Evidence supporting the use of: Triterpenes
For the health condition: Acne

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Triterpenes are a class of natural compounds found in many plants, such as Centella asiatica (gotu kola), Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom), and others. Some triterpenes, particularly asiaticoside, madecassoside, and betulinic acid, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies. These properties are potentially relevant for acne, which involves inflammation and bacterial growth (primarily Cutibacterium acnes).

There is limited but growing scientific evidence suggesting that triterpenes may help support acne treatment. In vitro studies have shown that certain triterpenes can reduce inflammatory cytokine production and inhibit the growth of acne-associated bacteria. Some animal studies and early-phase clinical trials using topical formulations containing Centella asiatica extracts (rich in triterpenes) have reported reduced lesion counts and improvements in skin healing and inflammation. However, large, high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking, and most evidence comes from small studies or studies of combination products.

In summary, the use of triterpenes for acne is supported by a modest scientific rationale and preliminary evidence, but robust clinical validation is lacking. The evidence rating is 2 out of 5, reflecting promising mechanisms and initial findings but insufficient high-level clinical data to strongly recommend their use specifically for acne treatment.

More about Triterpenes
More about Acne

Other ingredients used for Acne

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alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
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anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
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Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
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Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
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Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
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Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
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pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
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Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
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trace minerals
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vitamin A
vitamin B
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vitamin D
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Products containing Triterpenes

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.