Natural Anti-Dandruff Pomade: Exploring the Antifungal Potential of Cananga odorata Flower Extract Against Candida albicans

Scalp disorders are frequently perceived as minor conditions, although dandruff may interfere with scalp comfort, hair appearance, and personal hygiene. Dandruff is a mild scalp disorder characterized by visible white flakes and pruritus. Pomade, as a hair-styling and hair-care product, can be developed with natural active ingredients, including Cananga odorata flowers (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomson), which have been reported to possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This study aimed to formulate a pomade containing ethanol extract of Cananga odorata flowers and evaluate its antifungal activity against Candida albicans, one of the fungi associated with dandruff formation. This experimental study comprised simplicia preparation, extraction, pomade formulation, physical evaluation, and antifungal activity testing against Candida albicans. The ethanol extract of Cananga odorata flowers was successfully incorporated into pomade formulations at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. All formulations demonstrated acceptable physical characteristics, including organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, hair-retention capacity, irritation safety, hedonic acceptability, and stability. The formulation containing 15% extract produced the largest inhibition zone, with a mean diameter of 20.5 mm, indicating strong antifungal activity. These findings suggest that ethanol extract of Cananga odorata flowers has potential as a natural active ingredient in anti-dandruff pomade preparations. Keywords: antifungal, Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomson, Candida albicans, dandruff, pomade.