Extraction of Coccinia grandis leaf for development of insect bites cream formulation

Abstract

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, also known as Ivy gourd, is a plant commonly found in Thailand. It has been used in primary health care for relieving inflammation from insect bites. The fresh leaves are crushed and applied on the affected area, that is inconvent. Therefore, this research aimed to extract the leaf of C. grandis, to evaluate the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts, and to formulate a topical cream for insect bites treatment. The dried powder of plant sample was extracted with 90% ethanol using ultrasonic bath, then the extract was sent to liquid-liquid extraction with hexane/water. Anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts was evaluated by inhibiting the breakdown of the bovine serum albumin method compared with a drug, diclofenac sodium. Ivy gourd cream was formulated and evaluated for its physical properties and stability. The results showed that hexane fraction exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity (87.44%) which was more potent than diclofenac sodium (27.23%). Two concentrations (1% and 5%) of Ivy gourd cream were formulated. Both formulas had soff, creamy texture with smooth and shiny surface. The skin was shtly yellow when applied the cream, but it could be easily washed out. The freeze-thaw stability study indicated that these creams had good stability.