ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTY OF Acacia concinna AGAINST Candida albicans IN COMPARISON WITH COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ANTI-DANDRUFF SHAMPOO

Introduction: Maintaining scalp hygiene is very important because it is an area where moisture and organic matter from the glands stay longer even without getting exposed to sunlight directly. It provides a suitable ground for the microbes to propagate and persist. Scalp flora includes fungi most commonly Malassezia species, gram positive Cocci, Bacilli and Candida species. Candida is the most common fungi associated with scalp infections in adolescence age Periodic cleansing is important to maintain its health. Shampoo comes handy but it always causes adverse effects. Natural homemade anti-dandruff agents are less toxic and don’t cause adverse effects. This study is done to demonstrate the anticandidal activity of Acacia concinna compared with anti-dandruff products.

Materials and Methods: We made an extract of Acacia concinna and it was taken in cuvettes. To this, the suspension of 10 µl of Candida albicans was added and allowed to react for 5 min. After 5 min exposure, a subculture is made on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates and incubated for 24 hours. Similarly, shampoo samples were also tested with Candida species and the total CFU was noted and tabulated.

Discussion: Zinc pyrithione has good activity against Candida albicans. But Acacia concinna showed a 50% reduction against Candida which is considered to be significant.

Conclusion: Though Acacia concinna has a moderate effect, it is more suitable for regular use to retain the scalp’s health and to control the fungal growth on the scalp.