FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF YEMENI ZIZYPHUS SPINA-CHRISTI LEAVES EXTRACTS AS ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTI-DANDRUFF SERUM

Ahmed M. Al-Ghani, Mohammed A. Alkhawlani, Mahmoud Mahyoob Alburyhi* and Ameen Alwosabi

ABSTRACT

Background: Ziziphus spina Christi, known as Sidr in Arabic, is indigenous to the Middle East including Yemen, and its leaves are traditionally used by women to wash, darken and lengthen hairs. Objectives: The study aimed to develop and formulation of Ziziphus spina-Christi leaves extract as anti-dandruff Serum. Methods: Concentrated Alcoholic extract of Ziziphus spina Christi leaves was prepared. Phytochemical screening of this extract was carried out. The antimicrobial testing of dilute solution of 150 mg/ml of Ziziphus spina Christi from two areas in Yemen (Sana`a and Duba`a-Taiz) was conducted. Eventually, a serum formulation that contained the dilute extract was prepared and evaluated. Results: In the proposed studies, concentrated alcoholic extract of Ziziphus spina Christi leaves contained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols and tannins. This extract showed good activity S. aureus, E. coli and most importantly against the fungus Malassezia furfur which is a common cause of dandruff. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from this study, a serum formulation containing extract of Ziziphus spina-Christi as active ingredient with powerful antifungal activity and a good organoleptic general appearance properties, pH and density is prepared in the present study.

Keywords: Ziziphus spina Christi, Yemen; Serum, Malassezia furfur, Anti-dandruff.