In vitroanti-Malasseziaactivity and potential use in anti-dandruff formulation ofAsparagus racemosus

Anti-Malassezia Drug Candidates Based on Virulence Factors of Malassezia-Associated Diseases

Malassezia is a lipophilic unicellular fungus that is able, under specific conditions, to cause severe cutaneous and systemic diseases in predisposed subjects. This review is divided into two complementary parts. The first one discusses how virulence factors contribute to Malassezia pathogenesis that triggers skin diseases. These virulence factors include Malassezia cell wall resistance, lipases, phospholipases, acid sphingomyelinases, melanin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), indoles, hyphae formation, hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation. The second section describes active compounds directed specifically against identified virulence factors. Among the strategies for controlling Malassezia spread, this review discusses the development of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonists, inhibition of secreted lipase, and fighting biofilms. Overall, this review offers an updated compilation of Malassezia species, including their virulence factors, potential therapeutic targets, and strategies for controlling their spread. It also provides an update on the most active compounds used to control Malassezia species.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Cordyceps militaris spent substrate

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom and has been extensively used as a traditional medicine in East Asia. After the chrysalis seeds are matured and harvested, the spent substrate of C. militaris still contains active ingredients but is usually discarded as waste. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of C. militaris spent substrate extract and its inhibitory activity on the Malassezia commensal yeasts that can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Active substances in the spent substrate of C. militaris were extracted using a hot water extraction method and were used for the determination of antioxidant activity by measuring their ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anions. The ability to inhibit Malassezia was analyzed using the broth microdilution method, and the reparative effect on oxidative damage in HaCaT cells was measured using in vitro cell analysis. Respiratory burst evaluation was used to determine the anti-inflammatory capacity of extracts. Analysis of the Malassezia-inhibiting activity of the extracts showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration was 6.25 mg/mL. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of DPPH, O2-, H2O2 and OH- were 3.845 mg/mL, 2.673 mg/mL, 0.037 mg/mL and 0.046 mg/mL, respectively. In the concentration range of 2 to 50%, the extract was non-toxic to cells and was able to protect HaCaT cells from H2O2 damage. When the volume fraction of the extract was 20.96%, its anti-inflammatory ability reached 50%. These results demonstrated that the extract may be a safe and efficacious source for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications, with Malassezia-inhibiting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multimodal neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative illness characterized by anhedonia, continued melancholy, dysfunctional circadian rhythm and many other behavioral infirmities. Depression is also associated with somatic ailments such as cardiometabolic diseases. The existing and upcoming hypotheses have succeeded in explaining the pathophysiology of depression. Only a few of the most validated theories, such as hyperactivity of the HPA axis, activated inflammatory-immune response, and monoaminergic and GABAergic deficit hypotheses, have been discussed in this review. So, an effective and safer alternative approach beyond symptomatic relief has been desired. Therefore, botanical products have steadily been probed to strengthen the modern medicinal system as a promising medicament. In this line, Asparagus racemosus Willd. belongs to Asparagaceace family is the well-documented adaptogen cited in the ancient texts namely, Ayurvedic, Greek, and Chinese medicine system. The whole plant possesses pleiotropic therapeutic activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, nootropic, antidepressant, etc., without showing any remarkable side effects. The literature review has also suggested that A. racemosus administration at varied levels alleviates depression by modulating the HPA axis, increasing BDNF levels, and monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Alongside, spikes the level of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, GSH peroxidase, GSH, and catalase in distinct brain regions (i.e., hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hypothalamus) and promote neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Thus, it could be a new generation antidepressant that provides relief from both behavioral and somatic illness. The review first describes the plant characteristics, then discusses the hypotheses associated with the pathogenesis of depression, and gives an insight into A. racemosus antidepressant properties and the underlying mechanism.

