FORMULATION OF HERBAL SOAPS FROM PHYLLANTHUS RETICULATUS FRUITS AND TECTONA GRANDIS LEAVES AND EVALUATION OF ITS PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to develop and evaluate the herbal soap by aqueous extracts of Tectona grandis leaves and fruits of Phyllanthus reticulatus. The herbal formulation was then subjected to phytochemical screening and evaluated for colour, pH, odour, texture, foaming ability, moisture content and irritation test. The results demonstrated that the herbal soaps revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The physicochemical results were satisfactory for both the herbal soaps. No such studies related to the preparation of soaps using these extracts have been done so far. Hence, the present study was of great importance and could serve as an alternative to chemical soaps.