Research on: Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal soap

Vaishnavi A. Harkal 1, * and Swati P. Deshmukh 2

1 Department of pharmacy, Shraddha institute of pharmacy washim, Maharashtra, India
2 Department of Pharmacology, Shraddha institute of pharmacy washim, Maharashtra, India

GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024, 27(02), 068–079

Publication history: Received on 17 March 2024; revised on 05 May 2024; accepted on 08 May 2024

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2024.27.2.0151

Abstract
People have been using medicinal plants for centuries to treat various ailments. The extract from the leaves, stems, and
roots of these plants has been a natural remedy for many health issues. Commercial soaps often contain harmful
ingredients, making natural herbal soaps a good alternative. Bacterial skin infections are common and require proper
treatment and skincare. Some herbal plant extracts and oils have been found to have antibacterial properties. To
address this, an antibacterial Polyherbal soap was formulated using ingredients like curcumin, neem, lemon juice, aloe
vera, and almond oil. Neem leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin disorders due to their antioxidant
properties. Lemon water has antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities that keep the skin healthy and rejuvenated. Aloe
vera is known for preventing aging, reducing acne, and moisturizing the skin. Turmeric is beneficial for treating skin
injuries and conditions like psoriasis. The Polyherbal soap was tested for its antibacterial activity and showed positive
results. So, the use of medicinal plants in soap production offers cost-effective benefits with minimal side effects.

Keywords: Polyherbal; Neem; Turmeric; Tomato Seed oil; TFM

1. Introduction
Cleanliness is a totally essential issue due to the growing variety of diseases due to micro organism as and germs [1]. soap
is a substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of herbal oils or fats with sodium
hydroxide or any other strong alkali, and normally having fragrance and coloring introduced [2]. Pores and skin is the
largest sensory organ within the body. It serves as a barrier that protects the body organs and gathers sensory data
from the surroundings. The hypodermis, dermis, and dermis are the three primary layers. Every layer contributes in a
completely unique manner to how the skin works as a whole[3]. As skin imparts a specialized feature to body wellbeing,
it is essential for us to hold it away for skin illnesses and alignments. Skin conditions are a generic infection. It harms
human beings of all ages, inclusive of newborns and the elderly, and does so in numerous distinct methods. Infections,
allergies, sun exposure, accidents, and different factors can all result in pores and skin problems [4].

According to definition, soap is a chemical compound aggregate produced whilst a metal radical interacts with a fatty
acid. Any salt of those fatty acids that is water soluble and has 8 or more carbon atoms is cited be cleaning soap. The
metals normally used in soap making are sodium and potassium, which produce water laundry and cleansing products
which might be soluble in soap[5]. The cleansing action of the cleaning soap is due to the negative ions at the hydrocarbon
chain attached to the carboxylic group of the fatty acids. The affinity of the hydrocarbon chain to oil and grease, at the
same time as carboxylic group to water is the principle reason soap is getting used frequently with water for cleaning
purposes. In addition to primary raw substances, other materials are added to the composition to be able to improve its
application. For examples cleaning soap made for medicinal purposes other medicinal significance substances are added
to it to produce medicated soaps. Further to potassium and sodium salt, other metals inclusive of calcium, magnesium

* Corresponding author: Vaishnavi A. Harkal

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
 GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2024, 27(02), 068–079

and chromium are also used to supply metal insoluble cleaning soap that aren’t used as cleaning agents, however are
used for other purposes[6].

Natural cleaning soap practise is a medicine it incorporate antibacterial, anti-aging, anti- oxidant, anti-septic properties
which specifically makes use of of part of plant like seeds, rhizomes, nuts and pulps to remedy for an harm or disease
or to obtain health. Herbal soap do no longer comprise the artificial colours, flavours, fluorides etc., while as compared
to the content of commercial soap. Herbs are the herbal merchandise generally located inside the remedy of just about
all diseases and skin issues owing to their excessive medicinal price, cost powerfulness, availability and compatibility [6].

