ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SOAP MADE FROM ESSENTIAL OILS AND COMMERCIAL SOAP SOLD IN THE LEBANESE MARKET

Abstract

Background: Thousands of people are dying as a result of infections caused by bacteria. Among the main routes of germ transmission are the hands, making hand hygiene very important in preventing the spread of pathogens and bacterial infection. Hand washing with soap and water is considered to be a simple and effective measure. Old soap manufacturers have long had traditional uses in the Lebanese community.

Methods: The purpose of this study is to compare the antibacterial activity of oil-based soaps with commercial soap sold in the Lebanese market. Different types of herbal soap and antiseptics have been used in this study. Four bacterial strains were used: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter Spp. The antibacterial activities of these soaps were determined by the diffusion method of disks in agar medium.

Results and Discussion: Statistical analysis of zones of inhibition showed that S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter Spp. were sensitive only to traditional oil-based soaps, which are Sage, Rose Mary and Cedar. In addition, S. aureus showed sensitivity to soaps comprised of essential oils as well as antibacterial synthetic soap, Dettol and Lifebuoy. On the other hand, E. coli showed resistance to all soaps. Soaps comprised of natural essential oils have shown antibacterial activity superior to so-called “Antibacterial” soaps.

Conclusion: Based on this study, we can say that the use of soaps with essential oils might be the best option due to their organic origin as well as their antibacterial proved activities.