Fatty Acids from Algae Useful in Acne Treatment

Some researchers from the University of Stirling suggest that the fatty acids obtained from algae can be used to treat acne. The vast oceans covering the earth still remain a mystery as to what exactly remains covered within the deep waters. One of the areas of interest has been to find if the flora and fauna from the oceans have any medicinal properties. Several positive findings have been made in this regard.

Among the marine plants, algae have been used for their nutritive as well as their medicinal properties. Algae are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Besides, they are also used as a gelling agent in different foods. They also have a number of potential uses in medicine, which are being researched.

Algae have recently been suggested to have a possible use in the treatment of acne by scientists from the University of Stirling. Acne, a common problem in youth, is caused by a bacterium called Propionibacterium acnes. Algae contain certain fatty acids, some of which have been found to be useful in acne.

Some fatty acids have been found to kill the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, and also possibly prevent its growth. These include fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid, eicosapentanoic acid and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid. Algae produce some of these fatty acids. Thus, an ointment that could contain such fatty acids could help to deal with the problem of acne.

The treatment of acne may not be as simple as applying a seaweed to your face. The fatty acids would need to be extracted and then packaged into an ointment. Thus, it could take some time before such a preparation is available. But it could be an alternative to some of the very toxic medications of acne.

Source-Medindia