Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana on Isolates From Irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) (Baby Nappy Rash) Presented by Okafor-Elenwo E. J. & Akpoka A. O. Department of Biological Sciences, Igbinedion University

Introduction Irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) Irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) refers to skin rashes in the diaper areas usually caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants. IDD is characterized by joined patches of erythema and scaling mainly seen on the convex surfaces, with the skin folds spared. Diaper dermatitis with secondary bacterial or fungal involvement tends to spread to concave surfaces (i.e. skin folds), as well as convex surfaces, and often exhibits a central red, beefy erythema with satellite pustules around the border. It is considered a form of irritant contact dermatitis. It is worthy of note that the name "diaper" is not because the diaper itself causes the rash but rather because the rash is associated with diaper use and caused by the materials trapped by the diaper (usually feces and urine). When the origin is fungal it is referred to as diaper candidiasis. This distinction is critical because of the different treatment (antifungal) required.

Photograph of a baby with diaper rash

Acalypha wilkesiana Common names copperleaf and Jacob’s coat, is an evergreen shrub growing to 3 metres high and 2 metres across. It has a closely arranged crown, with an erect stem and many branches. Both the branches and the leaves are covered in fine hairs

Acalypha wilkesiana plant (Photograph by Salako, 2015)

METHODOLOGY

Experiment Design

METHODOLOGY The study lasted over a period of 6 months. The part of Acalypha wilkesiana used were mature leaves of the plant. Active ingredients of the leaves were extracted using water, methanol (polar) and n-Hexane (non polar). Standard antibiotics were used for the study. Erythromycin and Fluconazole.

METHODOLOGY The experimental Rattus norvegicus were divided into two groups, the treatment groups and the controls. The treatment group was administered with extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana and standard antibiotics while the control group was administered with 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide. .

Table 1: Quantitative analysis of phytochemical constituents of Acalypha wilkesiana Method of extraction Aqueous extract Etrhanol extracts Powder Tannin (%) 0.08 0.92 0.62 Phenol (%) 0.05 0.26 0.25 Saponin (%) 0.44 0.22 0.23 Flavonoid (%) Nd 0.18 1.84 Cardiac Glycoside (%) 0.031 0.073 0.099 Alkaloids (%) 3.2 2.62 Oxalate (%) 2.4 16.2 18.6 Steroids (%) 3.65 Trepenoids (%) 0.98 1.21 1.10 Anthraquinone (%) 2.5 4.5 Phytate (%) 0.002 0.01

Table 1: Percentage Yield of Extraction Table 4. 1: Percentage yield and appearance of the crude extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves Table 1: Percentage Yield of Extraction Solvents Percentage Yield Appearance of Crude Extracts Water 12.88% Dark red liquid Methanol 10.17% Dark brown liquid n-Hexane 5.27% Dark green liquid The solvents; water, methanol and n-Hexane had the percentage yield between 5.72% and 12.88%. Water had the highest percentage yield (12.88%) followed by methanol (10.17%) and the least was n-Hexane (5.72%). The appearance of the extracts was dark red in water, dark brown in methanol and dark green in n-Hexane. These solvents were used to compare the yield and efficacy of the extracts using different solvents

Isolates from babies with IDD Using Colonial characteristics, Gram staining, and subsequent standard relevant Biochemical test, 19 probable isolates were identified: Staphylococcus aureus 15/19 (78.9%) Proteus vulgaris 1/19 (5.3%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1/19 (5.3%) Candida albicans 2/19 (10.5%)

Isolates from the Skin Swab of Rattus norvegicus. Using Colonial characteristics, Gram staining, and subsequent standard relevant Biochemical test, 10 probable isolates were identified : Staphylococcus aureus 5/10 (50 %) Candida albicans 5/10 (50 %)

Isolates from blood samples collected from Rattus norvegicus. Using Colonial characteristics, Gram staining, and subsequent standard relevant Biochemical test, 10 probable isolates were identified : Staphylococcus aureus 5/10 (50 %) Candida albicans 5/10 (50 %)

Summary of inhibitory Activity The aqueous and methanolic extracts were administered at 10,100, 200, 250 and 300 mg per body weight of the rats. Erythromycin was administered at 10, 100, 150 mg per body weight of the rats. The methanolic extract was the most effective out of the extracts used. It inhibited Staphylococcus aureus at 250 mg, while for aqueous extract, at 300 mg scanty growth was still seen on the growth medium. Erythromycin at 150 mg had no growth of the microorganisms.

Summary of inhibitory Activity (Cont) The aqueous and methanolic extracts were administered at 10, 100, 200, 250 mg per body weight of the rats. Fluconazole was administered at 10, 15 and 20 mg per body weight of the rats. No growth of Candida albicans was observed when 200 mg of aqueous extract and methanolic extract was administered to their respective group. At 15 mg Fluconazole had no growth of the organisms.

Conclusion