Sapindus saponaria is a tall deciduous tree, growing up to 80 feet in height.which is use in many area as a medicinal plant. It has pale brown bark that falls off in large patches on mature trees. The leaves are made up of 3 to 6 pairs of leaflets. The upper surface of the leaves is shiny green and the lower surface is fuzzy.
The flowers are borne in 4 to 8 inch long loose clusters at the ends of the branches.That is most important part of the plants. The flowers are unisexual, but both male and female flowers are produced on the same plant.
The flowers are borne in 4 to 8 inch long loose clusters at the ends of the branches.That is most important part of the plants. The flowers are unisexual, but both male and female flowers are produced on the same plant.
Medical use of Sapindus sapnaria :
It is most important use of the plant.The drupes (soapnuts) contain saponins which are a natural surfactant. They have been used for washing for thousands of years by native peoples in Asia as well as Native Americans. Soapnuts are being considered and used for commercial use in cosmetics and detergents as well as many other products.
Soapnuts have historically been used in folk remedies as a mucolytic agent, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, and to treat chlorosis. While they do exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, the effectiveness of some of these folk-remedy treatments have not been subject to extensive scientific scrutiny. However, modern scientific medical research has investigated the use of soapnuts in treating migraines.
Investigation of the contraceptive capability of plant saponins have shown some spermicidal capacity for certain extracts. While the Sapindus saponins have not been proven be as effective as more commonly used spermicides it has been shown that they are less irritating than chemical alternatives.
Soapnuts, such as those of Sapindus mukorossi, are used in Ayurveda. They are a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles. Soapnuts have gentle insecticidal properties and are traditionally used for removing lice from the
Soapnuts have historically been used in folk remedies as a mucolytic agent, emetic, contraceptive, and for treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy, and to treat chlorosis. While they do exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, the effectiveness of some of these folk-remedy treatments have not been subject to extensive scientific scrutiny. However, modern scientific medical research has investigated the use of soapnuts in treating migraines.
Investigation of the contraceptive capability of plant saponins have shown some spermicidal capacity for certain extracts. While the Sapindus saponins have not been proven be as effective as more commonly used spermicides it has been shown that they are less irritating than chemical alternatives.
Soapnuts, such as those of Sapindus mukorossi, are used in Ayurveda. They are a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic shampoos and cleansers. They are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema, psoriasis, and for removing freckles. Soapnuts have gentle insecticidal properties and are traditionally used for removing lice from the
Soapberry can be beneficial in many ways. The drupes, which lather when combined with water, were once used in varnish, floor was, and soap. In some parts of Mexico soapberry is still preferred for washing hair and delicate clothing, even after the introduction of commercial soaps. Pounded fruits from the soap berry are used in Africa to poison fish without altering their taste
As an ornamental the uniqueness of the fruit and bark sell themselves, besides the fact that Sapindus saponaria is virtually pest free, and provides a superb canopy as a patio or backyard shade tree. Soap berry also provides for several medicinal uses. It is in fact one of our better acute arthritis remedies for internal use. As a soap it also has medicinal effects, helping to relieve itching and prevent the spread of various tines and scalp seborrhea.
The benefits of the native Sapindus saponaria have proved remarkable through the years. Natives have used soap berry as soap, for medicinal purposes, and decorative ornamental, among many other uses. The greatest limitation to the success of soap berry and other native plants, however, may be the uneducated public. People need to learn to use, protect, and value native plants.
