title: Development and anti-microbial potential of topical formulations containing Cocos nucifera Linn.
abstract: In order to achieve better treatment for local wounds and bacterial infections, topical formulations containing Cocos nucifera Linn. were developed. These formulations were evaluated for their physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against various strains of microorganisms. Semisolid formulations containing 5% w/w of Cocos nucifera Linn. were prepared by employing different dermatological bases and were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH, rheological properties, FTIR-spectroscopic analysis, thermodynamic stability and stability studies. The antimicrobial activity of each prepared formulation was determined using disk-diffusion method against various strains of microorganisms. All the prepared formulations were found to be stable and exhibited suitable physicochemical characteristics including pH, viscosity and spreadability which are necessary for an ideal topical preparation, in addition to strong antimicrobial activity. Carbopol gel base was found to be the most suitable dermatological base for Cocos nucifera Linn. in comparsion to other bases. Cocos nucifera Linn. formulations showed great potential for wounds and local bacterial infections. Moreover, carbopol gel base with its aesthetic appeal was found to be a suitable dermatological base for Cocos nucifera Linn. semisolid formulation as it had demonstrated significant physicochemical properties and greater diffusion when assessed using disk- diffusion method.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ravi_sheshala@imu.edu.my
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sheshala
authors.forename: Ling Teck
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Ying
authors.forename: Ling Shiau
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Hui
authors.forename: Ankur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barua
authors.forename: Kamal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dua
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003059:Cocos; D004355:Drug Stability; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D010938:Plant Oils; D012212:Rheology; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000737:chemistry*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005782:Gels; D010938:Plant Oils