Seborrheic dermatitis: topical therapeutics and formulation design

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common dermatological disorder with symptoms that include skin flaking, erythema and pruritus. This review discusses the topical products available for treating SD, which target several aspects of disease pathobiology, including cutaneous microbial dysbiosis (driven by Malassezia yeast), inflammation, sebum production and skin barrier disruption. Among the various treatments available, zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) based products that exhibit anti-fungal action are the market leaders. A skin compartment approach is presented here for combining ZnPT exposure information with threshold levels for anti-fungal efficacy and toxicity, overall providing a comprehensive picture of ZnPT therapeutics and safety. While Malassezia yeast on the surface are effectively targeted, yeast residing beyond the superficial follicle may not receive adequate ZnPT for anti-fungal effect forming the basis for skin re-colonisation. Levels entering systemic circulation from topical delivery are well below toxic thresholds, however the elevated zinc levels within the viable epidermis warrants further investigation. Strategies to improve formulation design can be broadly classified as influencing 1) topical delivery, 2) therapeutic bioactivity, 3) skin mildness, and 4) sensory attributes. Successful SD treatment ultimately requires formulations that can balance efficacy, safety, and consumer appeal.

Bibliometric Study of Adaptogens in Dermatology: Pharmacophylogeny, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Mechanisms

Background

Adaptogens are a class of medicinal plants that can nonspecifically enhance human resistance. Most of the plant adaptogens have relevant applications in dermatology, but there are still few studies related to their particular action and co-operative mechanisms in topical skin application.

Methods

Plant adaptogens related articles and reviews that published between 1999 and 2022 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Various bibliographic elements were collected, including the annual number of publications, countries/regions, and keywords. CiteSpace, a scientometric software, was used to conduct bibliometric analyses. Also, the patsnap global patent database was used to analyze the patent situation of plant adaptogens in the field of cosmetics up to 2021.

Results

We found that the effects of plant adaptogens on skin diseases mainly involve atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and androgenetic alopecia, etc. And the effects on skin health mainly involve anti-aging and anti-photoaging, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, whitening, and anti-hair loss, etc. Also, based on the results of patent analysis, it is found that the effects of plant adaptogens on skin mainly focus on aging retardation. The dermatological effects of plant adaptogens are mainly from Fabaceae Lindl., Araliaceae Juss. and Lamiaceae Martinov., and their mainly efficacy phytochemical components are terpenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Conclusion

The plant adaptogens can repair the skin barrier and maintain skin homeostasis by regulating the skin HPA-like axis, influencing the oxidative stress pathway to inhibit inflammation, and regulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) components to maintain a dynamic equilibrium, ultimately achieving the treatment of skin diseases and the maintenance of a healthy state.

Herbal Therapy for the Treatment of Seborrhea Dermatitis

Seborrhea dermatitis is a skin disorder that usually appears on parts of the body that have high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, and scalp. Clinical manifestations that generally appear as scaly skin and erythema. Seborrhea dermatitis is also known as one of the causes of alopecia. Treatments that can be used for seborrhea dermatitis are antifungal, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and coal tar. There are concerns about poor adherence, resistance, and some side effects of drugs that have been used in the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis. Concerns regarding these issues increase the urgency for the development of new therapeutic agents in the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis. Research on medicinal plants has enormous potential to produce compounds with new structures and bioactivity. This review discusses clinical and in vitro studies related to the activity of several medicinal plants that have potential as a treatment for seborrhea dermatitis, as well as the compounds that play a role in these activities. Literature searches were carried out on the PubMed, Taylor & Francis, and SpringerLink databases using Boolean Operators to get 25 articles that match the keywords used. Of the 25 articles, six were clinical trials, while 19 were in vitro studies of Malassezia. Several plants have potential as promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of seborrhea dermatitis by inhibiting the growth of Malassezia, decreasing sebum secretion, and decreasing symptoms associated with seborrhea dermatitis such as itching, pain or burning sensation, and redness.