1.1. Advantages of soap

 Cleans the skin
 Remove oil and dirt
 Washing of corrosive acids
 Prevent acne and pimples
 Removal of impurities.

1.2. Classification of soaps

 Based on usage
 Toilet soap
 Non toilet soap
 Glycerine soap
 Transparent soap
 Based on form
 Handmade soaps
 Bar soaps
 Liquid soaps
 Based on ingredients
 Milk Soap
 Animal Soap
 Luxury Soap
 Perfume
 Based on method of manufacture
 Melt and Pour Method
 Hot Press Method and Cold Press Method

Milling Method[7].

1.3. Types of soap preparation

 Melt and pour soap
 Cold Process soap
 Hot Process soap

2. Review of literature
 Sonvane Komalarun,et.al ( 2023 ) All herbal substances can be found in the nearby herbal market with ease.
The plant used to make soap has the ability to soften the skin’s epidermis, Provide greater penetration, eradicate
acne, and speed up healing and resolution.
 Blessy Jacob, et.al, (2019) Many of these soap ingredients are also having healing power Such as aloe Vera,
turmeric, and tulsi. They are rich in natural antioxidant, antiseptic and Antimicrobial properties. The prepared
formulation was evaluated for various Physicochemical properties and satisfactory results were obtained.
 Jagruti Pravinsing Rajput, et.al (2023) ,In this review herbal soap can be formulated using Cold process
system,taking different parameters in consideration as that of skin condition and as that of herbal capabilities
and its exertion.
 Mahesh D. Shinde, et.al(2023) , The study takes a comprehensive approach, exploring the effects of various
Neem leaf extracts. The herbal soap is meticulously crafted, incorporating Neem and Tulsi, demonstrating
specific efficacy against dermatophytes, while Tulsi showcases remarkable antiviral properties.

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 Latif Ahmed, et.al, (2021 )The ultimate aim of this study is to formulate and evaluate the Ayurvedic bath soap
using methanolic extracts of three plants having ethnic and Dermatological importance in Ayurveda, namely,
aloevera, neem and palm oil. The soap also exhibited good cleaning efficiency in removing microbes on hands.
Hence, based on the antimicrobial effects and parameters, the formulated soap can further be standardized and
an alternative to commercial medicinal and skin whitening soaps.

Aim and objectives

Aim: To formulate and evaluate polyherbal soap having antimicrobial and antibacterial activity

Objectives
The main objective is to formulate herbal soap having antimicrobial and antibacterial Properties.

 To formulate the herbal soap with minimum Side effects.

 The main purpose of preparing herbal soap is to use natural ingredients instead of using chemicals.
 To formulate this soap which is safer and beneficial than the commercial soaps.
 To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibacterial activity of neem and termeric.

2.1. Plan of work

 Review of literature survey.
 Preparation of herbarium sheet
 Collection, identification and authentication of plants material.
 Phrmacognostic evaluation of plant material. .
 Processing of crude drugs.
 Formulation of herbal soap.
 Evaluation of herbal soap .

3. Material and method

3.1. Plants and drugs Profile

3.1.1. Neem

Figure 1 Neem

 Botanical name- Azadiracta indica.

 Part typically used- Leave.
 Color- Green.
 Constituents:- Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Azadirone, Nimbin, Nimbidin, Terpenoids, Steroids, Margosicacid, Vanilic
acid, Glycosides, BKaempeerol, Quercursertin are present in neem leaf.
 Uses: Treat dry skin and wrinkles, Heal wounds,Treatacne,Minimize moles, Stimulate collagen production,
reduce Scars.

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3.1.2. Aloe vera

Figure 2 Aloe vera

 Biological name- Aloe Vera.

 Common name- Aloe barbadensis Miller.
 Part typically used- leaves
 Color- Green.
 Biological source: Aloe is the dried latex Of leaves of various species of Aloes.
 Uses:
o Helps skin with irritation, sunburn, or inflammation.
o This herb is soothing and contains antioxidants, Vitamin C, and other minerals (which allow the skin to heal
faster than it normally would)
o It soothes the skin.

