Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as soapnut or reetha, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, particularly for skin care and dermatological conditions, including itching (pruritus). Traditional texts and ethnobotanical surveys report its use in remedies for various skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, and general pruritus. The main bioactive constituents, saponins, are natural surfactants that help cleanse the skin and are believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to relief from itching caused by irritants or mild infections.

However, while preclinical studies have demonstrated that Sapindus mukorossi extracts possess some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly supporting its efficacy for treating itching in humans. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional practices in South Asia, with very limited published human research. The rating of 2 reflects that, although there is a plausible mechanism and traditional rationale, the scientific validation is still preliminary. Nonetheless, topical preparations of Sapindus mukorossi continue to be used in folk medicine for skin soothing and itch relief.