The Inhibitory Activity of Citral against Malassezia furfur

The lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur, is a member of the cutaneous commensal microbiota and is associated with several chronic diseases such as dandruff, pityriasis versicolor, folliculitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, that are often difficult to treat with current therapies. The development of alternatively effective antifungal therapies is therefore of paramount importance. In this study, we investigated the treatment effect of citral on M. furfur. The minimal inhibitory concentration of citral for M. furfur was 200 μg/mL, and the minimal fungicidal concentration was 300 μg/mL. Citral significantly increased the proportion of yeast cells to mycelial forms 2.6-fold. Phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and metacaspase activation supported a citral-induced apoptosis in M. furfur. Moreover, citral at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations reduced the invasion of M. furfur in HaCaT keratinocytes. Finally, we demonstrated that citral inhibited IL-6 and TLR-2 expression and enhanced HBD-2 and TSLP expression in M. furfur-infected HaCaT keratinocytes. These results showed that citral has antifungal activity at high concentrations and can decrease the infection of M. furfur by modulating the keratinocyte immune responses at low concentrations. Our results suggest that citral is a potential candidate for topical therapeutic application for M. furfur-associated human skin diseases.

In Vitro and In Vivo Regulation of SRD5A mRNA Expression of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extract from Asparagus racemosus Willd. Root as Anti-Sebum and Pore-Minimizing Active Ingredients

Oily skin from overactive sebaceous glands affects self-confidence and personality. There is report of an association between steroid 5-alpha reductase gene (SRD5A) expression and facial sebum production. There is no study of the effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract on the regulation of SRD5A mRNA expression and anti-sebum efficacy. This study extracted A. racemosus using the supercritical carbon dioxide fluid technique with ethanol and investigated its biological compounds and activities. The A. racemosus root extract had a high content of polyphenolic compounds, including quercetin, naringenin, and p-coumaric acid, and DPPH scavenging activity comparable to that of the standard L-ascorbic acid. A. racemosus root extract showed not only a significant reduction in SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 mRNA expression by about 45.45% and 90.86%, respectively, but also a reduction in the in vivo anti-sebum efficacy in male volunteers, with significantly superior percentage changes in facial sebum production and a reduction in the percentages of pore area after 15 and 30 days of treatment. It can be concluded that A. racemosus root extract with a high content of polyphenol compounds, great antioxidant effects, promising downregulation of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2, and predominant facial sebum reduction and pore-minimizing efficacy could be a candidate for an anti-sebum and pore-minimizing active ingredient to serve in functional cosmetic applications.

In vitro antidermatophytic activity of bioactive compounds from selected medicinal plants

Fungal infections are among the most difficult diseases to manage in humans. Eukaryotic fungal pathogens share many similarities with their host cells, which impairs the development of antifungal compounds. Therefore, it is desirable to harness the pharmaceutical potential of medicinal plants for antifungal drug discovery. In this study, the antifungal activity of sixteen plant extracts was investigated against selected dermatophytic fungi. Of the sixteen plants, the cladode (leaf) of Asparagus racemosus, and seed extract of Cassia occidentalis showed antifungal activity against Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum nanum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton terrestre. The plant antifungal compounds were located by direct bioassay against Cladosporium herbarum. IR and NMR spectrometry analyses of these compounds identified the presence of saponin (in A. racemosus) and hydroxy anthraquinone (in C. occidentalis) in these antifungal compounds. The antidermatophytic activity of plant anthraquinone and saponins with reports of little or no hemolytic activity, makes these compounds ideal for alternative antifungal therapy and warrants further in-depth investigation in vivo.

