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Antifungal activity by ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants against Malassezia furfur: A potential application in the treatment of Dandruff

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Meena Deviha
Meena Deviha
Pavithra Sivaraja at Bannari Amman Institute of Technology
Pavithra Sivaraja
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Abstract

Alopecia is a major distressing dermatological disorder. It is caused due to several reasons such as nutrition, stress, microbes, chemicals (hair gels and sprays), and tangles. Dandruff is one of the most afflicting problem confronted in healthcare and cosmetics. Malassezia sp. is an opportunistic pathogen on the normal skin flora which is a causative of dandruff under unfavourable conditions. Traditionally dandruff is treated using a large number of medicinal herbs but the complete cure is far from reach. The present investigation dealt with study of the potentiality of Evolvulus alsinoides, Lawsonia inermis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Azadirachta indica and Murraya koenigii against Malassezia furfur. The work was also emphasized in determining the minimum fungicidal concentration of each plant extracts against Malassezia sp. to know the efficiency of the herbs in treating dandruff. The results obtained were promising that it would help in formulating a polyherbal mixture to treat dandruff and enrich hair growth.
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International Journal of PharmTech Research
CODEN (USA): IJPRIF, ISSN: 0974-4304
Vol.8, No.3, pp 440-443, 2015
Antifungal activity by ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants
against
Malassezia furfur
: A potential application in the
treatment of Dandruff
Meena Deviha S., PavithraM.K.S.
Department of Biotechnology,Bannari Amman Institute of Technology,
Sathyamangalam, Erode, Tamilnadu,India -638401
Abstract: Alopecia is a major distressing dermatological disorder. It is caused due to several
reasons such as nutrition, stress, microbes, chemicals (hair gels and sprays), and tangles.
Dandruff is one of the most afflicting problem confronted in healthcare and cosmetics.
Malassezia sp. is an opportunistic pathogen on the normal skin flora which is a causative of
dandruff under unfavourable conditions. Traditionally dandruff is treated using a large
number of medicinal herbs but the complete cure is far from reach. The present investigation
dealt with study of the potentiality of Evolvulus alsinoides, Lawsonia inermis, Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis, Azadirachta indica and Murraya koenigii against Malassezia furfur. The work was
also emphasized in determining the minimum fungicidal concentration of each plant extracts
against Malassezia sp. to know the efficiency of the herbs in treating dandruff. The results
obtained were promising that it would help in formulating a polyherbal mixture to treat
dandruff and enrich hair growth.
Key words: Alopecia, Dandruff, Malassezia sp., Polyherbal formulation.
Introduction:
Hair loss is a distressing dermatological disorder making its prevalence more than 2000 years and is
considered as a major problem in primary health care as well as cosmetics [1]. Dandruff is a chronic scalp
disorder typified by evident flakes induced by prompt turnover of scalp cells.It is reported that approximately
30% of dermatophilic infections are due to lipophilic yeasts[2].
Malasseziasp.a part of the normal skin flora is a lipophilic, dimorphic and yeast-like fungus and a
causative of dandruff, pityriasis versicolar, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.,[3].In the current scenario, many chemical
substances are used for treating dandruff by controlling the abundance of fungi on the scalp. Despite of the
availability of a wide variety of antifungal agents the complete cure of dandruff is far from reach. Medicinal
herbs are shifting from periphery to mainstream use, as a greater number of people make an assiduous effort to
opt for herbal formulations over the allopathic compounds, since these are devoid of side effects and cost
effective.
Evolvulus alsinoides a perennial herb has different uses like hair growth, anxiolytic, syphilis, analgesic
and anti-inflammatory activity [4]. All the parts of Azadirachta indica has been used in ayurvedic medicine for
more than 4000 years due to its medicinal properties[5]. The leaves and flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis have
hair growth promoting activity [6].
Powdered leaves of Lawsonia inermi sare used both as a cosmetic dye and as a remedy for boils,
wounds and some mycotic infections[7]. The leaves of Murraya koenigii are valued for its anti-diabetic,
PavithraM.K.S.
et al
/Int.J. PharmTech Res. 2015,8(3),pp 440-443. 441
antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective activity [8]. The present work is an attempt to
find the antidandruff activity of the plant extracts and find its minimum fungicidal concentration.
