Studies on enhanced African black soap from Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Elaeis guineensis (palm kernel oil)

Abstract

The indigenous African organic soap is formed by saponification. Using the local and ancient method, with slight modifications, palm kernel oil (Elaeis guineensis) and the filtrate of burnt cocoa pod ash (Theobroma cacao) were used to prepare African black soap (C 11 H 23 COO -K + ). The prepared black soap was thereafter divided into five parts. Part A was the control without additives, while parts B, C and D were enhanced with aloe vera, camwood and lime respectively. Part E was enhanced with both shea butter and camwood. These samples were analyzed chemically by pH determinations, infrared spectroscopic analyses and phytochemical screenings. They were also screened for in-vitro antibacterial activities against two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The pH determinations showed that all the samples were alkaline in nature with values between 8.7 and 9.1. Infrared spectra analyses of the unenhanced black soap revealed a medium and a strong band due to υ (C=O) frequency of the keto group at 1740 and 1562 cm -1 respectively and a medium band at 1119 cm -1 due to υ (C-O) frequency of the ester oxygen. These bands appeared almost unchanged in the infrared spectra of the enhanced samples signifying no complexation through the oxygen donor atoms. Thus, the structure of the black soap (A) was intact and it was not denatured by the various additives. Phytochemical screenings revealed that A and D contained saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids; C contained both flavonoids and terpenoids; B and E contained only terpenoids; while tannins and steroids were absent in all the samples. Antimicrobial studies showed that the enhanced black soap were either active against one or both gram-negative bacteria. In addition B, C and D were also active against either one or both gram-positive bacteria. E was inactive against the gram-positive bacteria, while the unenhanced black soap remained inactive against all tested organisms.

Involvement of rural households along enterprise value chain of the indigenous black-soap from ash-derived alkali

“…This might be due to the fear that the soap can be denatured through the addition of other chemicals. The finding is against Ikotun et al (2018) who experimentally confirmed that modification of black-soap does not denature it chemically, but rather, aided its antibacterial activities. Unfortunately, some industrial soap makers have hijacked black soap enterprise at this stage to produce well packaged refined black soap (such as dudu osun) sold for higher prices.…”

“…While traditional recipes are free from additives like dyes, fragrances, and others, scientific innovations have led to the modification of the soap through the addition of different naturally occurring beauty enhancing organic compounds like aleovera, camwood, lime, honey and shea butter. Chemical analyses of the modified black-soap samples revealed that the addition of these naturally beautifying compounds to the soap has not denatured it chemically, but rather it has aided its antibacterial activities (Ikotun et al, 2018). It was further observed that the addition of naturally occurring organic compounds to black-soap improved its deep cleansing ability, skin moisturizing effect and facilitated its ability to destroy some of the microorganisms better than the one without additives.…”

“…Ann Lin et al (2017) also revealed that the soap satisfactorily reduced symptoms of various dermatologic conditions, reduced fine lines or wrinkles due to its antioxidant properties, removed the appearance of dark spots, and reduced the impact of eczema and good for overall skincare. Ikotun et al (2018) reiterated that black-soap helps to reduce razor bumps and other blemishes, help with makeup removal, soothing effects on the skin due to the oils and fats present in it. Fletcher (2020) mentioned some other benefits of the soap such as: its safety for most skin types because of its traditional recipe which does not contain any additives like dyes, fragrances, or perfumes which makes it a good substitute for people with sensitive skin and those who are allergic to certain additives in modern soaps.…”