Evaluation Of the Dermal Safety of Momordica foetida schumach. Et thonn Ethanolic Crude Extract in Albino Rabbits and Its Efficacy Against Corynebacterium Jeikeium
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Date
2023-11
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Background; Body odour (malodour) is a chronic condition magnified by bacterial activity resulting in an offensive smell which if not addressed results in embarrassment, loss of self confidence, isolation, negative judgment and serious economic consequences. Malodour affects around 3% of adults worldwide. Expensive and aggressive measures like surgery, cosmetics, external antibiotics, botulinum toxin, lasers and personal hygiene are used to address the issue. However, lack of evidence-based guidelines and universal treatment for malodour, affordability, accessibility and serious adverse effects coupled with resistance, the majority of affected individuals seek alternative measures from herbal products. In Uganda, Mordica foetida leaves are used to manage malodour. However, there is scanty scientific data on dermal safety and efficacy. The study was aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of 70`% ethanolic crude extract of Momordica foetida against Corynebacterium jeikeium and its dermal safety in male albino rabbits. Methodology: Seventy per cent ethanolic crude extract of Momordica foetida was extracted from fresh leaves by maceration. Efficacy against pure isolates of Corynebacterium jeikeium by Agar well diffusion and micro broth dilution methods, while dermal safety was evaluated using Draize’s method. Results: Crude extract caused mild irritation without oedema in albino rabbits on a single exposure. The Corynebacterium jeikeium was susceptible to Momordica foetida with a higher inhibition zone diameter of 17.67 ± 0.17 mm at a concentration of 256 µg/mL and 13.17 ± 0.23 mm for 128 µg/mL (p≤ 0.0001). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 64.0 µg/mL while the minimum bactericidal concentration was 64.0 µg/mL Conclusion: Application of Momordica foetida leaf extract at 210mg/mL and above on albino rabbit skin, caused mild irritation. Momordica foetida crude extract has antibacterial activity on C. jeikeium showing bactericidal effects Recommendations: There is a need to determine whether the mild skin irritations are due to hypersensitivity reactions or just a mere local irritation. Sub-acute and chronic dermal toxicity studies should be conducted to provide a comprehensive toxicity profile of Momordica foetida crude extract. Clinical trials should be performed regarding Momordica foetida leaf extract.