Formulation and Evaluation of the Centella asiatica Leaf Extract Shampoo against Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans

Abstract

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder primarily associated with the overgrowth of Malassezia furfur, while Candida albicans may act as an opportunistic fungal pathogen under certain conditions. The prolonged use of synthetic antifungal agents may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer plant-based alternatives. This study aimed to develop a shampoo containing Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Leaf extract and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity against M. furfur and C. albicans. C. asiatica leaves were extracted by maceration using 96% ethanol, n-hexane, and ethyl acetate. The extract exhibiting the strongest antifungal activity was incorporated into three shampoo formulations, which were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, foam height, specific gravity, moisture content, consumer preference, and antifungal activity using the agar diffusion method. The ethyl acetate extract produced inhibition zones of 12 mm against C. albicans and 11 mm against M. furfur. All shampoo formulations exhibited pH values ranging from 6.42 to 6.95, viscosities of 1438.67–1577.33 cP, foam heights of 4.0–4.2 cm, and specific gravity of 1.0220–1.0288. The formulations inhibited the growth of C. albicans with inhibition zones of 16.7–19.7 mm and M. furfur with inhibition zones of 17.3–20.7 mm. These findings demonstrate that C. asiatica leaf extract can be successfully formulated into a shampoo with acceptable physicochemical characteristics and promising antifungal activity, supporting its potential as a natural herbal shampoo for managing dandruff associated with fungal colonization.