Anti-Inflammatory Activity Study of Baby Coconut Herbal Oil in Different Base Oils

Abstract

Background: Baby coconut (Cocos nucifera), a drupe rich in bioactive compounds, holds traditional promise for anti-inflammatory applications. This study evaluated herbal oils incorporating baby coconut ethyl acetate extracts in coconut, sesame, and mustard oil bases. Methods: Herbal oils (F1: coconut; F2: sesame; F3: mustard) were prepared via 11-cycle infusion (12-15 days, 75-80°C) and standardized for acid value, saponification value, peroxide value, refractive index, and specific gravity. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using COX, LOX, MPO inhibition, and nitrite assays (25-100 µg/mL). Stability was monitored over 30 days. Results: All formulations showed dose-dependent inhibition. Sesame oil-based F2 excelled overall: IC₅₀ values—COX: 122.02 µg/mL, LOX: 94.02 µg/mL, MPO: 63.25 µg/mL; nitrite reduction at 100 µg/mL: 373.23 µg. Mustard oil (F3) led in COX (101.15 µg/mL) and nitrite (311.35 µg), coconut (F1) in stability. Sesame offered balanced potency via sesamin/sesamolin; coconut resisted oxidation best. Conclusion: Sesame oil-based baby coconut herbal oil demonstrates superior multi-target anti-inflammatory efficacy, validating traditional uses for skin inflammations. Coconut base ensures stability, suggesting hybrid formulations. Findings support advancement to in vivo/clinical studies for natural cosmeceuticals.