Targeted Delivery of Zinc Pyrithione to Skin Epithelia

Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is an anti-fungal drug delivered as a microparticle to skin epithelia. It is one of the most widely used ingredients worldwide in medicated shampoo for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), a disorder with symptoms that include skin flaking, erythema and pruritus. SD is a multi-factorial disease driven by microbiol dysbiosis, primarily involving Malassezia yeast. Anti-fungal activity of ZnPT depends on the cutaneous availability of bioactive monomeric molecular species, occurring upon particle dissolution. The success of ZnPT as a topical therapeutic is underscored by the way it balances treatment efficacy with formulation safety. This review demonstrates how ZnPT achieves this balance, by integrating the current understanding of SD pathogenesis with an up-to-date analysis of ZnPT pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology. ZnPT has anti-fungal activity with an average in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration of 10-15 ppm against the most abundant scalp skin Malassezia species (Malassezia globosa and Malassezia restrica). Efficacy is dependent on the targeted delivery of ZnPT to the skin sites where these yeasts reside, including the scalp surface and hair follicle infundibulum. Imaging and quantitative analysis tools have been fundamental for critically evaluating the therapeutic performance and safety of topical ZnPT formulations. Toxicologic investigations have focused on understanding the risk of local and systemic adverse effects following exposure from percutaneous penetration. Future research is expected to yield further advances in ZnPT formulations for SD and also include re-purposing towards a range of other dermatologic applications, which is likely to have significant clinical impact.

Conventional therapy and new antifungal drugs against Malassezia infections

Malassezia yeasts are commensal microorganisms occurring on the skin of humans and animals causing dermatological disorders or systemic infections in severely immunocompromised hosts. Despite attempts to control such yeast infections with topical and systemic antifungals, recurrence of clinical signs of skin infections as well as treatment failure in preventing or treating Malassezia furfur fungemia have been reported most likely due to wrong management of these infections (e.g., due to early termination of treatment) or due to the occurrence of resistant phenomena. Standardized methods for in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests of these yeasts are still lacking, thus resulting in variable susceptibility profiles to azoles among Malassezia spp. and a lack of clinical breakpoints. The inherent limitations to the current pharmacological treatments for Malassezia infections both in humans and animals, stimulated the interest of the scientific community to discover new, effective antifungal drugs or substances to treat these infections. In this review, data about the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of the most commonly employed drugs (i.e., azoles, polyenes, allylamines, and echinocandins) against Malassezia yeasts, with a focus on human bloodstream infections, are summarized and their clinical implications are discussed. In addition, the usefulness of alternative compounds is discussed.

Plant-Derived Products as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents in Human Health Care

A number of papers reporting antimicrobial properties of extracts, essential oils, resins and various classes of compounds isolated from higher plants have been published in recent years; however, a comprehensive analysis of plant-derived antimicrobial agents currently applied in practice for the improvement of human health is still lacking. This review summarizes data on clinical efficacy, antimicrobial effects and the chemistry of commercially available antibacterial and antifungal agents of plant origin currently used in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, oral, respiratory, skin, and urinary infections. As a result of an analysis of the literature, more than 40 plant-derived over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, herbal medicines, and functional foods containing complex mixtures (e.g. Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, and Pistacia lentiscus resin), pure compounds (e.g. benzoic acid, berberine, eucalyptol, salicylic acid and thymol) as well as their derivatives and complexes (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate and zinc pyrithione) have been identified. The effectiveness of many of these products is illustrated by results of clinical trials and supported by data on there in vitro antimicrobial activity. A broad spectrum of various commercial products currently available on the market and their welldocumented clinical efficacy suggests that plants are prospective sources for the identification of new types of antimicrobial agents in future. Innovative approaches and methodologies for effective proof-of-concept research and the development of new types of plant-derived products effective against recently emerging problems related to human microbial diseases (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) are also proposed in this review.

