Antifungal Effectiveness Evaluation of a Cream Formulation Containing California Papaya Peel Extract (Carica papaya L.) Against Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans

The use of traditional medicine in Indonesia remains widely trusted by the community for the prevention and management of various diseases. One of its applications is in the treatment of fungal infections, which represent a common health problem. However, the use of synthetic antifungal agents may cause local side effects, including erythema, dry skin, burning sensations, as well as systemic effects. California papaya peel (Carica papaya L.) is considered a potential natural candidate as an antifungal agent due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids, which possess antifungal properties. This study employed an experimental method to identify and analyze the effectiveness of the developed formulation. The research procedures included sample preparation, macroscopic and microscopic examinations, extraction and cream formulation, evaluation of the cream characteristics, and antifungal activity testing. The results demonstrated that California papaya peel extract was successfully formulated into a cream preparation with a moisture content of 8.97%, water-soluble extractive content of 15.52%, ethanol-soluble extractive content of 16.80%, total ash content of 0.50%, and extract yield of 10.33%. All cream formulations exhibited good physical stability during 28 days of storage, with pH values ranging from 4.90–5.40, viscosity values of 2,121–3,790 cP, spreadability of 5–5.5 cm, and adhesion time of 5–6 seconds. The California papaya peel extract cream also demonstrated antifungal activity, with the 15% extract formulation showing the highest inhibitory effect, producing inhibition zones of 21.55 ± 0.173 mm against Malassezia furfur and 20.63 ± 0.860 mm against Candida albicans. Therefore, the California papaya peel-based cream formulation demonstrated good stability, safety characteristics, and antifungal potential against M. furfur and C. albicans.