Comparative Study of Averrhoa Bilimbi, Ricinus Communis and Saraca Asoca Leaf Extracts on Dandruff Causing Fungus and Bacterial Strains

Abstract

Dandruff is a major condition faced by most of the individuals which is characterised by the itchy scalp with white flakes. It is believed that this happens due to many environmental effects. The main organism involved in the cause of dandruff is a fungal species called Malassezia. In this study the phytochemical, antifungal and antibacterial activity of different leaf extracts were analysed. The efficacy of the leaf extracts from Averrhoa Bilimbi, Ricinus Communis and Saraca Asoca were tested on dandruff causing fungus and bacterial strain of E. coli and Bacillus for the study. This comparative study was mainly aimed at using the leaf extracts to check if they could inhibit the growth of fungus and bacterial strains. The antifungal and antibacterial activity wereactivities were carried out using the zone of inhibition method with different concentrations of leaf extracts.