Fenugreek Leaf Extract and Its Gel Formulation Show Activity Against Malassezia furfur

Malassezia spp. are commensal yeasts that can cause cutaneous ailments such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. We sought to develop a cost-effective, herbal formulation for the treatment of cutaneous ailments related to Malassezia spp. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecum L.) leaves exhibited activity against a clinical isolate and commercial strain of Malassezia furfur. The extracts were also found to be active against other pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical evaluation of aqueous extract showed a predominant presence of flavonoids apart from alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, phenols, and proteins. Gel formulation of 30% aqueous fenugreek leaf extract was developed and optimized using sodium alginate as a gelling agent. The formulation showed good physicochemical characteristics and retained activity against M. furfur during 3-month accelerated stability studies. Furthermore, the developed herbal gel formulation did not show any irritation or sensitization in New Zealand rabbits after topical application, proving its cutaneous safety. Thus, topical gel formulation containing fenugreek leaf aqueous extract could be a safe and effective herbal treatment for various cutaneous fungal infections, including dandruff.

Systematic Overview of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Dominant Poly-Herbal Formulas in Children and Adolescents

Background: The Ayurvedic medicinal system employs a holistic approach to health, utilising the synergistic properties of organic resources. Research into the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (B.monnieri) has reported improvements in cognitive outcomes in child and adult populations. The aim of current review is to systematically assess and critically summarize clinical trials investigating B.monnieri-dominant poly-herbal formulas and their effects on the cognition, memory, learning, and behaviour in children and adolescents. Methods: Key word searches were performed using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, DHARA, and CINAHL for publications meeting inclusion criteria up to November 2017. There were no restrictions in study design. Effect sizes were calculated for all significant findings to allow for direct comparisons, and each study was evaluated on design quality. Cognitive and behavioural outcomes were grouped into validated constructs for cross-study comparison. Results: Nine trials met inclusion criteria. Five studies reported sufficient data for effect size analysis with most improvements reported in behavioural outcomes. True cognitive abilities and behavioural constructs were reviewed in six studies, with visual perception, impulsivity, and attention demonstrating the greatest improvements. The veracity of the evidence for the formulations reviewed is weakened by inconsistent statistical design and under-reporting of safety and tolerability data (44%). Conclusions: The current review extends research supporting B.monnieri as a cognitive enhancer and provides modest evidence for the use of B.monnieri in poly-herbal preparations for improving cognitive and behavioural outcomes in child and adolescent populations. Greater emphasis on statistical vigour and the reporting of tolerability data are essential for future trials to adequately document poly-herbal treatment efficacy.

Immunoaffinity Knockout of Saponin Glycosides from Asparagus racemosus to Assess Anti-lipid Peroxidation

INTRODUCTION

Asparagus racemosus Willd (Asparagaceae family), known as Shatavari, is important in Ayurveda and traditional Thai medicines. The saponin glycosides, shatavarin I and IV are major constituents in its roots and may be responsible for their actions including protection against lipid peroxidation and carcinogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an immunoaffinity column for isolating compounds with structures related to shatavarin IV from crude extracts of A. racemosus root.

METHODOLOGY

The monoclonal antibody recognising shatavarin IV (mAbShavIV) was coupled to an Affi-Gel Hz gel to isolate compounds with structures related to shatavarin IV from the other components of crude extracts of A. racemosus root. The saponin glycosides in each fraction were analysed by mAbShavIV ELISA and LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

The pooled wash-through fractions contained 3% of loaded mAbShavIV reactive saponin glycosides, while eluted fractions released ~ 90% of shatavarin saponin glycosides in a single step. Using thiobarbiturate (TBARs) to measure lipid-peroxidation, the extract, and the pooled wash-through fractions showed moderate protection against Cu⁺ -induced oxidation of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) (IC₅₀ 11.3 ± 1.4 and 12.6 ± 0.9 μg/mL, respectively). In contrast, the saponin glycosides eluted from the mAbShavIV-column had weaker protectant (IC₅₀ 29.7 ± 1.8 μg/mL) suggesting that A. racemosus shatavarins do not inhibit carcinogenesis through preventing lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

The strategy described here demonstrates its utility for isolating a group of related compounds from the rest of the extract with selectivity and recovery rate. Pharmacological efficacy and synergistic effects of the components obtained can be further investigated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In Vitro Anti-Malassezia Activity of Castanea crenata Shell and Oil-Soluble Glycyrrhiza Extracts

Background

A new shampoo with anti-Malassezia properties obtained from various plants is required to provide seborrheic dermatitis patients with a wider range of treatment options.