Methodology:
Plant material collection and extraction:
Leaves of Evolvulus alsinoides, Azadirachta indica, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Lawsonia inermis,
Murraya koenigii were collected and shade dried. The dried plants were grinded into coarse powder and were
subjected to ethanol extraction using Soxhlet apparatus[9]. The filtered extracts were concentrated using rotary
evaporator and freeze dried. The lyophilized extracts were preserved separately.
Isolation of dandruff causing agent:
Samples were collected by scraping the scalp cells of the subjects suffering from dandruff. The isolates
was inoculated on Sabouraud‟s agar supplemented with olive oil. The plates were incubated at 37˚C for 7 days
[10].
Antidandruff assay:
Various concentrations of the extracts were prepared in sterile water and the resultant extracts were
used to determine its antidandruff activity through well diffusion method. Isolates of dandruff were inoculated
on Sabouraud‟s agar supplemented with olive oil by spread plate technique. The plates were incubated at 37˚C
for 7 days. The radius for the zone of inhibition was measured in millimetres and recorded against the
corresponding concentration. Experiments were carried out with three replicates per treatment [11].
Results and discussion:
Antidandruff activity has been carried out for ethanolic extracts of Evolvulus alsinoides, Lawsonia
inermis, Azadirachta indica, Hibiscus rosa- sinensis and Murraya koenigii. All the extracts demonstrated a
significant antifungal activity towards Malassezia furfur. Dandruffis a common disease caused by Malassezia
furfur. The lipophilic nature of these organisms induces hydrolysis of human sebum tri-glycerides into free fatty
acids that cause both hair loss and prompt turnover of scalp cells [12]. Thus the isolates grew well on
Sabouraud‟s agar medium enriched with olive oil.
Malassezia furfur grew as a white to tan cream coloured colonyon Sabouraud‟s media (Fig 1). All the
plant extracts showed a reasonable inhibitory zone on Malassezia furfur. Since the experiments were conducted
in three replicates, standard deviation was calculated. Table 1 shows the Minimum Fungicidal Concentration
and zone of inhibition of the plant extracts.
A. B.
Fig 1 A and B: Growth of isolates of dandruff on Sabouraud’s media supplemented with olive oil
PavithraM.K.S.
et al
/Int.J. PharmTech Res. 2015,8(3),pp 440-443. 442
Table: 1 Minimum Fungicidal Concentration and Zone of Inhibition of the plant extracts
S.No.
Herbs
Minimum fungicidal concentration
(mg/ml)
Zone of
Inhibition (mm)
1
Evolvulusalsinoides
0.2
6 ± 0.153
2
Lawsoniainermis
0.5
11 ± 0.05
3
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
1
2 ± 0.029
4
Azadirachtaindica
0.5
13 ± 0.058
5
Murrayakoenigii
0.5
12 ± 0.351
Fig 2: Antidandruff activity of the plant extracts on Malassezia furfur, represented as zone of inhibition
in mm
Fig 3: Minimum Fungicidal Concentration of the plant extracts to treat dandruff in mg/ml
Fig 4: Zone of inhibition of the plant extracts
PavithraM.K.S.
et al
/Int.J. PharmTech Res. 2015,8(3),pp 440-443. 443
Fig 2 shows the antidandruff activity of the plants, represented by zone of inhibition. Among the plant
extracts tested Azadirachta indica exhibited the highest zone of inhibition followed by Murraya koenigii and
Lawsonia inermis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis showed the lowest zone of inhibition. Fig 3 shows the Minimum
Fungicidal concentration of the plant extracts. It is inferred that Evolvulus alsinoides at its minimum fungicidal
concentration of 0.2 mg/ml exhibited a reasonable zone of inhibition. On the contrary Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
exhibited low fungicidal activity with concentration of 1 mg/ml. The plant extracts except
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis exhibits a reasonable antidandruff activity. The zones of inhibition of the herbal extracts
indicated a reasonable antifungal activity on Malassezia furfur(Fig 4).
Conclusion:
All the plant extracts showed a significant antidandruff activity and also been used traditionally to
induce hair growth. The results obtained from the work are encouraging and would probably help to make a
polyherbal mixture which find its application in inducing hair growth activity.
