The Effect of Goji Berry Extract (Lycium barbarum L.) on the Number of Staphylococcus aureus Colonies in Total Plate Count (TPC) in Wistar Rats (Rattus novergicus) with Conjunctivitis

Abstract

Background: Conjunctivitis is a common ocular infection that can be experimentally induced in animal models to evaluate potential therapeutic agents. This study investigated the antibacterial and healing effects of Lycium barbarum L. extract at varying concentrations compared with a standard antibiotic treatment in Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) with induced conjunctivitis.

Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: (1) placebo control, (2) levofloxacin-treated, (3) 25% extract, (4) 35% extract, and (5) 45% extract. Conjunctivitis was induced using Staphylococcus aureus, followed by topical administration of the assigned treatments. Clinical signs of inflammation and total bacteria on plate count were assessed before and after treatment. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test.

Results: Significant differences were found across groups and between pretest and posttest treatment conditions (p < 0.05). The levofloxacin group showed the greatest reduction in bacterial colonies and inflammation. The 45% extract groups demonstrated marked improvement compared to the placebo, 25%, and 35% extract groups, indicating a concentration-dependent response.

Conclusion: While levofloxacin exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy, higher concentrations of Lycium barbarum L. extract also promoted recovery, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Keywords:   Conjunctivitis, Wistar rats, plant extract, antibiotic, ocular infection