Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. Leaf Extract as Antimicrobial Agent in Antiseptic Handwash Liquid Soap

Abstract

Synthetic antimicrobial agents, e.g. methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, used in antiseptic handwash liquid soaps are now associated with environmental and health concerns; therefore, it is pertinent to search for alternatives. Plant extracts are promising in this regard. A handwash liquid soap was formulated with Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) leaf extract as an antimicrobial agent. The soap inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans to the same degree (p > 0.05) as the extract alone. The results also compared favorably (p > 0.05) with those of Dettol handwash liquid soap which contains methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone as antimicrobial agents. From the foregoing, P. biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. leaf extract can be used as an antimicrobial agent in antiseptic handwash liquid soaps rather than the noxious synthetic methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.