Flavonoid Analysis of Moringa Leaf Extract and Its Utilization in Antibacterial Transparent Soap Formulation

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are normal flora on the skin, but if the number exceeds the normal limit, these bacteria can cause infection. One effort to prevent infection is to maintain skin cleanliness by bathing using soap containing antibacterial ingredients such as flavonoid compounds found in Moringa leaves. This study aims to analyse flavonoid compounds in Moringa leaves and formulate them into transparent solid soap preparations. Soap formulations were carried out with variations in the concentration of Moringa leaves ethanol extract, namely 2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5%. Flavonoid analysis was carried out qualitatively using Mg reagent and quantitatively using UV-Vis spectrophotometry method with AlCl3 reagent. The physical properties of the soap preparations tested included organoleptic, pH, foam height, foam stability and transparency. Antibacterial activity testing was carried out using the well diffusion method. Moringa leaves ethanol extract has a total flavonoid content of 19.5479 + 0.0657 (% w/w EQ). The higher the concentration of Moringa leaves ethanol extract in the formula, the stronger the antibacterial activity produced. The 4.5% Moringa ethanol extract formulation showed the highest antibacterial activity while maintaining acceptable physical properties for transparent soap. These findings suggest its potential use in natural antibacterial soap products. The 4.5% Moringa ethanol extract formulation showed the highest antibacterial activity while maintaining acceptable physical properties for transparent soap. These findings suggest its potential use in natural antibacterial soap products.