Formulation of herbal-based soap from rhoicissus tridentata root extracts for management of bacterial skin diseases

Abstract

Bacterial skin infections are a major health issue worldwide. The major bacterial skin infections are cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, erysipelas, Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, and many others. These are majorly caused by gram-positive bacterial strains mainly Staphylococcus aureus. Recent literature shows that various forms of treatment have been developed to curb bacterial skin infections. Among these is the use of medicinal plants majorly in traditional African Societies. In this report, the major objective was to carry out phytochemical screening of root extracts of R. tridentata and to formulate e herbal soap product based on Rhoicissus tridentata root extracts the for management of bacterial skin infections. The method of analysis described by Harbone, 1998 was employed during phytochemical screening and this showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols as main phytochemicals. The formulated herbal soap was named Rhoitriderm and was found to have good physical-chemical properties such as lemon smell, pH, color, cleansing, and lathering power. Anti-bacterial assay of this herbal soap needs to be done to evaluate its pharmacological uses. Keywords Rhoicissus tridentata, Staphylococcus aureus, phytochemicals, Rhoitriderm, Pentas decora, antibacterial.