TITLE:
Analysis of the Antimicrobial Properties of Thanaka, a Burmese Powder Used to Treat Acne
AUTHORS:
Elizabeth V. Seiverling, Jordan P. Trubiano, Jacqueline C. Williams, Hadjh T. Ahrns, David W. Craft, Matthew R. England
KEYWORDS:
Thanaka, Myanmar, Disk Diffusion, Propionibacterium acnes
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.5 No.7,
July
13,
2017
ABSTRACT: Thanaka, powder from Hesperethusa crenulata tree
bark, has been used in Burmese culture for acne treatment and prevention for
over 2000 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial
properties of thanaka against Staphylococcus
aureus, Escherichia coli, and Propionibacterium acnes. Kirby-Bauer
disk diffusion revealed no zones of inhibition for thanaka against the tested
microorganisms. Disk diffusion may not be the best modality for definitive
analysis of the antimicrobial activity of thanaka. Furthermore, the utility of
thanaka in acne treatment may be related to anti-inflammatory, rather than
antimicrobial properties.