3.1.3. Turmeric

Figure 3 Turmeric

 Biological name: Curcuma longa

 Common name: haldi
 Part typically used: root
 Uses:
o It is used outwardly for skin injuries and minor sores, Ringworm wounds, and especially athletes’ foot.
o Luminous skin. Increases healing.
o Aids in treating psoriasis.
o Appearance of acne scars, could cure scabies.
o Other skin disorders might benefit.

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3.1.4. Lemon juice

Figure 4 Lemon juice

 Biological name : citrus Limon

 Part’s Used: juice
 Chemical constituents: Vitamin C, Etc.
 Uses:
o Blackheads and pimples can be Avoided with the aid of lemon juice.
o Lemons combat wrinkles and other ageing indicators.
o They also make your Pores smaller, giving you clearer, smoother and more youthful looking skin.
o Lemon juice has Astringent qualities due to its acidic composition.
o Contains volatile oil used for aroma, contains Vitamin C, which has antioxidant activity, and antibacterial
activity, treat acne.

3.1.5. Tomato seed oil

Figure 5 Tomato seed oil

 Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum

 Parts used: Seeds.
 Uses: Rich in lycopene, which help in removing dark spots and Skin, Rich in Vitamin C, which imparts an
antioxidant property, Rich in Vitamin K, which imparts blood clotting properties, and antifungal activity.

3.1.6. Coconut oil

Figure 6 Coconut oil

 Biological name: Cocos nucifera

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 Chemical constituents: fatty acids, Caprylic acid, Capric acid, Lauric acid, Myristicacid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic
Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Etc.
 Uses :
o Skin Condition left behind, helping them fade more quickly while Keeping skin
o Moisturized to allow quicker healing.
o Sunburn Relief Coconut oil can help Soothe inflamed skin, reduce redness and
o Rehydrate skin.
o Coconut oil contains a series of Fatty acids that nourish and immunize yours skin.
o Benefits of Coconut Oil on Skin :
o It hydrates.
o It helps to protect skin.
o It smooth’s skin.
o It minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
o It calms temporary redness

3.1.7. Stearic acid

Figure 7 Stearic acid

 Iupac name : octadecanoic acid.

 Other names: Stearic acid
 Chemical formula :C17H35CO2H
 Appearance: White solid
 Odour:- pungent, oily
 Density: 0.9408 g/cm3 (20 °C) ,0.847 g/cm3 (70 °C)
 Melting point : 69.3 °C (156.7 °F; 342.4 K
 Boiling point : 361 °C
 Solubility:- Soluble in alkyl acetates, alcohols, HCOOCH3phenyls, CS2, CCl4.
 Use of stearic acid :
o Soaps are not made directly from stearic acid, but indirectly by Saponification of Triglycerides consisting of
Stearic acid esters.
o Esters of stearic acid with Ethylene glycol used to produce a pearly effect in shampoos, soaps, and other
cosmetic Products.
o They are added to the product in molten form and allowed to crystallize under Controlled conditions.
o Lubricants, softening and release agents.

3.1.8. Glycerine

Figure 8 Glycerine

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 Glycerol, also called glycerine in British and glycerine in American English, is a simple polyol compound. It is a
colourless, viscous liquid that is sweet tasting and non toxic. The glycerol backbone is found in lipids known as
glycerides.
 Formula: C3H8O3
 Molar mass: 92.09382g/mol
 Density: 1.26g/CS3
 Iupac name: 1,2,3-triol
 Boiling point: 290c
 Uses of glycerine :
o Glycerine is great for the skin because it acts as a humactant, which is a substance that allows the skin to
retain moisture.
o It can increase skin hydration, relieve dryness, and refresh the skin’s surface. It’s also an emollient, which
means it can soften skin.
o Yours skin’s natural oils are soften stripped during the bathing process, whether from hot water or harsh
products. Glycerine can help lock in your skin’s natural moisture and prevent over-drying.
o Glycerine is used as a humactant in soap products.
o In other words, glycerine helps to ensure that your skin will maintain its own moisture in order to protect it
from damage caused caused by dryness.

