Preparation Of Antimicrobial Soap Using Kigelia africana (Sausage Tree)-Extracted Phytochemicals (Research Article)

Author(s): Answer Mtetwa*, Audacity Maringa and Dorcas Nyama

Abstract: Bacterial skin infections are prevalent, and the use of synthetic antibacterial agents in commercial soaps has raised concerns about health and environmental impacts. This study explores Kigelia africana-extracted phytochemicals, specifically flavonoid rich extracts, as natural antibacterial agents in soap production. Phytochemical screening, extraction, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted on leaves, bark and fruit samples collected from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The bark sample showed superior effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Methanol was used as the preferred extraction solvent due to its superior efficacy in extracting phytochemicals with high antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, compared to distilled water and ethanol.

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