Preparation and Evaluation of Medicinal Soap Using Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Extract

Abstract

The present study aimed to formulate and evaluate a herbal medicinal soap incorporating Punica granatum peel extract for its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. Pomegranate peels were shade-dried, powdered, and extracted using solvent extraction. The obtained extract was incorporated into a soap base prepared by the saponification method. The formulated soap was evaluated for pH, foamability, hardness, and cleansing efficiency. The pH of the prepared soap was found to be within the acceptable range (8.5–9.0). The antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The formulated soap exhibited significant antibacterial activity with zones of inhibition measuring 18 ± 0.5 mm against S. aureus and 15 ± 0.4 mm against E. coli, compared to the control soap which showed negligible inhibition. The results indicate that incorporation of pomegranate peel extract enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of the soap without affecting its physicochemical stability. The study suggests that pomegranate peel extract can serve as a potential natural additive in herbal soap formulations.

Introduction

The text describes the development and evaluation of a herbal medicinal soap formulated with Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract. Herbal soaps, made from plant parts such as leaves, roots, and fruits, are valued for their antibacterial, antioxidant, antiseptic, and anti-aging properties, offering a safer alternative to commercial soaps free from synthetic chemicals.

Pomegranate peel is rich in polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, making it effective against common skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Incorporating the peel into soap offers benefits such as natural antibacterial action, antioxidant protection, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and potential anti-inflammatory effects, although limitations include variable phytochemical content, stability issues, and aesthetic considerations like color and odor.

The peel extract was prepared via ethanol maceration, yielding 18.4% crude extract. The soap was formulated using a cold saponification method to preserve bioactive compounds, with varying extract concentrations (1–5% w/w). Evaluation of the herbal soap revealed dark brown color, smooth texture, pleasant odor, pH 8.2, moisture content 14.8%, foam height 14.5 cm, and high total fatty matter (72%), indicating good quality, cleansing efficacy, moisturizing properties, and skin safety.

Overall, the study demonstrates that pomegranate peel–based herbal soap is an effective, safe, and sustainable personal care product with therapeutic benefits.

Conclusion

The present study focused on the preparation and evaluation of medicinal soap formulated using pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract. Pomegranate peel, an agro-industrial by-product, was selected due to its rich content of hydrolysable tannins, particularly punicalagin, along with ellagic acid and other phenolic compounds known for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. 11The peel extract was successfully prepared using the maceration method with 70% ethanol, yielding an appreciable percentage extractive value. The formulated herbal soap was prepared by the cold process method, incorporating 3% w/w of the extract into a standard soap base. The formulation process ensured uniform mixing, appropriate trace formation, and adequate curing to obtain a stable and firm soap bar. Evaluation of the prepared soap demonstrated acceptable physicochemical characteristics. The pH of the soap was found to be within the suitable alkaline range for cleansing formulations, indicating proper saponification without excessive alkalinity. Foam height and physical parameters such as color, texture, and hardness were satisfactory, confirming formulation stability and usability.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Pisipati Aparna, Garike Suraj, Kundhum Arun Kumar, Chebattina Aravind, Bhogadi Ram Aaruhya, Karnati Madhu Kishore Reddy, Dr. Yarlagaadda Anakamma Chowdary. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.