Effect of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Seeds Extracts on In-Vitro Activity of Malassezia globosa

Abstract

Scalp is unique among skin areas in humans. It is characterized by a thick skin layer with high follocular density and sebaceaous glands. The presence of these glands along the dark and warm environment of the scalp makes it more prone to mycotic infections like dandruff. This research was aimed to ascertain the potential of custard apple seed phytoconstituents on dandruff causing Malassezia globosa. The alkaloid, flovonoid, saponin and tannin extracts were not effective on M. globosa. However, glycoside extract was more effective than the crude extract. Glycoside extract had inhibition zones of 35±0.3, 20±0.5, 14±0.2 and 12±1mm at 100, 50, 25 and 12.5mg/ml respectively while crude had zones of 15±0.4, 12±0.2, 10±0.1 and 0±0mm at 100, 50, 25 and 12.5mg/ml respectively. This study suggests the glycoside extract of custard apple seed could offer potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of dandruff due to its fungicidal properties.