title: In vitro anti-Malassezia activity and potential use in anti-dandruff formulation of Asparagus racemosus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Malassezia species are frequently associated with dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. The study was conducted to evaluate anti-fungal activities of the extracts obtained from the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd against Malassezia furfur and M. globosa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Asparagus racemosus roots were successively extracted with the series of solvents, that is, hexane, ethanol and water, and also a saponin-enriched fraction was prepared. The amounts of saponin (equivalent to shatavarin IV) in the extracts were determined using ELISA. The extracts were tested for anti-fungal activity by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By disc diffusion, only the ethanolic and saponin-enriched extracts demonstrated anti-fungal activity against M. furfur and M. globosa at the concentration of 1 mg per disc whereas the extracts with other solvents were ineffective. Multiple concentrations using the broth microdilution method against M. furfur and M. globosa yielded minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 25 mg mL(-1) for the ethanolic extract but much higher potency for the saponin-enriched extract: MICs to 0.20 and 0.40 mg mL(-1) for M. furfur and M. globosa, respectively. These extracts showed no antagonist effect with the anti-fungal agents, ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These studies revealed the antifungal activity of A. racemosus roots extracts. Because A. racemosus is also anti-inflammatory agent, it has the potential use as an active ingredient in an anti-dandruff formulation.
authors.affiliation: Bioscreening Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.|Cosmetic and Natural Product Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Onlom
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khanthawong
authors.affiliation: Cosmetic and Natural Product Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Waranuch
authors.affiliation: Bioscreening Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.|Cosmetic and Natural Product Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ingkaninan
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D027761:Asparagus Plant / Q000737:chemistry*; D006203:Hair Preparations; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000494:pharmacology; D008290:Malassezia / Q000187:drug effects*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D006203:Hair Preparations; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011725:Pyridines; D007654:Ketoconazole; C010423:pyrithione zinc
keywords: Asparagus racemosus; Malassezia; anti-fungal activity; anti-yeast; chemical analysis; claim substantiation; microbiology; saponins