Evidence supporting the use of: Sapindus mukorossi
For the health condition: Insect Repellant

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as soapnut or reetha, has been traditionally used in various cultures, especially in South Asia, as an insect repellent. The saponins present in the fruit are natural surfactants, which are believed to disrupt the cell membranes of insects and pests, thereby acting as a deterrent. Historical usage includes employing crushed soapnut shells in water to wash clothes and hair, which not only cleans but is also thought to repel lice and other parasites. Soapnut extracts have also been used to rinse household surfaces and as a component in natural pesticide preparations for crops, reflecting its use in folk agricultural practices to deter insects.

Scientific validation for its insect repellent effects is limited. While a few laboratory studies have indicated that saponin-rich extracts from Sapindus mukorossi show moderate repellent or insecticidal activity against certain pests (such as mosquitoes and agricultural pests), these studies are not extensive and often use concentrations or preparations not typically employed in traditional contexts. To date, no major regulatory or health body has approved Sapindus mukorossi extracts as a standard insect repellent for humans. Therefore, the evidence supporting its use is primarily traditional, with some preliminary but not robust scientific support.

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