Identification of 2,4-Di- tert-Butylphenol as an Antimicrobial Agent Against Cutibacterium acnes Bacteria from Rwandan Propolis

  • Antibiotics (Basel). 2024 Nov 13;13(11):1080. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics13111080.
Florent Rouvier  1  2 ,  Lydia Abou  3 ,  Emmanuel Wafo  1 ,  Perrine Andre  4 ,  Julien Cheyrol  4 ,  Mohamed-Mohsen Khacef  4 ,  Claude Nappez  4 ,  Hubert Lepidi  5 ,  Jean Michel Brunel  1
Affiliations
  • 1. Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, SSA, MCT, 13385 Marseille, France.
  • 2. Observatoire Français d'Apidologie (OFA), La Garniere, Route de Mazaugues, 83136 Mazaugues, France.
  • 3. C2VN, Aix Marseille Université, INSERM 1263, INRAE 1260, 13385 Marseille, France.
  • 4. CEFOS, UAR2020, Aix Marseille Université, Campus Timone, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France.
  • 5. Laboratoire d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital de la Timone, 13005 Marseille, France.
PMID: 39596773 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13111080
Abstract

Background/objectives: Acne is the most prevalent dermatological condition among humans, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents during puberty. To date, numerous compounds have been used for acne treatment, including erythromycin ointments and antiseptics, with varying degrees of success. The emergence of erythromycin-resistant C. acnes strains has spurred the search for new antimicrobial agents, particularly from natural sources.

Methods: Propolis collected in Rwanda was extracted and fractionated by flash chromatography and tested against C. acnes growth by using NCLSI recommendations.

Results: In our research, we identified a molecule, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) which inhivbited the C. acnes growth at a concentration of 16 µg/mL. Based on these results, we formulated an ointment (1%) using OFAP18 and petroleum jelly for the potential treatment of acne using a mouse model.

Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that 2,4-DTBP has anti-inflammatory properties and could effectively manage the overgrowth of C. acnes as well as serve as a potent alternative for the formulation of an active propolis ointment for acne treatment.

Keywords
2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol; Cutibacterium acnes; acne; antibacterial activity; ointment; propolis.
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