Research Projects

This proposal aimed to develop natural plant saponin-based foaming formulations (bathing, shampoo and oral care products) with a prolonged shelf-life. The key materials of the formulations comprise of the extracts of Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia concinna, Sapindus mukorossi, Accacia pennata and Albizia chinensis. Traceadditives (like essential oils, citric acid) and protective plant extracts like Aegle marmelos, Murraya koenigii,Psidium guajava in different proportions will be added to various product formulations (soap, shampoo, handwash and toothpaste). In-vitro and clinical testing will be done to evaluate the performance of the developed products along with antimicrobial and physicochemical tests (wetting, foam stability, % of solid contents,detergence, taste, dermal and mucosal safety etc.). Unlike conventional synthetic chemical-based agents, thedeveloped foaming products will be mild, protective and from natural ingredients.

Upon process optimization, two innovative optimized saponin-rich combinations were identified based on foam stability and wettability results. Combination 1 (High foam stability): This includes extracts (0.25 w/v of each plant material) of the following plants; Albizia lucidior leaves (ALL), Acacia auriculiformis pod (AAP), Acacia auriculiformis leaves (AAL), Acacia pennata bark (APB). Combination 2 (Higher wetting): This includes extracts (0.25 w/v of each plant material) of the following plants; Albizia chinensis bark (AAB), Acacia auriculiformis pod (AAP), Acacia auriculiformis leaves (AAL), Acacia pennata bark (APB). Foam stability and wettability tests showed natural saponins (optimum combinations) are comparable to SLS (57–59°).