Development of a Multi-Extract Polyherbal Shampoo Targeting Malassezia-Associated Dandruff: Formulation Optimization, Antifungal Screening and Performance Evaluation

Dandruff is a common scalp condition for which interest in plant-based and polyherbal cosmetic preparations has increased. The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a multi-extract polyherbal shampoo containing Punica granatum, Azadirachta indica, Murraya koenigii, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Sapindus mukorossi, Acacia concinna, Glycyrrhiza glabra and Citrus sinensis. Plant materials were collected or procured, authenticated, shade-dried and extracted using aqueous or hydro-alcoholic procedures. A preliminary base was optimized and six formulations (F1–F6) were prepared by varying the levels of selected extracts. The formulations were evaluated for phytochemical profile, physical appearance, pH, viscosity, total solids, surface tension, cleansing/detergency, foam volume and stability, followed by three-month stability assessment and in-vitro antifungal testing against Malassezia furfur. All formulations were dark brown and homogeneous, with pH values of 5.22–5.62. Viscosity increased from 1260 cP in F1 to 9058 cP in F6, while total solids increased from 21.02% to 29.01%. F6 showed the highest cleansing and detergency values and maintained clear appearance during the three-month stability study, with pH changing from 5.20 to 5.26. In antifungal testing, F6 produced inhibition zones of 28, 26, 24 and 21 mm at 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/mL, respectively, against Malassezia furfur. The findings support the potential of the developed polyherbal shampoo as a plant-based antidandruff formulation, while further clinical evaluation is warranted.