Herbal Shampoo Formulations Enriched With Phytoconstituents as Effective Alternatives to Ketoconazole: Comparative Physicochemical and Antifungal Evaluation Against Malassezia Furfur
April 2026
in “
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
”
Studysummary The study developed herbal shampoo formulations using isolated phytoconstituents, such as eugenol, rutin, menthol, and camphor, which demonstrated similar antifungal efficacy to ketoconazole but with improved safety and detergency, offering a promising alternative for managing seborrheic dermatitis.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This study developed and evaluated 11 herbal shampoo formulations enriched with phytoconstituents as alternatives to ketoconazole for managing seborrheic dermatitis. The formulations, containing eugenol, rutin, menthol, and camphor, showed antifungal efficacy comparable to ketoconazole by inhibiting ergosterol, with IC50 values similar to the standard. They also exhibited superior detergency, foam characteristics, and dirt dispersion, without causing dermal irritation, unlike ketoconazole, which can lead to adverse effects such as alopecia. These findings suggest that phytoconstituent-enriched shampoos offer a safer, effective alternative for treating seborrheic dermatitis.
