ABSTRACT
The studies on oils in general have a significant role to play in the well being of mankind. In this research work, Moringa oleifera oil and castor oil were both extracted from their seeds using mechanical press method. Moringa oleifera oil and castor oil were blended in various proportions and used in preparing soap samples which were subsequently characterized. The phytochemical screening and chemical properties analysis of the raw oil were conducted. The physical properties of the prepared soap including hardness and pH were also analyzed. The antimicrobial activity of the soap produced was examined against some clinical isolates of pathogenic microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans) using agar diffusion method. The pattern of inhibition varied with the soap concentration and the organisms tested. The soaps produced from all the blend of oils exhibited antimicrobial activity against E.coli, however, soap of 100 % Moringa Oleifera oil gave the highest zone of inhibition (19 mm) at a concentration of 400 mg/ml. Soap prepared using 100 % castor oil alone gave the highest zone of inhibition against S. aureus (28 mm) and C. albicans (25 mm). Addition of castor oil in the soap formulation further improved activity of the soap against S. aureus and C. albicans. The antimicrobial activities exhibited by the soap in this study could be attributed to the presence of phytochemical constituents in the oils, which signify the potential of the soap as a typical therapeutic agent. These findings therefore, confirmed the medicinal use of soap prepared using Moringa Oleifera oil and castor oil.