Development of Soaps Containing Betel Nut Extract

摘要

Areca catechu L. or betel nut tree is one of popular traditional herbal medicines used in Thailand. The betel nut, seed of Areca catachu contains polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids that have a potent muscarinic action, which the potential application in Alzheimer's disease and antioxidative effect have been mentioned. The anti-aging effects of Areca catechu L. extract on skin has been investigated previously which it could improve the skin hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkle reduction. The methanolic extract of Areca catechu L. seed gave high antioxidant activity than the other parts of this plant. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the physical properties of soap formula containing methanolic Areca catechu L. seed extract. Hardness of opaque soap was not affected by an addition of Areca catechu L. seed extracts but it affected on that of transparent soap. 0.1, 5 %w/w Areca catechu L. seed extracts affected the foaming capacity of opaque soap. In contrast, addition of Areca catechu L. extracts on transparent soap did not affect the foaming capacity. The opaque soap containing 5 %w/w methanolic Areca catechu L. seed extract with 3%, 5%, and 10 %w/v dilution solution exhibited the activity against S. aureus which were not significantly different from that of the soap base.