World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF A POLYHERBAL ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO_ FORMULATION, EVALUATION, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF AEGLE MARMELOS, ALOE VERA, AND ACACIA CONCINNA, SHIKEKAI

Vishvajit Mane*, Pranav Humbe, Pranav Chavan, Pooja Dhumale, P.A. Mane Patil

ABSTRACT

Dandruff, or Pityriasis capitis, is a highly prevalent scalp condition primarily linked to the overgrowth of lipophilic Malassezia yeasts, notably Malassezia globosa.[1] While conventional synthetic antifungal agents like zinc pyrithione (ZPT) and ketoconazole are effective, increasing consumer preference for natural, eco-friendly alternatives necessitates the development of efficacious herbal solutions.[3] This study focuses on designing, formulating, and rigorously evaluating a novel polyherbal liquid shampoo incorporating standardized hydroalcoholic extracts of Aegle marmelos, Acacia concinna, Curcuma longa, and Aloe vera. The rationale centers on synergistic activity, combining multiple mechanisms including fungicidal action (curcuminoids, bael components), potent anti- inflammatory effects (turmeric, aloe), natural detergency (saponins from shikakai), and antioxidant protection. Optimal hydroalcoholic extraction parameters were determined to maximize bioactive compound yield. The formulated shampoo underwent comprehensive physicochemical testing, including pH assessment, detergency, and foam stability. Crucially, anti-dandruff efficacy was quantified by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Malassezia globosa in an olive oil supplemented medium. Safety was confirmed using the gold standard in vitro Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) model (OECD Test Guideline 439). The findings are expected to validate the formulated product as a stable, safe, and significantly effective natural alternative for scalp health management, warranting future clinical trials.

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