Sapindus mukorossi


Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as Indian soapberry, washnut, ritha or Chinese soapberry, is a species of tree in the family Sapindaceae. It is a deciduous tree that grows in the lower foothills and midhills of the Himalayas at altitudes of up to. It is also native to western coastal Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa in India; as well as Nepal Indochina, southern China, Japan and Taiwan as known by its many indigenous peoples. It is tolerant to reasonably poor soil, can be planted around farmers' homes, and one tree can produce of fruit per year.

Uses

Cleanser

The soapnut contains saponin, which has soap-like properties.

Surfactant

The fruit can be used in an enhanced oil recovery technique, yielding a surfactant for washing arsenic from soils containing iron.

Possible antimicrobial agent

Due to its saponin content, the extract exhibits antibacterial activity in vitro.