IOSR Journal of Applied Chemistry (IOSR-JAC) e-ISSN: 2278-5736.Volume 12, Issue 8 Ser. I (August. 2019), PP 26-34 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/5736-1208012634 www.iosrjournals.org 26 |Page Formulation, Physicochemical and Antifungi Evaluation of Herbal Soaps of AzadiractaIndica and ZiziphusMauritiana Namo Jeremiah Akuaden, I. Y. Chindo,Joel Ogboji Chemistry Department AbubakarTafawaBalewa University Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria.2019. Corresponding Author: Namo Jeremiah Akuaden Abstract: Background:The need to attain and maintain a healthy skin is on the increase. This has led to antiseptic soap being compounded with complex synthetic chemicals whose safety on human skin and health remains unclear. Objectives: The present work involves the formulation, physicochemical and antifungi evaluation of herbal soaps Methods:The herbal soaps were formulated using bark and seed extracts of Azadirachtaindica and ZiziphusMauritianaand evaluated for various properties like colour, Foam retention (Fr),Foam height (Fh), pH, Free caustic alkali (FCA), Alcohol insoluble matter (AIM) and moisture content. The antifungi activity of the formula was comparatively tested onAspergillusfumigatus andmicrosporumgypseum. Results:Soap base C gave the most stable foam with over 60 minutes of foam retention in distilled water, Soap base A gave the highest emoluency.Physico-chemical tests gave satisfactory results for all tested parameters. The result of the antifungiactivity of the formulated soaps, reveal that formula containing only one extract show less significant antifungi activity than formula with two or more extracts combined. Conclusion:The results of the study offer potential alternative to the cosmetic industry in antiseptic soap production. Keywords:Antifungi activity, Emoluency,Cosmetic industry, Antiseptic, Synthetic chemicals --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 22-07-2019 Date of acceptance: 07-08-2019 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Skin diseases are among the major public health problems as they have a considerable impact on individuals and communities. They cause pain, suffering, impairment of normal functions and reduced quality of life. The frequency of these skin diseases is on an increase as a result of the increasing unsafe synthetic chemicals compounded into skin care products. Skin infectionscause by fungi arethe most common and require significant attention for treatment, and also to maintain a healthy skin thereafter. For countless years, skin problems have affected millions of people. The most common skin problems are: Acne, Acne Scars, Eczema, Hives, Skin Rashes, Dry and Cracked Skin, Psoriasis, Stretch Marks, Sun Damage, Skin Dullness and Lack of Elasticity (Ping-Hsienet al., 2007). In general, fungi live in the dead and top layer of skin cells of moist areas of the body and cause only a minor irritation. Other types of fungal infections could be more serious. They can penetrate into the cells and cause itching, swelling, blistering and scaling. Skin disease therefore constitutes a significant problem all over the world (Ping-Hsienet al., 2007). Most commercial soap available today inthe marketsare incorporated with chemical agents having antimicrobial activity with potential depilatory properties on skin pathogens. Detergents and soaps are regarded as disinfectants required in daily practices for hygiene. Soaps are cleaning agents, which may be liquid, solid, semisolid or powders. They are used to remove dirt, including dust, microorganisms, stains and bad smells in order to maintain health, beauty and remove bad odor from the body or inanimate objects, including clothes (Ikegbunaet al., 2003). Commercial soap usually are made of toxic mercury, aluminum, barium, bis-phenol, plastics and other chemicals, which are absorbed into the body via the internal lungs from vaporization of the chemicals as well as skin absorption with negative side effects (Aiello et al., 2007). The problem now is most people do not know the long term consequence of using the commercial soaps. This is because these commercial products contain substances which are considered as unhealthy and could harm the body in the future (Aiello et al., 2007).Recently, the bacterial killing effect of medicated soap was disputed by health experts and the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) queried that there is no clear proof that medicated antimicrobial soap provide additional protection. (U.S. FDA, 2016). This is because they believed most of the soap is deceptive. They are hyped yet actually there is no extra protection they offer. However it was argued that antimicrobial soap is recommended in cases where one has low