Evidence supporting the use of: Soapberry
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

Soapberry (Sapindus spp.) has been traditionally used in various cultures, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, for its cleansing and medicinal properties, including the treatment of skin infections. The saponins present in soapberry exhibit natural surfactant and antimicrobial properties, which is why soapberry was historically used as a soap substitute and for managing skin ailments such as eczema, ringworm, and other minor infections. Ethnobotanical records document its use among indigenous communities for washing wounds and treating skin irritations.

However, while there are anecdotal and ethnomedical reports supporting its use, scientific validation is limited. Some in vitro studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of saponins against certain bacteria and fungi, but these results are preliminary and not directly correlated with clinical efficacy in treating skin infections in humans. Comprehensive clinical trials evaluating soapberry’s effectiveness and safety for skin infection treatment are lacking. As such, the use of soapberry for skin infections remains grounded mainly in tradition and folk medicine, with limited evidence from laboratory research and virtually no robust clinical studies to date.

More about Soapberry
More about Skin (infections)

Products containing Soapberry

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