Optimization of Extraction and Determination of Total Saponins from Soapberries (Sapindus mukorossi)

• Main Authors: Bago, Andrea Niña Nicole A., Fajutagana, Mikyla Aeriel P., Gilbuena, Jaleane Quicia N., Mateo, Beatrice C., Guidote, Lourdes P.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2023
• Subjects: soapberries; soap nuts; saponins; allergic contact dermatitis; eco-friendly
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2023/poster_see/1; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1738/viewcontent/PoP_SEE_Bago_Fajutagana_Gilbuena_Mateo_Guidote___Andrea_Niña_Nicole_Bago.docx.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Sapindus mukorossi, also known as soap nuts or soapberries, have long been used as a natural alternative to detergents. Soap nuts are known to contain saponins which are the active ingredients of soaps and detergents. The use of soap nuts is quite common among people who prefer the use of natural products as opposed to synthetic detergents. However, the complex procedure for the preparation of the soap nuts serves as a deterrent to the beneficial and practical consumption of this natural resource. This study investigated and optimized the extraction process of saponins from soap nuts; and determined the impact of freeze-drying followed by pulverization, ultrasonication, and microwave radiation on the amount of saponin extracted from the soap nuts vis-a-vis the traditional method of extraction. The amount of saponin extracted was semi-quantitatively determined using the vanillin-sulfuric acid method coupled with UV-VIS spectroscopy. The comprehensive analysis revealed that the microwave-assisted extraction method garnered the highest absorbance value at the wavelength of 550 nm with the pulverized, traditional, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods, closely following in terms of saponin content, arranged in descending order. Ultimately, this study can help in promoting the use of natural soap vs. synthetic detergent and can substantially help in reducing the number of synthetic chemicals penetrating the soil and groundwater, overall benefiting the environment.