Cochlospermum regium Leaf Extract Gel: A Natural Strategy Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• * *Staphylococcus aureus* skin infections pose a significant public health threat.
• * Plant-derived extracts, like *Cochlospermum regium* (CR), offer potential therapeutic solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop and evaluate carbopol-based gel formulations of *Cochlospermum regium* ethanolic leaf extract (CRG).
• * To assess the physicochemical stability, antibacterial efficacy, antioxidant capacity, and biocompatibility of CRG formulations.

Main Methods:

• * Development of carbopol-based gels containing 0.5% and 1% CRG.
• * Evaluation of physicochemical stability, antibacterial activity against *S. aureus* and MRSA, antioxidant potential, and biocompatibility (mutagenicity, hemolysis).
• * Ex vivo pig skin assays to determine efficacy against MRSA contamination.

Main Results:

• * CRG 0.5% and 1% gels demonstrated physical stability.
• * CRG 1% maintained antibacterial activity at 25°C for 90 days and reduced MRSA contamination by 99% on pig skin, outperforming neomycin/bacitracin.
• * The extract exhibited high antioxidant activity with no mutagenic or hemolytic effects.

Conclusions:

• * CRG 1% gel is a stable, safe, and effective candidate for treating topical infections.
• * It shows particular promise for infections caused by methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA).