%0 Journal Article
%T Evaluating Coconut Oil and Coconut Water-Loaded Gels for the Alleviation of Chloroquine-Induced Pruritus
%A Emmanuel Uronnachi
%A Onyinye Okpalaku
%A Ebere Okoye
%J International Journal of Pharmaceutical And Phytopharmacological Research
%@ 2250-1029
%D 2023
%V 13
%N 5
%R 10.51847/PshS3ePjjB
%P 37-45
%X 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. 
%U https://eijppr.com/article/evaluating-coconut-oil-and-coconut-water-loaded-gels-for-the-alleviation-of-chloroquine-induced-prur-dz8zjhjjtrra6gp