Soapnut (kunkudukaya, Sapindus)

Soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. and S. trifoliatus; kunkudukaya in Telugu, reetha in Hindi) is a Sapindaceae tree species whose fruit pericarp contains 10-15% saponins used as a natural surfactant for hair, skin and textile cleaning.

Key characteristics

• Scientific Name: Sapindus mukorossi (north) / S. trifoliatus (south India)
• Active Compound: 10-15% saponins in fruit pericarp
• Distribution: North India, Nepal, Bhutan, Western Ghats, Deccan plateau
• Uses: natural detergent, Tussar silk scouring, Ayurvedic preparations

Cultivation and adoption

The tree is distributed across northern India, Nepal, Bhutan and parts of the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau. It is medicinally used in Ayurvedic preparations and as a scouring agent for Tussar silk. Cultivation is on light to clay soils in subtropical climates; once established, mature trees yield ~30-50 kg fruit/year and live 70+ years.

References

1. Sapindus mukorossi - review article Pharma Journal. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2019/vol8issue12/PartB/8-11-1-318.pdf