FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF ANTIFUNGAL HERBAL SOAP BY USING STAR ANISE

V. Swarupa Rani*, Sk. Dil Afroz, N. Prashanth Reddy, P. Ravi Teja and P. Sateesh

This study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an antifungal herbal soap incorporating star anise (Illicium verum) as the primary active ingredient. The aim is to explore the efficacy of star anise in inhibiting fungal growth and to develop a herbal soap that offers an effective alternative to synthetic antifungal agents. The methodology involved the extraction of active compounds from star anise using steam distillation, followed by the incorporation of the extract into a soap base in varying concentrations. The antifungal activity of the formulated soaps was tested against common fungal strains such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using the agar diffusion method. The physical and chemical properties of the soaps, including pH, foam stability, and hardness, were also evaluated to ensure their suitability for consumer use. The results demonstrated that the soap containing 5% star anise extract exhibited significant antifungal activity, with inhibition zones comparable to those of standard antifungal treatments. The formulated soap also maintained favorable physical properties, ensuring its practicality as a personal care product. Fungal infections are a significant global health concern, affecting millions of individuals annually. These infections can range from superficial conditions, such as athlete's foot and ringworm, to more severe systemic infections that can be life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The most common causative agents include Candida species, Aspergillus species, and dermatophytes, which can infect the skin, nails, mucous membranes, and internal organs.