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity than the single extract formulation, whereas the serum containing a single extract demonstrated stronger inhibitory activity against C. acnes than the mixed formulation. Nevertheless, the C. acnes inhibitory activity of the serum formulations remained lower than that of the standard drug. In conclusion, extracts from the Ya Mor Ngu formulation, particularly Tacca chantrieri André, show potential for development as active ingredients in skincare products targeting antioxidant, anti-acne, and anti-inflammatory effects.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A traditional Thai polyherbal “Ya Mong Ngoo” formulation was evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acne activities.
• Tacca chantrieri André rhizome extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity and the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents.
• Angiopteris evecta (G. Forst.) Hoffm. rhizome extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the reference drug.
• Only Tacca chantrieri André rhizome extract inhibited Cutibacterium acnes in the preliminary disc diffusion assay.
• Herbal serum formulations showed potential for development as multifunctional cosmeceutical products targeting skin inflammation and acne.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT