Evaluation of Anti-Dandruff Potential of Β-Carotene in Suitable Experimental Animal Model

Abstract

Dandruff is a widespread scalp ailment that affects over half of the pre-pubescent population of both sexes and all ethnic groups. The current research was based on evaluating the anti-dandruff potential of β-carotene in suitable experimental animal models. Weighing out 1g of β-carotene, we combined it with 50ml of pure coconut oil and cooked it for three hours, mixing it occasionally. After that, the oil was filtered, cooled, and evaluated as an anti-dandruff product. Male and female Wistar rats weighing 130-160g were purchased from the Animal House at the Translam Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mawana Road, Meerut, UP. The anti-dandruff activity of β-carotene was tested through redness, ulceration, scaling, and efficacy (%) using Wistar rats. In the results, β-Carotene (20%) and (40%) demonstrated efficacy regarding redness, scaling, and ulceration at 43.62% and 54.24%, respectively. However, saline water-treated rats showed zero efficacies. Ketoconazole showed the highest percent efficacy. β-Carotene might be utilized in the treatment of dandruff and fungal infections on the scalp among human beings. It suggests testing of anti-dandruff potential on humans.