EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL BIOACTIVITY AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DERMOSAP: A MODERN STUDY OF A POLYHERBAL AYURVEDIC OINTMENT

*Dr. Anu Joy, Smitha Francis, Sandhya V. R., Veena K., Jewel Varghese and Bijeshmon P. P.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Malahara in Ayurveda is a soothing, lipid-based ointment using herbal medicines, oils, ghee, or beeswax to directly deliver powerful herbal actives and gently heal skin conditions like ulcers, eczema, infections, and inflamed joints. Materials and methods: The modern formulation, Dermosap Ointment, developed by Sitaram Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd., combines major classical antifungal herbs such as Nimba, Haridra, and Karanja. The formulation contains a total of 27 herbs, along with coconut oil and three lipid-based carriers. The finished ointment was evaluated through organoleptic and physicochemical tests (including pH, stability), phytochemical screening, and in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Dermosap ointment is a soothing, pale-brown semisolid with a pleasant, signature herbal aroma. Laboratory analysis revealed a mildly acidic pH of 4.8. The formulation exhibited stability under storage conditions, showed no signs of rancidity, and retained essential qualities such as low moisture content, good spread ability, and thermal resilience. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids. The ointment exhibited notable antifungal activity, producing a 27 mm zone of inhibition against Candida albicans, which closely approached the 30 mm zone produced by the standard antifungal agent, Terbinafine. Conclusion: Dermosap Ointment upholds the Ayurvedic legacy by integrating classical herbal actives into a stable, lipid-based formulation that meets modern pharmaceutical quality standards and demonstrates strong antifungal activity producing a 27 mm inhibition zone against Candida albicans, using CLSI-standardized disk diffusion methodology. In addition to its antifungal efficacy, Dermosap Ointment beneficial in managing skin irritation due to its soothing herbal base and absence of synthetic additives, making it a safe and skin-friendly alternative for prolonged topical use.

Keywords: Malahara, Dermosap ointment, Antifungal activity, Candida albicans, Dadru kushta.