A Review on Toxicological Evaluation of Zinc Pyrithione; A Globally Recognized Antidandruff Active

Authors: Meenakshi Jonwal

Country: India

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Abstract: Zinc pyrithione (ZPTO), also known as zinc pyridine-2-thiol-N-oxide or bis-[1-hydroxy-2(H) pyridinethionato]-zinc is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and has been used as fungicide and bactericide in various personal care and pharmaceutical products, particularly in anti-dandruff shampoos. Many leading brands in anti-dandruff domain highlights advantages of ZPTO in eradicating dandruff as well as associated dandruff side effects. ZPTO is also being used as a biologically active agent, i.e., antimicrobial in water-based paints, coatings, adhesives, as wet-state preservative, in hard surface cleaners, fabric care compositions, wood products, plastic products, for cutting oils and coolant systems, protecting cellulosic fibres from loss of tensile strength and/or in any other application where microorganism growth must be stopped or slowed.

As described above that ZPTO have proven wide range of applications but to control the growth of a wider range of organisms effectively and to attain higher bio-availability, higher concentrations of ZPTO is required. Whereas, the useful amount of pyrithione or its salts that can be added to a commercial product is limited to a lesser extent due to toxicological, environmental and economic considerations. Pyrithiones exhibit various biological effects, yet the active species and molecular mechanisms underlying their diverse biological activities remain enigmatic. Understanding the toxic effects of Zinc Pyrithione (ZPTO) is crucial for evaluating the risks associated with widespread pyrithione biocide release into the environment.

The present review article depicts the safety and toxicological aspects of Zinc Pyrithione, which is widely been used in anti-dandruff shampoos, soaps and various industrial formulations.

Keywords: Zinc Pyrithione, Antimicrobial, Fungicide, Bactericide, Anti-dandruff, Toxicology, Toxicokinetic and Environmental Effects

Paper Id: 1684

Published On: 2017-01-25

Published In: Volume 5, Issue 1, January-February 2017

Cite This: A Review on Toxicological Evaluation of Zinc Pyrithione; A Globally Recognized Antidandruff Active - Meenakshi Jonwal - IJIRMPS Volume 5, Issue 1, January-February 2017.

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