Physicochemical Properties and Anti-Microbial Activity of Local Black Soap and its Comparison with Ghana Soap with Respect to Nigerian Industrial Standard

Abstract

The production of soap using vegetable matter such as ashes from plantain peels was examined. The water extract of ashes derived from vegetable matter was reacted with Palm Kernel Oil with the aim of producing black soap of good quality. Studies have shown that plantain peels contain high potash. The physicochemical properties shows that the moisture content was 15.51% and 3.77%, foam height was 620ml and 840ml, free fatty acid was 2.18% and 1.83%, total fatty matter was 66.27% and 72.23%, matter insoluble in water was 4.93% and 7.70%, matter insoluble in alcohol was13.36% and 12.38% and pH was 9.62 and 8.45 for local black soap and Ghana soap respectively. The results compare favourably with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS, 2015). Hence it showed good properties.The anti-microbial activity of the local black soap extract against the test organism (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, salmonella typhi) which causes skin problems was effective using agar dilution method. The pattern of inhibition varies with the soap concentration and the test organism. The soap was more effective on S.aureus with maximum zone of growth inhibition of 42.5mm at 500mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found to be 31.25mg/ml for the entire test organism while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 500mg/ml for the entire test organism. The anti-microbial activities exhibited by local black soap in this study, justify the use of local black soap for treatment of skin problems.This research has shown that there is hope for waste management and wealth creation.