IN SITU ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF KAEMPFERIA PANDURATA (ROXB.) RHIZOMES AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate in situ antibacterial activity of topical preparations (ointment and cream) of ethanolic extract of fingerroot (Kaempferia pandurata) rhizomes against skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus in rabbits and determine the safety of topical preparations.Methods: Skin infection in rabbits was induced by injecting the suspension of S. aureus bacteria intracutaneously on the back of rabbits. In situ antibacterial activity test was performed by giving the ointment and cream of 3% ethanolic extract of Kaempferia pandurata rhizomes, and 3% oxytetracycline hydrochloride ointment as standard antibiotic on the back of rabbits that had been injected by S. aureus. Furthermore, test preparations were given for 30 days. The observed parameters were diameter of erythema, edema thickness, and diameter of pus. Those parameters were calculated as the total score. Dermal and ocular irritation tests were carried out in order to assess the safety of topical preparations.Results: In situ antibacterial activity test showed a total score of ointment of oxytetracycline HCl 3%, cream and ointment of 3% ethanolic extract was lower and significantly different (P < 0.05) with positive control. Macroscopically, skin infection on rabbits that were topically treated with ointment of oxytetracycline HCl 3%, cream and ointment of 3% ethanolic extract significantly healed earlier than positive control.Conclusion: Cream and ointment of 3% ethanolic extract of Kaempferia pandurata rhizomes had in situ antibacterial activity against skin infection caused by S. aureus in rabbits. Cream of 3% ethanolic extract of fingerroot rhizomes had the strongest in situ antibacterial activity that was comparable with ointment of oxytetracycline HCl 3%. Ointment and cream of 3% ethanolic extract of fingerroot did not irritate the skin and eyes of rabbits.  Â