3.1.9. Sodium hydroxide

Figure 9 Sodium hydroxide

 Biologcal name: lye

 Iupac Name : Sodium hydroxide
 Systematic Iupac name : Sodium oxidanide
 Other names : caustic soda ,lye , caustic
 Chemical formula : NaOH
 Molecular weight : 39.997g/mol
 Appearance : White, waxy, opaque crystals.
 Odour : Odour less
 Melting point : 318˚C
 Boiling point : 1,388˚C
 Solubility: Soluble in glycerol negligible in ammonia, insoluble in ether slowly soluble in propylene glycol.
 Uses: Cleaners, soaps, cosmetics, creams, and lotions are just a few examples of products used in the beauty and
skin care industries that contains sodium hydroxide to balance pH. Although sodium hydroxide is exceedingly
dangerous in its pure form, cosmetics and skincare products include very little of it, making them safe to use.

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3.1.10. Almond Oil

Figure 10 Almond Oil

 Biological name: Prunus Amygdalu Dulcis

 Chemical constituents: leic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, palitoleic acid and palmitic acid etc.
 Uses: Improve Skin tone and complexion, treats dry skin, lessens the appearance of under-eye bags and
puffiness, and treats acne. Aids in reporting solar damage the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

3.2. Methods
Preparation of basic glycerine soap:

Following steps are followed:

 About 15 gm of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) was dissolved in 100 ml dstilled water in a non-metallic pan.
 The pan was heated at about 500C until it becomes transparent, after which it was cooled.
 About 35 ml of each palm oil, coconut oil and Castor oil were added to the above mixture.
 Place the cover on slow cooker and put it on sim gas.
 After this alcohol and glycerine are poured in this m ixture and the soap is allowed to simmer for about 30
minutes.
 The prepared sugar solution is then dissolved in water and is added to the mixture.
 Then soap mixture is added to mold and is allowed to solidified[8,9].
Table 1 Composition of soap base

Sr. No Ingrediants Amounts

1 Distilled Water 100 ml
2 NaOH 15 gm
3 Palm Oil 35 ml
4 Coconut Oil 35 ml
5 Castor Oil 35 ml
6 Glycerine 20 ml
7 Ethyl Alcohol 30 ml
8 Sugar 20 gm

3.2.1. Method of preparation

 Take the necessary amount of soap base in a beaker.
 When heating the soap base with a water bath, adjust and maintain the temperature.
 soap base will become liquid after heating.
 Then add the ingredients listed in the formulation table.
 In a water bath, bring the mixture to a boil.

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 without stirring, obtain the proper mixture.

 The soap mold is filled with this mixture.
 It was cooled for a couple of hours at room temperature.
 Soap is formed[10].

3.3. Evaluation of Herbal soap

3.3.1. Organoleptic evaluation:

 Colour :- yellowish brown
 Odour :- pleasant
 Appearance:- Good

Figure 11 Herbal soap Figure 12 Appearance of soap

3.3.2. Physical evaluation

The coffee soap formulated was evaluated for the following properties:

 pH :- the pH was determined by using pH paper. The pH found to be basic in nature.

Figure 13 pH of soap

 Foam retention: 25 ml of the one soap solution was taken into 100ml graduate measuring cylinder was covered
with hand and shaken 10 times. The volume of foam at 1 interval for 4 minutes was recorded. It was found to
be 5 minutes.

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Figure 14 Foam retention

 Foam height: 10cm

Figure 15 Foam height

 Irritations test: Took a ± 0.1 grams of soap that has been soaked in water. Then applied to the skin, allowed for
± 1 hour, observed the symptoms caused after applied.

Figure 16 Skin irritations test Figure 17 No skin irritation

 High temperature stability: The allow stand at temperature above 50 0C.

