Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis also referred to as dermatophytic onychomycosis or Tinea unguium, is a fungal nail infection primarily caused by dermatophytes (like Trichophyton rubrum), yeasts (like Candida albicans), and non-dermatophytic moulds. In this study, an effort was made to develop a herbal medicated antifungal nail lacquer using Caesalpinia bonducella seeds. The objective was to enhance clinical efficacy while improving patient compliance. Authenticated C. bonducella seeds were extracted and formulated into nail lacquers using suitable excipients, including film-forming agents, plasticizers, solvents, penetration enhancers, and resins. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various physicochemical and biological parameters such as smoothness, glossiness, non-volatile content, drug content, adhesion, diffusion, and antifungal activity (zone of inhibition). FTIR analysis confirmed drug–excipient compatibility by retaining characteristic peaks. Among the formulations, F5 was identified as the optimized batch and subjected to accelerated stability testing under ICH guidelines at 37 ± 2 °C for one month. The results showed no significant changes in its initial characteristics, while the formulation maintained excellent antifungal activity. Overall, the developed antifungal nail lacquer demonstrated safety, stability, and effectiveness, suggesting its potential as a novel dosage form for the treatment of dermatophytic nail infections such as onychomycosis. Its use may significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patient adherence compared to conventional therapies.

Nails are the hard and durable epidermal appendages structurally horny in nature. Nail plate is responsible for the penetration of the drug across it. There are number of formulations with antifungal agents viz. gels, creams and oral antifungals for the treatment of transungual infections. Among these entire nail lacquers is a new concept in treating nail infections. These nail lacquers are effective as monotherapy in treatment of superficial, distal and subungual diseases. The main purpose of topical nail preparations is to protect the nail plate and enhance beauty of nails. The medicated lacquer preparations are generally used in fungal diseases. Use of this system avoids oral toxicity of anti fungal drugs. The main challenge associated with developing nail lacquers for the treatment of nail disorders is to deliver the active concentration to the site of infection which is often under nail. Penetration of topical antifungal through the nail plate requires a vehicle that is specially formulated for transungual delivery. In this article we have tried to emphasize on need to develop nail lacquer for a promising antifungal treatment. This field could be explored for the treatment of Psoriasis24 and Onychomycosis.24