Quick Kill Effect’ of a Herbal Shampoo versus Contact Time

Abstract

The quick kill effect (QKE) of the ingredients of a herbal shampoo* formulated with Acacia sinuata, Aloe vera, Trigonella foenum graecum, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Indigofera tinctoria, Psoralea corylifolia were tested individually against Candida albicans cells. The cells treated with varying concentrations of the extracts and incubated at different time points were stained with methylene blue. The number of live versus dead cells was ascertained against the concentration and treatment time of the respective extracts. The findings of the study show that 2mg/ml concentration of Acacia sinuata, Trigonella foenum greacum and Psoralea corylifolia in two minutes exposure has caused death of yeast cells with percentage of 26 to 31. The quick kill effect of these herbal extracts suggests their outstanding value in wash-off products like shampoo as anti-fungal agents. Most of the anti-dandruff shampoo preparations despite having effective anti-fungal agent show poor efficacy mainly due to short contact time. The present study clearly state that when a shampoo is formulated with these herbal extracts with their quick kill effect seem make such formulations superior.