Characterization of an Anti-Dermatophyte Cream from Zataria multiflora Boiss

Throughout the world, there has been an increasing incidence of fungal infections, and because of drug resistance and toxicity associated with long-term treatment with antifungal drugs search for new drugs to treat fungal infections is ongoing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of creams containing different concentrations of Zataria multiflora extract as anti-dermatophyte preparations. First, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanolic extract of aerial parts of Z. multiflora was assayed against various dermatophytes by in vitro tube dilution technique (MIC=0.5%). To select the best cream formulation, one general formula of cleansing cream was considered and then corrected. The best base formula was chosen according to its monotonousness, straightness and external attractiveness. Formulations containing 1, 2 or 3% of the plant extracts were prepared. Finally, a cream containing 10% bees wax, 58.8% liquid paraffin, 1.2% hard paraffin, 5% spermaceti, 1% borax, 1.4% tween 80, 0.15% methyl paraben, 0.15% lactic acid, 0.05% propyl paraben, 2% Zataria extract and water was chosen as the best formulation. The final product was a W/O cream with suitable appearance and desirable physicochemical stability.