The formulation of an effective topical antibacterial product containing Ocimum gratissimum leaf essential oil

• Published in: International journal of pharmaceutics Vol. 224; no. 1-2; pp. 177 - 183
• Main Authors: ORAFIDIYA, Lara O, OYEDELE, A. O, SHITTU, A. O, ELUJOBA, A. A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 14-08-2001
• Subjects: Anti-Infective Agents, Local - pharmacology; Antibacterial agents; Antibiotics. Antiinfectious agents. Antiparasitic agents; Bacteria - drug effects; Biological and medical sciences; Excipients; General pharmacology; Humans; Medical sciences; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ocimum basilicum - chemistry; Ointments; Pharmaceutical technology. Pharmaceutical industry; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Plants, Medicinal - chemistry; Proteus - drug effects; Pseudomonas aeruginosa - drug effects; Solutions - chemistry; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Pseudomonadales; Human; Pharmaceutical technology; Liquid solution; Surfactant; Solid solution; In vitro; Biological activity; Dispersion; Sensitivity resistance; Dosage form; Bacteria; Micrococcales; Pseudomonadaceae; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Micrococcaceae; Essential oil; Antibacterial agent; Clinical isolate; Staphylococcus aureus
• ISSN: 0378-5173; 1873-3476
• DOI: 10.1016/s0378-5173(01)00764-5

The antibacterial potential of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil was explored. Liquid and semisolid formulations of the oil were designed in a variety of bases for topical antiseptic medication. The products were evaluated by agar diffusion assay against type strains and clinical isolates from boil, wound and pimples. Remarkable antibacterial effects, higher than those of commercial antiseptic products, were demonstrated at 2% Ocimum oil concentration in some bases. The properties of base into which the oil was incorporated affected its activity. It was more effective in hydrophilic bases than in lipophilic bases. Solubilization and microemulsification grossly reduced its activity.