FORTIFIED SOAP

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing global health threat, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic agents. Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), a perennial herb rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, geraniol, and flavonoids, has demonstrated significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial efficacy of soap formulated with Cymbopogon citratus extract obtained via n- hexane solvent extraction. Fresh Cymbopogon citratus leaves were collected from Obagie community, Edo State, Nigeria, shade-dried, and pulverized. A total of 500 g of powdered leaves was macerated in 2.5 L of analytical-grade n-hexane for seven days at room temperature. The extract was filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 40 °C. Phytochemical screening of the n-hexane extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Soap was prepared via cold saponification method using palm and coconut oils. Antimicrobial assays were conducted on the extract and soap using concentrations of 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, and 400 mg/ml against bacterial and fungal strains. The n-hexane extract showed the highest zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (28 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (26 mm) at 400 mg/ml. The formulated soap demonstrated notable activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5 mm), and Penicillium spp. (22.5 mm) These findings support the potential of Cymbopogon citratus-based soap as a natural, safe, and effective topical antimicrobial agent, particularly in resource-limited settings.