Formulation Of Acalypha Wilkesiana Muell. Arg. Ethanol Leaf Extract into Creams for the Treatment of Microbial Skin Infections.

Abstract

Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg leaf has been used by the local populace for the treatment of skin diseases for ages. Ethanol extract of the dried leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg was investigated for in vitro antimicrobial activities by agar diffusion and broth dilution techniques using Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and a dermatitis fungus, Candida albicans. Streptomycin and nystatin were used respectively for the bacteria and fungus as standard drugs. The various concentrations of the extract, 6.0, 6.2 and 6.4g were formulated into cetomacrogol, zinc creams and emulsifying wax ointment and the testing of the efficacy of the creams and ointment was carried out. The zones of inhibition (mm) of the extract on the growth of the microorganism were Staphylococcus aureus (30.0 ± 0.1), Bacillus subtilis (16.0 ± 0.2), Escherichia coli (25 ± 0.1), Salmonella typhi (no zone of inhibition), Candida albicans (32.2 ± 0.2). Acalypha wilkesiana cetomacrogol cream showed better antimicrobial activity than the zinc and emulsifying wax ointment. When compared with the standard drugs in vitro both cetomacrogol and zinc creams were effective on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans except the emulsifying wax ointment which had the least zone of inhibition because of the occlusive effect of paraffin on its diffusion rate. This study revealed that the dried leaves of ethanol extract of Acalypha wilkesiana possesses antimicrobial activity and can be formulated into a suitable cream for the treatment of skin infections to confirm its folkloric use.