Abstract: Dandruff is a common scalp disorder characterized by excessive scaling, itching, and irritation. Herbal formulations are increasingly preferred due to their safety, biocompatibility, and minimal side effects. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a polyherbal antidandruff shampoo incorporating Coccinia grandis leaf extract, which is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The experimental assessment of antifungal agents revealed that both 1% Ketoconazole and 1% Coccinia grandis extract exhibited potent antifungal activity, each demonstrating a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.6 mm. These findings indicate that Coccinia grandis extract possesses antifungal efficacy comparable to that of the established synthetic antifungal agent, Ketoconazole, in inhibiting fungal growth. In contrast, 1% extracts of “Common” and “Carrom” showed significantly weaker antifungal activity, with a higher MIC value of 8 mm. Distilled water, used as a negative control, showed no antifungal activity, thereby confirming the validity of the observed inhibition results. These observations suggest that Coccinia grandis may serve as a promising natural source for the development of novel antifungal compounds. The shampoo formulation was prepared using standard cosmetic formulation techniques, including the preparation of an aqueous herbal extract, incorporation into a surfactant-based shampoo base, and the addition of stabilizers, preservatives, and fragrance agents. The formulated shampoo was further evaluated for various physicochemical parameters such as pH, viscosity, foamability, spreadability, and stability, along with its antidandruff activity against fungal strains commonly associated with dandruff. Graphical Abstract: Keywords: Coccinia grandis, polyherbal shampoo, antidandruff, antifungal, herbal formulation
Verma et al. (Mon,) studied this question.