Formulation and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Soap from Piper betle Extract

Abstract

Natural soap is produced without synthetic surfactants and incorporates functional ingredients such as natural substances, essential oils, or plant extracts. Soap, a type of surfactant derived from natural oils or fats, is created through the saponification process. This research aimed to analyze solid soap made from coconut oil infused with betel leaf extract and to assess its antimicrobial properties. The solid soap is formulated by immersing coconut oil in a 5% NaOH solution and preparing the betel leaf extract using a decoction method. Currently, we are utilizing Piper betel, commonly known as betel leaf (khaupan). The solid soap formulation includes the addition of stearic acid, propylene glycol, glycerin, ethanol, olive oil, and rose water. These herbal transparent soaps were produced using the hot process method. The physicochemical properties evaluated included moisture content, pH, total ash value, extractive value, and preliminary tests. The antimicrobial efficacy of the herbal transparent soaps was examined using the agar well diffusion method. Multiple batches were created to explore the impact of the soap base during formulation, with the most effective batch selected for the herbal soap formulation