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.