<i>In vivo</i> Study on the Efficacy of the Topical Formulations from the Crude Ethanolic Extract of <i>Bidens pilosa</i> L. against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>

Abstract

The efficacy of topically applied ointment and lotion formulations of Bidens pilosa was evaluated against an experimental surgical staphylococcal wound infection in ICR mice. Colonies of Staphylococcus aureus from agar plates were inoculated into a superficial wound, and therapy with the topical preparations was started 24 hours after infection. The control (NSS), standard (Mupirocin), and placebo bases were included in the study to compare the results with the medicated preparations. Histopathological analysis of the S. aureus infected wounds has shown inflammation after the 1st day and regressed after the 4th day of therapy. After the 5th day, only the Mupirocin and Burburtak ointment groups manifested healing. In non-treated wounds, there was a continuous proliferation of inflammatory cells that lasted up to the 4th day and it only terminated after the 5th day signaling the self-healing process. Therapy with placebo ointment and lotion (polyethylene glycol base) was ineffective, whereas twice daily application of Mupirocin ointment resulted in elimination of the staphylococci. The topical preparations from ethanolic extracts of Bidens pilosa were proven effective but Bidens pilosa ointment showed greater action than Bidens pilosa lotion. Keywords: Bidens pilosa, Burburtak, in vivo study, Mupirocin DOI: 10.3860/acta.v56i0.1488 Acta Manilana 56 (2008) pp.1-5