Berberis aquafolium is an herb that has conventionally been used as an internal medicine for treating acne. The antibacterial compounds in this herb are berbamine and berberine, which are also believed to reduce sebum production when used topically. There are various other herbs containing berberine, which is a powerful anti-fungal and antibacterial compound, which makes all these herbs excellent antibiotics. Also a recent study using berberis topically showed this herb to decrease sebum, reduce infection and inflammation. So it is a strong contender for fighting acne.
Berberine has been found to inhibit the growth of Proprionobacterium acnes, the bacteria known to cause acne. The effective Japanese and Chinese traditional therapies for acne are known to utilize herbs which contain high amounts of berberine as a common factor. Also, combining a berberine-containing herb with the previously studied vitamins and minerals resulted in a highly effective formulation for acne treatment. When used internally, these compounds are liver tonics that improve bile flow, stimulate digestion and act as a tonic on the bowel wall.
Goldenseal is one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. It is an effective antibacterial mainly due to its berberine content. Gobo root (aka burdock) also contains berberine. Use of these herbs can speed the healing of scars and prevent future outbreaks of acne.
