Title:Azelaic Acid: A Promising Agent for Dermatological Applications
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Anil Kumar, Rekha Rao* and Poonam Yadav
Affiliation:Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, 125001, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, 125001, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001
Keywords:Antiacne, rosacea, melasma, comedolytic, hyperpigmentation, dermatology.
Abstract:Azelaic Acid (AA) is a naturally occurring 9-carbon straight-chain saturated dicarboxylic
acid widely found in wheat, rye, and barley. It has been shown to possess numerous biochemical
activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anticomedolytic and anticancer.
This therapeutic agent has been approved by US food Drug Administration for the treatment of mild
to moderate acne and rosacea. Further, azelaic acid has been reported for the management of skin
hyperpigmentation, melasma and alopecia. In this review article, several studies on azelaic acid that
pointed out its bioactivities and pharmacology along with its drug delivery systems are reviewed.
Additionally, an outlook on its mechanism of action is also given. Azelaic acid is an important moiety
for the management of acne owing to its benefits in addressing follicular excess sebum, inflammatory
action, hyperproliferation and activity against Propionibacterium acne. The commercially
available topical formulations normally contain 15 to 20% AA. In the future, a broadspectrum antibacterial
agent, azelaic acid can act as a pillar in acne therapy minimizing the potential risk of
emergence of resistance. This review will definitely provide a new perspective for research involving
this bioactive molecule.