An in-vitro anti-dandruff potential of Moringa leaves extract and its synergistic effects with ketoconazole

Dandruff, a dermatological scalp ailment, characterized by rapid scalp flaking and itching due to invasion of a lipophilic yeast, Malassezia furfur. Herbal extracts enriched with bioactive phytoconstituents serve as safer alternative over synthetic antidandruff agents. Although the role of Moringa leaves as anti-fungal agent has been established, its efficacy against Malassezia furfur remained elusive. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to unveil in-vitro anti-dandruff potential of moringa leaves. In the present study, dried moringa leaves powder was extracted in the ethanolic solution using maceration method. A preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of Moringa leaves was conducted. Moreover, in-vitro anti-fungal activity of Moringa leaves extract against Malassezia furfur was evaluated using broth dilution and agar cup plate method. The synergistic activity of moringa leaves extract in combination with ketoconazole was investigated using agar cup plate method. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, and glycosides. The ethanolic extract of moringa leaves exhibited antifungal activity at the concentration of 10 mg/ml, 12 mg/ml, 14 mg/ml with zone of inhibition of 8±0.45 mm, 12±0.57 mm and 14±0.25 mm respectively in agar cup plate assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was obtained at 12 mg/ml. In combination study, moringa leaves extract with ketoconazole (12 mg/ml+1mg/ml) revealed symbiotic effect with zone of inhibition 20±0.62 mm as compared to ketoconazole control (15±0.34 mm). Findings suggest that moringa leaves extract could be novel herbal anti-fungal substitute over synthetic anti-dandruff agents.