DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTI-DANDRUFF NIOSOMAL HAIR GEL CONTAINING TEA TREE OIL

Dandruff is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, apparently caused by a fungus called Malassezia restricta and M. globosa. Malassezia formerly called Pityrosporum is a yeast causing infection of skin and scalp. Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential oil that is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branches of Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtales: Myrtaceae). Tea tree oil shows promise as a topical antifungal agent, with recent clinical data indicating efficacy in the treatment of dandruff and oral candidiasis. In the present research, niosomal vesicles were selected for tea tree oil delivery because of their penetration enhancing ability. Niosomes containing tea tree oil were prepared using a thin-film hydration method. A 3² factorial design (DOE analysis) was carried out to reduce the number of experiments. Parameters contribution was determined using a 3-D response curve. Prepared optimized batch (NB7) exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 81% and percent cumulative drug diffusion of 57.56 ± 0.092%. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed vesicular, spherical particles with a smooth surface in the nano range. Niosomal gel of optimized batch (NB7) was prepared to incorporate 1% w/w carbopol 974NF. The ex-vivo permeation study was performed in the Franz diffusion apparatus using excised porcine ear skin in phosphate buffer pH 5.5, which showed prolonged drug permeation of 30.39% and hence maximum retention on the scalp up to 69.61%. G7 exhibited good stability throughout 90 days at different temperatures and humidity.