Multi-Approach Assessment of Albizia Saponaria Bioactivity Against Dandruff-Related Bacteria and Fungi

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of Albizia saponaria stem bark against dandruff-related microorganisms, using in vitro bioassays and GC-MS profiling. The hexane fraction of the ethanolic extract exhibited the most potent antifungal activity, with inhibition zones of 18.25±1.53 mm for M. furfur, 21.64±1.80 mm for M. globosa, and 22.00±2.35 mm for T. rubrum, comparable to ketoconazole. GC-MS identified 21 lipophilic metabolites, and docking analysis showed strong binding affinities, suggesting mechanisms involving ergosterol disruption and biofilm inhibition. These findings suggest the hexane fraction as a promising natural antidandruff candidate, meriting further research.