Momodica charantia, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Since ancient times, Momodica charantia has been used as a treatment for a number of illnesses such as cholera, bronchitis, anaemia, blood diseases, ulcers, diarrhoea, dysentery, gonorrhoea, rheumatism, gout, worms, and colic. Triterpene, protein, steroid, alkaloid, inorganic, lipid, and phenolic compounds make up the majority of Momodica charantia phytochemicals and are responsible for the plant’s biological and pharmacological effects. Hence, the present study is planned to perform phytochemical analysis and to evaluate biological activity of Momodica charantia against the dandruff causing agent Malassezia furfur as previously no work was documented. For proximate analysis performed according to USP 2016 guidelines. Momodica charantia ground seeds were extracted in ethanol using the maceration method for 7 days. According to accepted protocols, phytochemical analysis of primary (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and secondary (alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and glycosides) metabolites was carried out. Metal and mineral contents were determined by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The anti-dandruff activity was carried out using the disc diffusion method, and ketoconazole was used as a standard drug. The extract contained a variety of phytochemicals, including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The presence of various important minerals i.e. Na, K, Ca etc. were also found in sample. Momodica charantia ethanolic extract demonstrated significant antifungal activity at different dilutions, with a zone of inhibition measuring 7.5 mm at 0.1% dilution, 9.2 mm at 0.3% dilution, and 13 mm at 0.5% dilution. This study has demonstrated a considerable effect of Momodica charantia ethanolic extracts against Malassezia furfur.

Keywords: Anti-dandruff, Ketoconazole, Momodica charantia, Pharmacological activity, Phytochemicals