Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Chakramardabeejadi Pralepa and Its Cream: Antifungal Activity and Analytical Characterization

Background: Dermatophytosis (Tinea) is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin, caused predominantly by Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Dadru Kushtha, a form of Kshudra Kushtha. Chakramardabeejadi Pralepa, described in Chakradatta, is a classical topical formulation comprising Chakramarda (Cassia tora Linn.), Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum Linn.) and Sudarshanmoola (Crinum latifolium Linn.), traditionally recognized for Kushthaghna and Kandhuaghna properties. However, the conventional Lepa form has practical limitations, including limited stability, characteristic odour, staining, and inconvenience during application. Objectives: To prepare Chakramardabeejadi Pralepa and develop a cream formulation using its hydroalcoholic extract; to evaluate and compare antifungal activity against T. rubrum and M. canis; and to assess physicochemical and analytical parameters. Methods: The Lepa was prepared. Hydroalcoholic extraction was performed using the Soxhlet method (ethanol:water 1:3). The cream formulation was developed through systematic optimization of the formulation components to achieve suitable consistency and homogeneity. Antifungal activity was assessed by agar well diffusion against MTCC strains. Analytical parameters including pH, Spreadability, HPTLC fingerprinting, heavy metals, and microbial limits were evaluated per CCRAS guidelines. Results: Both formulations showed moderate antifungal activity compared to the reference standard (Terbinafine HCl cream): zones of inhibition of 20 mm (Lepa) vs. 9 mm (Cream) against T. rubrum, and 18 mm (Lepa) vs. 8 mm (Cream) against M. canis. The cream (pH 5.25met all safety and quality benchmarks. Conclusion: Chakramardabeejadi Cream is an effective and patient-friendly novel dosage form with moderate antifungal activity comparable to the classical Lepa, supporting its potential in the management of dermatophytosis. Keywords: Dadru, Chakramardabeejadi Pralepa, Cream, Dermatophytosis, Cassia tora, Antifungal Activity, Agar well diffusion, Lepa Kalpana, Ayurveda.