Journal of Food Processing & Technology

Abstract

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity of Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Husk Ash Extract in Mice.

Uche Chidiebere

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash against some pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and their wound healing potential in experimental rats. The wound healing potential of the ethanolic extract ointment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash was evaluated in albino rats using excision wound model. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups of six each. Group 1 received no treatment (blank ointment base) which is the negative control, Group II received treatment with 1% silver sulphadiazine and group III received treatment with coconut husk ash extract. 1% silver sulphadiazine ointment was used as standard for the activity comparison. Wound healing was monitored on day 4, 8, 12 and 16. Wound healing parameters such as percentage of wound contraction rate and epithelialization period were observed.

Studies on the antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic extract of coconut husk ash were conducted using agar well diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was also determined. The results showed that topical application of coconut husk ash extract incorporated into an ointment base served to accelerate the wound healing process and specifically increased epithelialization in treatment groups compared to the other groups. The ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash inhibited growth of all test organisms though it was dose dependent. The minimum inhibitory concentration values obtained for the coconut husk ash extract against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 8 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml respectively. The results obtained shows that the Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash extract has a good wound healing and antibacterial activity and may be useful in managing wounds.

Published Date: 2021-02-25; Received Date: 2021-02-03