Development and evaluation of herbal fruit peel Nail lacquer as a natural remedy for nail fungal infections

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail, is also known by other names such as dermatophytes
onychomycosis or Tinea unguium. This condition is caused by various pathogens, including dermatophytes,
Candida, and non-dermatophytic molds. The antifungal potential of Citrus sinensis and Punica granatum fruit
peels in a herbal nail lacquer was evaluated against the fungus Candida albicans in this research. The fruit peels
of Citrus sinensis and Punica granatum have reported its antifungal activity against Candida albicans. A
combination of these two plants has not been known for its activity against this fungus. Fruit peels were
collected and their powdered extracts were used for the activity studies. Agar well diffusion method was
employed to assess the antifungal activity of the herbal nail lacquer. Herbal nail lacquer formulation was
prepared using 2%, 3%, 3.5%, and 4% of PVP as a film-forming agent. Test parameters for herbal nail lacquer
like appearance, pH, gloss, smoothness, drying time, water resistance, and stability test were evaluated. The
formulation, F4, was selected based on its evaluation parameters. The results of this study showed that fruit peel
extracts and its nail lacquer had antifungal activity. A 10% extract concentration was selected due to its effective
zone of inhibition. Additionally, the stability tests confirmed that all formulas remained stable for at least 30
day.