FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTI FUNGAL HERBAL LOTION

Fungal infections of the skin are among the most prevalent dermatological disorders, often associated with discomfort, recurrence, and increasing resistance to conventional antifungal agents. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal antifungal lotion incorporating natural essential oils, namely tea tree oil (Melaleucaalternifolia) and lemongrass oil (Cymbopogoncitratus), as safer and effective alternatives to synthetic drugs. The lotion was prepared as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion using suitable excipients such as stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, glycerin, and triethanolamine. Three formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were developed with varying concentrations of active ingredients and evaluated for physicochemical properties including pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, washability, and stability, along with antifungal activity using the agar diffusion method.

All formulations exhibited acceptable organoleptic properties, appropriate pH range (5.5–6.5), good consistency, and no phase separation, indicating stable emulsions. Among them, formulation F2 demonstrated optimal viscosity, goodspreadability, and superior antifungal activity with a zone of inhibition greater than 15 mm against Candida albicans. The synergistic effect of tea tree oil and lemongrass oil contributed to enhanced antifungal efficacy along with additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.The study concludes that the developed herbal antifungal lotion is a stable, skin-friendly, and effective topical formulation, representing a promising alternative for the treatment of superficial fungal infections. Further clinical investigations are recommended to validate its therapeutic potential and support large-scale application.

KEYWORDS

Herbal lotion, Antifungal activity, Tea tree oil, Lemongrass oil, Melaleucaalternifolia, Cymbopogoncitratus, Oil-in-water emulsion, Topical formulation, Essential oils, Candida albicans, Spreadability, Stability studies

Herbal lotion Antifungal activity Tea tree oil Lemongrass oil Melaleucaalternifolia Cymbopogoncitratus Oil-in-water emulsion Topical formulation Essential oils Candida albicans Spreadability Stability studies