Comparative in vitro evaluation of anti-inflammatory properties of selenium disulfide and ketoconazole-based topical formulations

Manasi Sasane; Priyanka Dargode; Siddhivinayak Barve; Deeksha Malhotra; Ritwick Mukherjee; Pravin N. Sawant; Priyanka Sangle

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20260370

Authors

Manasi Sasane KET’s Scientific Research Centre, Animal Biotechnology and Biochemistry Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Priyanka Dargode KET’s Scientific Research Centre, Animal Biotechnology and Biochemistry Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Siddhivinayak Barve KET’s Scientific Research Centre, Animal Biotechnology and Biochemistry Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Deeksha Malhotra Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Medical Affairs Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Ritwick Mukherjee Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Medical Affairs Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Pravin N. Sawant Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Medical Affairs Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Priyanka Sangle KET’s Scientific Research Centre, Animal Biotechnology and Biochemistry Division, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20260370

Keywords:

Selenium disulfide, Ketoconazole, Salicylic acid, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, MTT assay, Anti-inflammatory

Abstract

Background: Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are chronic inflammatory scalp disorders associated with cytokine- mediated immune responses and impaired barrier function.

Methods: This in vitro study compared the anti- inflammatory efficacy of two topical formulations—Selsun S (1% selenium disulfide + 3% salicylic acid) and a comparator (2% ketoconazole + 2% salicylic acid)—using THP-1 monocytic cells. Both formulations significantly suppressed TNF-α production (IC₅₀ <0.03 mg/ml), with the comparator (2% ketoconazole + 2% salicylic acid) exhibiting higher cytotoxicity.

Results: Selsun S demonstrated greater potency in reducing IL-6 (IC₅₀: 0.033 mg/ml versus 0.041 mg/ml) and IL-8 (IC₅₀: 0.032 mg/ml versus 0.045 mg/ml), likely due to enhanced skin penetration from its higher salicylic acid content.

Conclusions: These findings support Selsun S’s superior anti-inflammatory activity and tolerability, indicating its potential utility in managing inflammatory scalp conditions.

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