Formulation, Evaluation and Analysis of Antidandruff Activity of Polyherbal Shampoo

Abstract

Dandruff is a chronic, relapsing scalp disorder characterized by excessive scaling, pruritus, and mild inflammation, predominantly associated with the proliferation of Malassezia species. Conventional anti-dandruff treatments rely on synthetic antifungal agents such as Ketoconazole and Zinc pyrithione, which may produce adverse effects upon long-term use. The present investigation aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal anti-dandruff shampoo using extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and Aloe vera. Ethanolic extracts were prepared via maceration and incorporated into a shampoo base. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties including pH, viscosity, surface tension, solid content, and foaming ability. Antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans using the agar well diffusion method. Among the tested formulations (1:1:1, 2:1:1, 3:1:1), the 3:1:1 ratio demonstrated the highest antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition of 23 mm. The results suggest that the optimized polyherbal shampoo possesses promising antifungal potential and acceptable cosmetic properties, supporting its use as a safer alternative to synthetic formulations.