 Total Fatty Matter Content Test : 5gm of soap sample is dissolved in 100ml hot Water. About 40ml of 0.5N HNO3
is added to make it acidic. The mixture is heated Until fatty acids are floating as a layer above the solution. It is
cooled in ice water to Solidify the fatty acids. The fatty acids were separated and the aqueous solution was
Treated with 50ml chloroform to remove the remaining fatty acids. The separated Fatty matter was mixed
together, solvent was evaporated and the yield is noted.
The Total fatty matter can be calculated using the following method.

Calculation Weight of the china dish (x) = 28.76

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Weight of china dish + Soap after drying (y) = 32.33

Weight of soap sample = 5 g

(y – x) x 100
% of fatty mater = = 71.4 %
Weight of soap sample

 Determination of Moisture Content : About 10g of the sample under study was kept in a hot air oven at 1000-
105°C for an hour. Then, the sample was weighed along with the china dish to Deduct the actual Weight of tarred
china dish. The weight of the content was noted to calculate the Percentage of the moisture content by using the
formula given below.
Moisture content = (Difference in weight of soap /initial weight of soap) x 100

 Antimicrobial Activity Test : The microbiological assay of antibiotics is done by comparing the zone of inhibition
formed by the microorganisms to a specific concentration of antibiotics having a known activity. There are
different types of methods for microbiological assay of antibiotics like cup plate method and disc diffusion
method. In the cup plate method, antibiotic containing cylinder is diffused into the agar layer containing the
microorganisms. The zone is formed around the cylinder. The other method is disc diffusion method where zone
of inhibition is measured around the antibiotic disc. The basic objective is to study various methods of
microbiological assay.
Cup-plate: Prepare nutrient agar plate inoculated with test organism, with a depth of 4-5mm and then allow it to solidify.
Divide the NA plate into four equal portions. Then with the help of a sterile borer make four cavities one in each portion.
Then fill three cavities with antibiotic solution and in one fill the standard solution. Slowly incubate the plates 370 at
for 24 hours. After incubation measure the zone of Inhibition.

Figure 18 Antimicrobial test

Table 2 Physicochemical Parameters of Polyherbal Soap

Sr. No. Parameters Results

1 Color Yellowish Brown
2 Odour Pleasant
3 Appearance Good
4 pH Between 9-10
6 Foam Height 6 cm
7 Foam Retention 5 min
8 Skin Irritation No skin irritation
9 High Temperature Stability Soap melts above500c
10 TMF Test 71.4%
11 Moisture Content Test 85%
12 Zone of inhibition ( Streptococcus aureus) 18 mm

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4. Results and discussion

Preparation and evaluation of polyherbal soap was done. Physicochemical parameters, including appearance and pH
(ranging from 9-10), were determined. Other parameters, such as foam height, foam retention, and temperature
stability, were also evaluated and tabulated. Antimicrobial testing showed successful inhibition of the microorganism S
Aureus.

The soap, formulated using ethanolic extracts of herbal drugs, was a dry, stable solid with no color change. It had good
skin compatibility and caused no irritation. With an estimated TFM of 71.4%, the soap was characterized as Grade 2
soap. Herbal soap has fewer adverse effects compared to chemical soap and acts as a bacteria and microbe-fighting
agent.

5. Conclusion
The formulated herbal soap meets commercial standards and can be used as an alternative to chemical soaps. It has
antibacterial properties and improves skin quality, making it soft, smooth, and supple. The study confirms the efficacy
of polyherbal soap in promoting skin health.

Compliance with ethical standards

Acknowledgement
The author’s are very thankful to the President Dr. Ramakrishna Shinde shraddha institute of pharmacy, washim for
providing necessary facilities to complete this work and special thanks to the co-author Dr. Swati P. Deshmukh for her
creative suggestions, helpful discussion, advice constant encouragement during this work.

Disclosure of conflict of interest

No conflict of interest to be disclosed.

Statement of informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

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