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Full-text available
  • Sep 2010
Extensive researches are going on to explore the effective and safe drug for their hair growth. Tobacco leaves are traditionally known to potentiate hair growth promotion. Therefore, the aim of present study was to formulate and evaluate the microbial biotransformed extract of tobacco leaves for hair growth potential in male albino wister rats. The extract of was prepared by microbial biotransformation of tobacco leaves in cow urine for 28 days. The herbal formulations (lotion) were formulated by general method using o/w type base in various rations or concentrations such as 10%, 20% and 30% of extract. These lotions were applied on shaved skin area of rats for 30 days once in a day and hair length, serum total protein, and total testosterone were measured. Our formulations show increase in hair growth and serum total protein at concentration dependent manner with effect to standard and control groups. Serum total testosterone decreases according to a concentration dependent manner. Further, series of investigations are, however, necessary to remain exploration, which includes their structural elucidation, characterization, clinical safety, reliability and molecular mechanism involved in this pharmacological activity.
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Three Etiologic Facets of Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Malassezia Fungi, Sebaceous Lipids, and Individual Sensitivity
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2006
Application of new molecular and biochemical tools has greatly increased our understanding of the organisms, mechanisms, and treatments of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff results from at least three etiologic factors: Malassezia fungi, sebaceous secretions, and individual sensitivity. While Malassezia (formerly P. ovale) has long been a suspected cause, implicated by its presence on skin and lipophylic nature, lack of correlation between Malassezia number and the presence and severity of dandruff has remained perplexing. We have previously identified the Malassezia species correlating to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In this report, we show that dandruff is mediated by Malassezia metabolites, specifically irritating free fatty acids released from sebaceous triglycerides. Investigation of the toxic Malassezia free fatty acid metabolites (represented by oleic acid) reveals the component of individual susceptibility. Malassezia metabolism results in increased levels of scalp free fatty acids. Of the three etiologic factors implicated in dandruff, Malassezia, sebaceous triglycerides, and individual susceptibility, Malassezia are the easiest to control. Pyrithione zinc kills Malassezia and all other fungi, and is highly effective against the Malassezia species actually found on scalp. Reduction in fungi reduces free fatty acids, thereby reducing scalp flaking and itch.
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Biological activity of neem seed kernel extracts and synthetic azadirachtin against larvae of Plutella xylostella L
Article
  • Jan 1993
  • Pestic Sci
The activity of two neem extracts, AZT and NEEM-AZAL (containing 30 and 3 mg azadirachtin ml−1 respectively) and synthetic azadirachtin (AZ) against second-instar larvae (L2) of Plutella xylostella L. was examined using leafdip bioassays. On Chinese cabbage, AZ was significantly (P <0.05) less toxic (3 to 4-fold; LC50 0.54 μg AZ ml−1) than either neem extract against a laboratory strain of P. xylostella (FS). The LC50 values for AZT against the FS and another laboratory strain (Wellcome) were not significantly different on Chinese cabbage. The activity of AZT against the FS and Wellcome strains was similar on Chinese cabbage and Brussels sprout. AZT was significantly less toxic (3-fold) on Brussels sprout against an acylurea-resistant field strain (Sawi) when compared with the FS strain on Chinese cabbage. Larval mortality (at day 13) was found to increase with increasing exposure time of P. xylostella (FS) larvae to AZT-treated Chinese cabbage, although there was little difference in mortality between 48 and 120 h exposure. When AZT, NEEM-AZAL and AZ were applied at a dose (1 μg AZ ml−1) which gave end-point mortalities between 50 and 90% (at day 13), all treatments delayed the development of a proportion of surviving larvae but no morphogenetic abnormalities were observed in larvae which reached pupation. Evidence for antifeedant (reduced weight gain) and repellant effects (choicechamber) for AZT were observed with L2 P. xylostella (Wellcome) on Chinese cabbage. AZT was also shown to have ovicidal activity against P. xylostella (Wellcome) at relatively high dose ranges (10-1000 μg AZ ml−1) as well as some contact activity (FS strain) in topical bioassays. In residual bioassays on glass with adults of the hymenopteran endo-larval parasitoid of P. xylostella, Diadegma semiclausum (Ichneumonidae), AZT showed little or no activity at rates up to 1000 μg AZ ml−1. In medium-volume (MV, 200 litre ha−1) and ultra-low-volume (c. 1 litre ha−1) spray bioassays on Brussels sprout, AZT gave 16-92% and 88-100% mortality respectively (Wellcome strain) at rates approximating to 1-20 g AZ ha−1. The residual activity of AZT and NEEM-AZAL against P. xylostella (FS) on Brussels sprout (MV spray) was observed to decrease appreciably after three days, the decline in activity being particularly marked for NEEM-AZAL.
