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

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This study aims to formulate, characterize, and evaluate coconut water- and oil-loaded gels for their anti-pruritic activities on female Wister rats using the chloroquine-induced pruritus model in rats. Coconut water and coconut oil were extracted from mature coconuts and their gels were formulated and characterized. 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 (201-1890 mPas). The gels were more stable at 25 ± 2 °C. 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.