Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent–Extracted Old and Young Mangrove Avicennia marina Leaves: Comparative Antibacterial Activity Against Propionibacterium acnes

What if the cure for acne has been hiding in mangrove leaves all along? A new study reveals that extracts from Avicennia marina, especially from older leaves, pack a powerful punch against the bacteria behind breakouts.

Acne is a universal nuisance, driven by the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. With antibiotics losing their edge, scientists are turning to nature's pharmacy. Mangroves, those coastal sentinels, are known to harbor antimicrobial compounds—but extracting them effectively has always been a challenge. Enter Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), a green alternative to harsh chemicals. In this study, researchers used a citric acid–glucose NADES at four different ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1) to pull out bioactive compounds from young and old leaves of Avicennia marina. The results were striking. Both leaf types showed significant antibacterial activity, but the 4:1 ratio—with the highest citric acid—proved most effective. Old leaves hit a maximum inhibition zone of 37.38 mm, while young leaves reached 24.51 mm. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that key metabolites bind strongly to P. acnes proteins, backing up the lab results. The takeaway? A simple, eco-friendly extraction method can unlock mangrove leaves' potential as a natural acne fighter, especially when using a 4:1 citric acid–glucose blend.

Key Points

• NADES extract from mangrove leaves fights acne bacteria effectively.
• 4:1 citric acid–glucose ratio yields strongest antibacterial activity.
• Old leaves show larger inhibition zones than young leaves.