TY - JOUR T1 - Evaluating Coconut Oil and Coconut Water-Loaded Gels for the Alleviation of Chloroquine-Induced Pruritus A1 - Emmanuel Uronnachi A1 - Onyinye Okpalaku A1 - Ebere Okoye JF - International Journal of Pharmaceutical And Phytopharmacological Research JO - Int J Pharm Phytopharmacol Res SN - 2250-1029 Y1 - 2023 VL - 13 IS - 5 DO - 10.51847/PshS3ePjjB SP - 37 EP - 45 N2 - 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. UR - https://eijppr.com/article/evaluating-coconut-oil-and-coconut-water-loaded-gels-for-the-alleviation-of-chloroquine-induced-prur-dz8zjhjjtrra6gp ER -