Evaluating Coconut Oil and Coconut Water-Loaded Gels for the Alleviation of Chloroquine-Induced Pruritus

Download PDF

Coconut water and coconut oil were extracted from mature coconuts and their gels were formulated and characterized. Their anti-pruritic effect was evaluated. Seven batches of 1 % hydrogels were formulated from carbopol, and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), singly and in combination. The formulations were administered to rats with Eurax^® cream as the positive control. Pruritus was induced by subcutaneous injection of Chloroquine phosphate on 27 Wistar rats at a dose of 20 mg/kg subcutaneously, and an oral dose of 158 mg/kg. Itching bouts were counted. The formulations were mildly alkaline with pH ranging from (7.0 - 9.5). Viscosity values ranged from (201 mPas - 1890 mPas). The gels were more stable at 25 ± 2 ºC. Anti-pruritic evaluations showed that the animals treated with CMC + Carbopol gel containing coconut oil exhibited the least frequency of itching bouts, with sustained anti-pruritic activity. ANOVA showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in results between Eurax^® and the CMC + Carbopol gel containing coconut oil. There was no significant difference in anti-pruritic effects between the CMC + Carbopol gel containing either coconut oil or water. Coconut oil gels may easily be applied as a therapy in the management of itching resulting from drug-induced allergy.