Objective

The aim of this study was to obtain in vitro susceptibility profiles of Malassezia restricta and M. globosa, the most important pathogenic organisms in the development of seborrheic dermatitis, to the plant extracts used in commercial anti-dandruff shampoos.

Methods

Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for eight candidate plant extracts and two plant-derived natural products diluted with Leeming and Notman medium to final concentrations of 0.016 to 1 mg/ml.

Results

Castanea crenata shell, Camellia sinensis leaf, and oil-soluble Glycyrrhiza extracts presented relatively low MIC values (≤0.5 mg/ml) against both strains. The C. crenata shell and oil-soluble Glycyrrhiza extracts demonstrated especially high anti-Malassezia activity, suggesting their potential use in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. The extracts also showed fungistatic activity against other common facultative pathogenic yeasts, Cryptococcus and Candida.

Conclusion

C. crenata shell and oil-soluble Glycyrrhiza extracts could potentially be used as active ingredients in anti-seborrheic and anti-dandruff shampoo formulations. They could be helpful for repeated treatments and regular prophylaxis of scalp seborrheic dermatitis.

Preparative and Rapid Purification of Saponins from Asparagus racemosus Root by High Performance Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

High performance centrifugal partition chromatography (HPCPC) was applied to the rapid isolation and purification of saponin glycosides in Asparagus racemosus Willd. root. A two-phase solvent system composed of CHCl3-MeOH-water (4:4:2, v/v) in descending mode was used for the separation, yielding shatavarin IX (1) and asparacoside (2) in one step. Asparanin A (3) and shatavarin V (4) were separated by repeated HPCPC fractionation using CH2Cl2-MeOH-water (4:4:2, v/v) as the solvent system, followed by either gel-filtration or TLC. Their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy and ESI/MS. The A. racemosus extracts and 1, 2, 3 and 4 were cytotoxic towards human hepato- and prostate-carcinoma cell lines (IC50 14–37 μM), while primary human fibroblasts were less vulnerable (IC50 22–66 μM), i.e., every saponin glycoside showed selectivity towards carcinoma cells compared with normal fibroblasts. HPCPC has proven rapidity to separate complex mixtures of phytochemicals yielding quantities suited to biological studies.

Quantification of Saponins in Asparagus racemosus by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS

Asparagus racemosus Willd. or Shatavari (Asparagaceae family) is an important medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenate for women. A method for quantitative analysis of saponin glycosides bioactive constituents in A. racemosus is reported. A high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of five saponin glycosides, asparacoside, shatavarin IX, shatavarin IV, asparanin A and shatavarin V in A. racemosus extracted with 70% MeOH. The method was validated through intra-and inter-day precision, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 6%, limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) <10 and 50 ng, respectively. Overall recoveries ranged from 95% to 105%, with RSD ranging from 0.7% to 4.5%. The method was applied to saponin glycoside contents in the leaves, stems, and roots of A. racemosus sourced from different geographical locations, including four provinces in Thailand, and a sample from India. Saponin glycosides were detected predominantly in the roots, the part used in traditional medicines and these showed wide variations in saponin glycoside profiles from undetectable to 12 mg/g dry weight. The quality control of A. racemosus is crucial for reliable and predictable therapies and only methods like the one developed has the necessary flexibility, sensitivity, accuracy, and selectivity for reliable routine quality control.

Anti-Malassezia furfur activity of natural surfactant mediated in situ silver nanoparticles for a better antidandruff shampoo formulation

Anin situone pot synthesis of Ag nanoparticles in aqueousAcaciaplant-surfactant media can be useful as a good anti-dandruff shampoo.