Abstract

FROM NATURE TO NAILS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON HERBAL NAIL LACQUER FOR TREATING ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Aishwarya Hiremath*, Samarth A. V., Atiya, Shrushti S., Manikantha P. Garlpet, Muhammed Mussamil A.

Abstract

Millions of people suffer from onychomycosis worldwide, a common fungal infection of the nails that frequently causes brittleness, thickness, and discoloration. Conventional treatments like oral antifungals and synthetic nail lacquers are usually linked to problems like systemic adverse effects, drug interactions, little nail penetration, and high relapse rates. Herbal nail lacquers, which combine plant-derived actives including tea tree oil, oregano oil, neem extract, Caesalpinia bonducella extract and coniferous resins with sophisticated formulation techniques, have become a viable substitute in recent years. These natural substances have broad-spectrum antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities, and they frequently work through a variety of mechanisms which lowers the likelihood of resistance. Drug delivery, release sustainability, and patient compliance are all improved by the use of penetration enhancers, film-forming agents, and resins. Quality and therapeutic potential are guaranteed by evaluation factors such as drying time, adhesion, viscosity, content of active ingredients and antifungal activity. Herbal nail lacquers, with their low toxicity and good safety profiles, provide a practical, patient-friendly way to treat onychomycosis. This helps to overcome the drawbacks of traditional therapies and satisfy the increasing need for safe, efficient, and pleasing treatments.

Keywords: Nail lacquer, anti-fungal, herbal, transungual drug delivery, onychomycosis, penetration enhancers.