Formulation And Evaluation of Herbal Essential Oil-Based Nail Lacquer for Management of Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails, presents a persistent therapeutic challenge due to poor drug permeability through the nail plate and frequent recurrences. This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an herbal nail lacquer incorporating Cinnamon oil, known for its potent antifungal properties, and Mimosa pudica extract, recognized for its wound healing and antimicrobial activities. The formulation employs shellac or nitrocellulose as film-forming agents, castor oil for nail conditioning, ethanol (90%) and propylene glycol as solvents and permeation enhancers, and HPMC for viscosity modulation. Sodium benzoate acts as a preservative, while purified water ensures appropriate consistency. The nail lacquer was evaluated for its physicochemical properties, drying time, film formation, adhesion, viscosity, and antifungal efficacy against common dermatophytes. Results indicated a stable formulation with satisfactory film-forming ability, good adherence, rapid drying time, and significant antifungal activity, demonstrating its potential as an effective topical treatment for onychomycosis. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate clinical efficacy and safety.