Development and evaluation of topical antifungal products based on leaf extract of Cassia alata Linn (FABACEAE)

The study aims to validate the scientific use of Cassia alata Linn (FABACEAE) by developing topical antifungal products for managing skin infections. It is an important medicinal and ornamental flowering plant. In many countries, leaf decoctions have been used to treat various infectious skin diseases in humans and animals, including fungal infections such as Pityriasis versicolor, ringworm, and scabies. To conduct the research, the aqueous extract of the leaves was used to develop dermatological cream and soap containing active components. A set of methods was used to analyze the quality and efficacy. In vitro testing revealed that the aqueous extract exhibits high antifungal activity against C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner and has significant antioxidant properties. The outcome of the research on the formulated cream and soap demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical parameters, including antifungal efficacy, stability, spreadability, and homogeneity. There was no skin irritation upon application. This indicates compliance with quality control tests for active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished drug products, ensuring that they are safe and effective. Investigating novel drugs that offer high-quality, low-cost, and natural alternatives for treating skin infections aligns with a growing scientific interest in natural products for dermatological treatments. These findings are promising, but further large-scale clinical trials and investigation of molecular mechanisms are needed to validate them. This research supports the use of C. alata in complementary medicine to manage skin conditions and provides an alternative to synthetic antifungal drugs.