Effectiveness of Ginger and Virgin Coconut Oil on the Cure of Otomycosis in Infected Chicken of Aspergillus sp.

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis refers to a subacute or prolonged fungal infection occurring in the outer ear canal, leading to inflammation. Ginger has been known as its antifungal agents which comprises powerful bioactive elements such as phenolic compounds and terpenes. The antimicrobial effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) stems from the presence of monolaurin, a derivative of lauric acid, which operates by compromising the lipid constituents of microorganisms’ cell membranes. Methods: This experimental animal study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ginger extract and VCO in cases of otomycosis. We used chickens aged 2–3 years that divided into 5 groups. Group 1 as the positive control group was given ointment (imidazole), Group 2 was given 2% ginger extract, Group 3 was given 2% VCO extract, Group 4 was given a combination of ginger extract and 2% VCO, and Group 5 was the negative control group which was not given any treatment. Results: We found statistically significant difference result in hyphae growth inhibition of sample which given ginger extract compared to positive and negative control with P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, VCO treatment also showed a significant difference compared to negative and positive controls with both P < 0.0001. Nonetheless, combination of ginger extract and VCO treatment achieved the best result to inhibit fungal development. Conclusion: A combination of ginger extract and VCO at a concentration of 2% demonstrates greater potency in restraining the growth of Aspergillus flavus, which is responsible for causing otomycosis in chickens, compared to using either extract alone.