Antifungal activity of Aloe Vera on Pityriasis capitis causing fungi Malassezia furfur

Abstract

Pityriasis Capitis is a type of scalp disorder that primarily affects the areas of the Sebaceous glands. This condition is caused due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp and It is characterized by tingling, chipping white to yellow scales seen on the scalp and less as often as possible on the nasal folds, behind the ears, eyebrows and intertriginous zones. This condition has been associated with Malassezia species, the most common one being Malassezia furfur. Aloe Vera has been tested before for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties and it has showed positive results that is it able to inhibit growth of some of the common microbial organisms like Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Penicillium sps. The main objective of this study was to assess whether Aloe Vera gel has antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur. Dandruff-like scrapings were obtained from an infected scalp and used to isolate pure M. furfur. Standard methods were used for media preparation and preparation of Aloe vera gel samples were used in this research. Aloe Vera showed no antifungal activity against the fungus at all concentrations studied.