Evidence supporting the use of: Sapindus mukorossi
For the health condition: Skin (infections)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as the soapnut or reetha, has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic and other folk medicine systems, especially in South Asia, for the treatment of various skin conditions and infections. The fruit pericarp is rich in saponins, which have natural cleansing and antimicrobial properties. Historically, crushed soapnut shells have been applied topically to skin to treat issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and general infections, and as a natural cleanser to remove microbes and impurities from the skin.

Scientific studies on Sapindus mukorossi are limited, though some in vitro research has indicated that extracts possess antimicrobial and antifungal activity against certain pathogens. For example, saponin-rich extracts have shown inhibitory effects on bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are common culprits in skin infections. However, these studies are mostly preliminary and lab-based, with minimal clinical research directly evaluating the efficacy of Sapindus mukorossi preparations in treating human skin infections. Thus, while traditional use is well established and supported by some plausibility from laboratory studies, robust clinical evidence is lacking.

In summary, the use of Sapindus mukorossi for skin infections is primarily justified by tradition, with some suggestive but not definitive scientific support.

More about Sapindus mukorossi
More about Skin (infections)

Products containing Sapindus mukorossi

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.