FORMULATION OF pH SENSITIVE CURCUMIN BASED NAIL POLISH WITH TEA-TREE OIL FOR MANAGEMENT OF ONCHOMYCOSIS

Kanimozhi K.*, Kadhersha J., Kajendran T., Kamalika V. S., Kamatchi B., Babu Thandapani A., Ramkumar S.

Onychomycosis is one of the most common nail disorders, affecting approximately 50% of all nail consultations worldwide. Conventional topical and systemic antifungal therapies are often limited by poor nail penetration and systemic toxicity. This study aimed to develop a novel, pH-sensitive curcumin-based nail polish formulation containing tea tree oil for the topical management of onychomycosis. Curcumin from Curcuma longa and tea tree oil were selected as natural active ingredients due to their established antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The formulation was developed using ethyl cellulose as a film-forming agent, castor oil and propylene glycol as plasticizers, ethyl acetate and ethanol as solvents, and titanium dioxide as an opacifier. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in the curcumin extract. The formulated nail polish demonstrated satisfactory organoleptic characteristics with a shining appearance, yellow color, and smooth texture. The formulation exhibited the distinctive pH-sensitive color-changing property of curcumin, appearing pale yellow at acidic pH 5.4, yellow at neutral pH 7, and reddish-brown at alkaline pH 9. Stability studies over four weeks showed no significant changes in color, texture, or spreadability. Viscosity measurement yielded 160 cps, indicating suitable consistency for application. The formulation demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with zone of inhibition values of 11 mm, 15 mm, and 14 mm respectively at high doses. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups of curcumin and formulation components without evidence of chemical incompatibility. This pH-sensitive curcumin-based nail polish represents a promising herbal approach for localized antimicrobial management of onychomycosis, offering a safer alternative to conventional synthetic treatments. However, further investigations including transungual permeation studies, extended stability testing, and in vivo efficacy evaluation are warranted.