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Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacology of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn
Article
  • Nov 2007
Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Convolvulaceae) is used as nootropic or brain-tonic in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani. The plant is used by certain ethnic races across India, Africa and Philippines to cure fever, cough and cold, venereal diseases, azoospermia, adenitis, and depression. Pre-clinical (in vivo and vitro) investigations have demonstrated anti-amnesic, antistress (adaptogenic), antimicrobial and gastro protective activity. Although clinical-studies are warranted for potential use of E. alsinoides in treating dementia, pre-clinical research has justified the ancient claim of 'brain-tonic.' The review summarizes ethno medicinal uses and pharmacological investigations carried on the medicinal plant.
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Tinea versicolor: Epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects
Article
  • Sep 1991
  • J AM ACAD DERMATOL
Age of the patient, climate, season, and local environmental factors influence the onset and course of tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor). A number of effective topical therapies are available. In addition, a single dose of 400 mg of oral ketoconazole eliminates the disease and can be used prophylactically in some cases to prevent recurrence.
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In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth activity of Hibiscus Rosa –Sinensis Linn
Article
  • Nov 2003
  • J ETHNOPHARMACOL
Petroleum ether extract of leaves and flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was evaluated for its potential on hair growth by in vivo and in vitro methods. In vivo, 1% extract of leaves and flowers in liquid paraffin was applied topically over the shaved skin of albino rats and monitored and assessed for 30 days. The length of hair and the different cyclic phases of hair follicles, like anagen and telogen phases, were determined at different time periods. In vitro, the hair follicles from albino rat neonates were isolated and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 0.01 mg/ml petroleum ether extract of leaves and flowers. From the study it is concluded that the leaf extract, when compared to flower extract, exhibits more potency on hair growth.
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Beneficial effects of Murraya koenigii leaves on antioxidant defense system and ultra structural changes of pancreatic beta-cells in experimental diabetes in rats
Article
  • Feb 2007
  • CHEM-BIOL INTERACT
Oxidative stress and oxidative damage to tissues are common end points of chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Oxidative stress in diabetes coexists with a reduction in the antioxidant status, which can further increase the deleterious effects of free radicals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Murraya koenigii leaves extract against beta-cell damage and antioxidant defense systems of plasma and pancreas in streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. The levels of glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in blood and insulin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ceruloplasmin, reduced glutathione and TBARS were estimated in plasma of control and experimental groups of rats. To assess the changes in the cellular antioxidant defense system such as the level of reduced glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were assayed in pancreatic tissue homogenate. The levels of glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, TBARS, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were altered in diabetic rats. These alterations were reverted back to near control levels after the treatment of M. koenigii leaves extract. Transmission electron microscopic studies also revealed the protective nature of M. koenigii leaves on pancreatic beta-cells. These findings suggest that M. koenigii treatment exerts a therapeutic protective nature in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and pancreatic beta-cell damage. The antioxidant effect of the M. koenigii extract was compared with glibenclamide, a well-known hypoglycemic drug.
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A modified mycological medium for isolation and culture of Malassezia furfur
Article
  • Jan 2006
  • Malays J Pathol
A mycological medium was developed for primary isolation and culture of lipophilic yeasts. It was initially based on published information of nutrients and trace components that would promote the growth of these yeasts. It was subsequently modified and adjusted to specifically promote the growth of lipophilic yeasts and simultaneously avoid the luxurious growth of other fungi and bacteria. With this medium, the conventional bacteriological procedures such as microbial streaking for pure culture and anti-microbial sensitivity testing could be carried out for these lipophilic yeasts.
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