Formulation and Evaluation of Yemeni Potash Alum as Hydrophilic Topical Preparations against Candidiasis and Aspergillosis

Background:Skin and soft tissue infections are frequent.Candidiasis and Aspergillosis are the most common cutaneous fungal infections.Yemeni alum(Aluminium Potassium Sulphate)is a natural mineral with antifungal and antibacterial properties.Objective:This study aimed to confirm Yemeni alum’s antifungal effectiveness against selected fungal strains and develop useful topical formulations.Methods:Using different alum concentrations,we prepared twenty-three formulations,including four non-adjusted aqueous solutions,eight adjusted pH aqueous solutions,eight glycerite solutions,and three Oil/Water cream formulations.Then,we examined the antifungal activity against the suggested fungus.The animal skin irritation test evaluated the local skin sensitivity reactions that might happen upon using the formulations we pre-pared on the intact animal’s skin.Additionally,this study also included six weeks of stability testing to estimate the expected shelf life(t90)of the selected formulations.Results:Alum exerted antifungal effect against Candida albicans,Aspergillus niger,and Aspergillus flavus.The animal’s skin was not irritated by any of the formulations examined.The 5%alum aqueous solution and the 10%alum Oil/Water cream exhibited promising results among all tested formulations.The approximate formulation’s shelf-lives(t90)were 2 and 1.52 years with alum content(%)ranging between 105.75%to 106.02%,respectively.Conclusion:Based on the results we found,10%alum Oil/Water cream is a promising formulation for large-scale manufacture.