Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ALBIZIA LEBBECK LEAF EXTRACT FOR ANTI-FUNGAL SOAP

Dr. K. K. Senthilkumar, V. Swathi*, K. Sakthipriya, P. Baranikumar, R. Perarasu,

Abstract

Albizia Lebeck leaf extract has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and medicinal properties. The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate an anti-fungal herbal soap containing Albizia lebbeck leaf extract for the management of common fungal skin infections. Herbal soaps are preferred over synthetic soaps because they are safer, ecofriendly, and produce fewer side effects on the skin. The leaves of Albizia lebbeck were collected, dried, powdered, and extracted using a suitable solvent extraction method. The obtained extract was incorporated into the soap base in different concentrations to prepare the herbal anti-fungal soap. The formulated soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters such as color, odor, appearance, pH, foam height, foam retention, moisture content, alcoholinsoluble matter, total fatty matter, and stability studies. Antifungal activity of the formulation was assessed against common fungal organisms using standard microbiological methods. The results showed that the herbal soap possessed good cleansing action, acceptable foam properties, and skin-friendly pH. The formulation also demonstrated significant anti-fungal activity due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids in the leaf extract. The study concludes that Albizia lebbeck leaf extract can be successfully incorporated into herbal soap formulations to produce an effective anti-fungal product with good stability and physicochemical characteristics. The formulated herbal soap may serve as a natural, economical, and safe alternative to commercially available anti-fungal soaps for maintaining healthy skin and preventing fungal infections. Aim: To development of a herbal soap using the leaf extract of Albizia lebbeck and the antifungal efficacy of the soap along with its physicochemical properties such as PH, hardness, foaming capacity, and stability.

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