Formulation Of the Antifungal Cream from Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract for Enhance Antifungal Activity

Pranay Jadhav , Sayali Patil, Prathamesh Patil , Pruthviraj Mane , Varda Joshi,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.15796127

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 03 | Issue 07 | Article Id IJPS/250306587

Formulation Of the Antifungal Cream from Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract for Enhance Antifungal Activity
Pranay Jadhav * Sayali Patil Prathamesh Patil Pruthviraj Mane Varda Joshi
Bachelor of Pharmacy, Ashokrao Mane College of Pharmacy Peth-Vadgaon.

Abstract

Fungi are mostly multicellular organisms that help break down and recycle nutrients in nature. However, they can also cause infections in humans especially in people with weak immune systems. These fungal infections, called mycoses, can affect the skin, mouth, or internal organs. Examples include candidiasis and blastomycosis. Moringa oleifera, also known as the Drumstick Tree or Miracle Tree, comes from the Indian subcontinent. It has been used in traditional medicine for many years. Its leaves and seeds are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and they have strong antifungal properties. Studies show that Moringa extracts can fight off harmful fungi like Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. When these extracts are added to antifungal creams especially using niosomal carriers (tiny capsules that help deliver the medicine) they become more stable, get absorbed better into the skin, and work more effectively.[1] Tests confirm that Moringa extracts can resist fungi like Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. When these extracts are incorporated into antifungal creams particularly by the use of niosomal carriers they are stabilized, get absorbed more into the skin, and function better . These developments highlight Moringa oleifera as a promising natural alternative in the treatment of fungal infections. [2].

Keywords

Moringa oleifera, Antifungal cream, topical formulation

Introduction

Fungal infections, or mycoses, are an important health issue that occur when fungal organisms infect and colonize human tissue. Fungal infections can vary from superficial diseases that infect the skin nails and mucous membranes like athlete's foot and oral thrush to deeper systemic infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Fungi grow best in warm, damp environments and can be found in soil, water, air, and even the body. Some populations, including those with diabetes or weakened immune systems, are more vulnerable to these infections. Fungi like Epidermophyton, Micros Porum and Trichophyton, and yeasts like candida are frequent causative pathogens of skin and mucosal infections. ^[3] As a consequence of the search for alternative therapies, medicinal plants have come into consideration for their potential antifungal activity. Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the "Miracle Tree," is a nutrient-rich tree of the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves have been used in traditional herbal medicine and are found to be high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds with anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune- modulating activities. Research indicates that Moringa oleifera could be useful against fungal infections and could serve as a natural therapeutic agent for mycoses. This article discusses the use of Moringa oleifera in the prevention and treatment of fungal-induced inflammatory disorders. [4]

Symptoms: skin changes including

Red and possibly cracking or peeling skin.
Itching causes of fungal skin infection: Imbalance of bacteria is due to following . ^[5] 3)

Reasons:

Due to use of antibiotics
Hormone imbalance
Poor eating habits^[6]

Diagnosis: A rash that is red, irritated, or scaly in one of the most common areas may indicate a fungal infection. ^[7]

Treatment:

Antifungal drugs
Measures to prevent fungal infections, medications are typically treated with antifungal drugs that are applied directly to the affected area (known as topical drugs). This usually confirms the diagnosis of a fungal skin infection.
Not with standing drugs, individuals might utilize measures to keep the impacted regions dry for example applying powders or wearing open-toed shoes.
Corticosteroids are given by doctors to treat some infections to reduce itching and Inflammation[8]

Advantages :

The skin's surface (i.e. easy to apply).
Suitable for sensitive, dry, and fair skin.
Suitable for acute lesions.
Moisturizes skin deeply.
Creams are less greasy and easier to apply than other products. should be used.

Disadvantages of Cream:

Stability is not as good as ointment.
They are less hygroscopic than other semi- solid preparation, so risk of contamination is high than other.
Less viscous than other semi-solid preparation.
Creams are not used for internal use.
The aqueous phase is prone to the growth of moulds and bacteria hence preservatives ^[9]

MATERIAL ANDS METHODS:

- Moringa Oleifera Leaves
- Stearic acid
- Cetyl alcohol
- Water
- Liquid paraffin
- Glycerin
- Triethanolamine
- Methyl paraben ^[10]

METHOD:

Preparation of Moringa Oleifera leaves Extract: Maceration technique the dried powdered leaves were separately macerated with 50 and 70% ethanol (1:40, w/v) for 7^o C room temperature (28±2°C) with occasional shaking. The extract was filtered and the marc was re-extracted by the same process and solvent until the extraction was exhausted. ^[11

Formulation table:

Table no 1: Formulation table for preparation of cream

Compound	Ingredients	Quantity
Oil Phase (Part A)	Moringa oleifera extract	1gm
	Stearic acid	2.2gm
	Cetyl alcohol	0.8gm
	Liquid paraffin	0.8gm
Aqueous phase (Part B)	Triethanolamine	0.3ml
	Glycerin	1.0ml
	Methylparaben	0.2gm
	water	Qs to 20 ml

Formulation of Antifungal cream:

Anti-fungal creams are o/w emulsion-based preparation containing aqueous phase & oil phase.

Preparation of oil phase : An oil-in-water (O/W)-based cream (20 g) was formulated. The emulsifier (stearic acid) and other oil- soluble components, thickening agent (Cetyl alcohol) and emollient or lubricant (liquid paraffin) were dissolved in the oil phase and heated to 75?C (Part A). ^[12]
Preparation of aqueous phase: the aqueous phase was prepared by dissolving the required amount of hexane extract in propylene glycol solvent and then adding it to water. The preservatives (methyl paraben triethanolamine) and the other water- soluble component glycerine, which was used as humectant were dissolved in the aqueous phase and heated to 75? C (Part B) ^[12]
Development of cream formulation: After heating, the aqueous phase (Part B) was added in portions to the oil phase (Part A) with continuous stirring until the temperature dropped to 40^oC The emulsion was cooled to room temperature to form semi-solid cream base been occurred The creation of the moringa oleifera extract cream was done according to the method reference A 5% w/w cream was prepared using the given above formula. ^[12

CONCLUSION:

Antifungal creams are widely available over-the-counter treatments used to address various skin fungal infections including athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and candidiasis. These creams work by either halting the growth of fungi or directly destroying fungal cells, thereby relieving symptoms such as itching, redness, and flaking. When used correctly, antifungal creams are generally safe, easy to apply, and can show noticeable results within a few days to weeks. However, consistent use and completing the full treatment regimen are essential to prevent the infection from returning. Overall, they offer an effective and convenient method for managing surface-level fungal infections. Conversely, herbal antifungal creams provide a safe and natural option compared to the traditional antifungal medications. Prepared from plantbased products containing rich amounts of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and essential oils, these creams have proved themselves to be effective antifungals against a wide variety of fungal cultures. Aside from their antimicrobial action, herbal creams are less likely to induce side effects, are kinder to skin, and can offer additional benefits such as antiinflammatory and wound-healing properties. Not with standing their promise, the quality and efficacy of herbal products vary and call for standardization and more clinical studies. Still, herbal antifungal creams offer a safe, green, and possibly effective way to manage skin fungal infections [13]

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