Formulation, Stability and Anti-Bacterial Assessment of an Herbal Soap Prepared from Jasminum sambac Leaves

The present study was undertaken to explore the potential of Jasminum sambac leaves extract in the management of acne, a prevalent dermatological disorder. The research primarily focused on two key objectives: (1) the phytochemical screening and in-vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Jasminum sambac leaf extract against acne-causing bacteria, and (2) the formulation and quality assessment of herbal soap incorporating the extract for topical application. Acne vulgaris is largely associated with the overgrowth of skin-residing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus, which contribute to inflammation and lesion formation. In India, acne affects approximately 72.3% of adolescents and 27% of adults, indicating a significant public health concern that necessitates safe and effective treatment alternatives. To address this, leaves of Jasminum sambac a medicinal plant known for its traditional therapeutic uses were extracted and subjected to phytochemical screening, revealing the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method against the mentioned pathogenic strains. Results indicated notable zones of inhibition, confirming the antibacterial potential of the extract. Following this, an anti-acne herbal soap was formulated by incorporating the leaf extract into a suitable base. The finished product was subjected to various evaluation parameters including ph, foamability, hardness, spreadability, stability, and antimicrobial efficacy. The results demonstrated that the formulated soap met acceptable quality standards and retained antibacterial activity, suggesting its utility in reducing acne symptoms with minimal side effects. In conclusion, the study supports the potential of Jasminum sambac leaves extract as a natural, effective agent in acne management. The formulated herbal soap showed promising results in both laboratory testing and quality evaluation, indicating its safety and applicability for regular skincare use.