Active compounds in kepok banana peel as anti-inflammatory in acne vulgaris: Review article

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the pilosebaceous units characterized by recurrent comedones, erythematous papules and pustules. The disease is benign however may produce scarring, erythema, and hyperpigmentation resulting in physical and psychological problems. Conventional therapy may reduce the symptoms of AV nevertheless, has a possibility of resistance, unwanted side effects, and has high cost. Thus, utilizing natural remedies may be a useful. METHODS: The data in this study were collect by search the keyword combinations of medical subject heading (mesh) of “inhibition”, “antimicrobial”, “banana peel”, “acne vulgaris” and “antiinflammation” and relevant reference lists were manually searched in PubMed, EMBRASE and Scopus database. All relevant articles in data base above were included and narratively discussed in this review article. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the bioactive potential of banana peel as an inflammatory modulator in acne vulgaris. RESULTS: Banana peel contains many bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic and non-phenolic antioxidants (ascorbic acid, carotene, and cyanidin) which are pivotal in removing inflammatory products by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting protease inhibitors from oxidative damage, and preventing fibroblasts degradation. Banana peel also contains anti-inflammatory agents such as trigonelline which inhibits bacterial enzymes and nucleic acid synthesis; isovanillic acid which suppresses TNF-α production; and ferulic acid which inhibits the production of proinflammatory signaling and cytokines. CONCLUSION: Banana peel contains many bioactive compounds which demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties through several processes of the inflammatory pathway. However further research is needed to confirm this finding.