Evaluation of Antimicrobial properties of herbal ointments formulated with ethanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana
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Date
2013
Authors
Azubuike, C.P.
Igbokwe, N.
Elendu, N.
Essien, G
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Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of dried fresh leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana and also those of the ointments formulated with the extract was evaluated.
The preliminary in vitro antimicrobial activity of the extract at concentrations of 2.5mg/ml, 5mg/ml and 10mg/ml and those of the ointments was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum using the agar cup plate method. Their Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were also determined by agar dilution method. Herbal ointments formulated by incorporating the ethanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana (10% w/w) into emulsifying ointment and simple ointment bases respectively and a commercial brand (Funbact A® cream) were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial efficacy and some physical properties.
The zones of inhibition (mm) of the extract on the growth of the microorganisms were Escherichia coli (25.2 ±1.0), Staphylococcus aureus (28.1 ±0.5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.4 ±0.4) and Candida albicans (22.4 ±1.3) but there were no zone of inhibition for Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium notatum. The MIC values of the extract against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were 5.00, 1.25, 10.00 and 5.00mg/ml respectively. The formulation containing Acalypha wilkesiana extract in emulsifying ointment showed better antibacterial activity than the simple ointment. The herbal ointment also compared favourably with a commercial brand of Funbact A® cream.
This study shows that ethanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana has both antibacterial and anti-candidal activity and also has high potential as antimicrobial agent when formulated as ointment for topical use.
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Staff publications
Keywords
Acalypha wilkesiana , Antimicrobial properties , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Candida albicans , Herbal ointments. , Research Subject Categories::PHARMACY
Citation
Azubuike C. P., Igbokwe N. H., Essien, G. S. & Elendu N.J. (2013). Evaluation of Antimicrobial properties of herbal ointments formulated with ethanolic extract of Acalypha wilkesiana. Journal of Biological & Scientific Opinion, 1(2) 41-44.