IN VITRO ANTI-DANDRUFF STUDY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ALLAMANDA CATHARTICA L. LEAVES

The study focuses on the Invitro anti-dandruff study and phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Allamanda cathartica L. leaves dandruff is a common scalp disorder primarily caused by the lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur. Although several synthetic antifungal agents are available for its treatment, prolonged use may lead to adverse effects and the development of resistance. This has increased interest in herbal remedies as safer alternatives. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antidandruff potential of Allamanda cathartica L. leaf extract and to investigate its phytochemical constituents. The study includes leaves collection, authentication, shade dry, powdering and extraction using distilled water by the Maceration method. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and lipids. The anti-dandruff activity of the aqueous extract assessed against Malassezia furfur using the agar well diffusion method, with Ketoconazole as the standard drug. The extract exhibits a measurable zone of inhibition at higher concentrations, indicating significant anti-dandruff activity. The study confirms that Allamanda cathartica L. possesses promising anti-dandruff potential may serve as natural, effective alternative for the management of dandruff, subject to further formulation development and clinical evaluation.