Onychomycosis (Paronychia) is a common fungal nail infection, characterised by thickened, discoloured and brittle nails often accompanied by pain and discomfort. It is one of the most prevalent fungal nail infections with the global incidence of >20 % affected commonly by Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis. The market today is flooded with various antifungal therapies (Azoles, Imidazoles, Allylamines, etc.) but their clinical applicability is limited due to associated side effects. The study is an attempt to formulate essential oil-based nail lacquer against Candidal Onychomycosis.

Selection of essential oils and preparation of their blends (EOB) was made on basis of their antifungal activity (minimum inhibitory concentration; MIC and zone of inhibition; ZOI) and physiological effect they exhibit on varied pathological parameters of onychomycosis. Simultaneously, varied batches of nail lacquer (N1-N5) were prepared by varying the concentrations of polymer and film forming agent and were evaluated for their formulatory characteristics (drying time, incidence of white patches, film texture, etc.). Optimal nail lacquer batch was loaded with screened EOB and was evaluated for various characteristics and antifungal activity.

The formulation F4 was found to form a smooth, transparent film over the nail with absence of any tackiness or white patches. Moreover, F4 formulation exhibited minimum MIC among varied batches and higher ZOI (4.3 cm) as compared to marketed preparation (3.5 cm), indicating better antifungal activity.

Essential oils, as an active agent, could prove to be a natural, safer, and more effective alternative to the conventionally available topical preparations for the management of fungal infections. The development of this herbal mixture opens up new possibilities for treating onychomycosis, necessitating additional research and clinical studies to establish its clinical safety, efficacy, and viability.