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| Paper soaps from leaf extract of water guavas, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) students’ research product. (Photo: Istimewa) |
According to data from horticultural statistics 2023, issued by the Statistics Agency of Indonesia, Malang City is the 11th region producing the most water guavas. Unfortunately, until now, only the fruits have been utilized. At the same time, another potential can be innovated and made into valuable products.
Considering this, a Student Creativity Program team at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) created a paper soap antiseptic derived from the leaf extract of water guavas. This soap is practical because it can be carried around without spilling in a bag. This innovation also deems the habits of people who still overlook the importance of washing their hands. In contrast, hands are vital intermediaries and have great potential to allow bacteria and viruses to enter the body.
Aisyiah Apriliano, the team leader, explains that guava leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, phenolics, and tannins. One of them, which has a benefit as a cleaner or antiseptic, is saponin. Besides, water guava leaves can kill Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at a concentration of 20% due to lysozyme enzymes. Lysozyme is a hydrolyzing enzyme that functions as an antimicrobial.
Additionally, the pharmacy student adds that the developed soap has several benefits for the skin. It not only can sanitize the hands but also moisturizes and brightens the skin. “This product not only uses the leaf extract of water guavas but contains olive oil, which is a mixture of materials and adds the benefits provided,” said Aisyiah.
Interestingly, this soap is quite thin and can be said to be a paper soap. In addition, it cannot impact the natural environment negatively, given that its materials are from nature.
“Soap creation, certainly, is inseparable from Texapon, which contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This material can cause environmental pollution. Therefore, when we create this soap, we only use low-grade concentration, so it will not corrupt the environment. At that same time, we aim to maximalize the benefits of the leaf extract of the water guavas,” explained the team leader.
Last, they expect industry actors and other innovators to look more at natural-based products as the primary material. Therefore, the number of the use of harmful compounds can be reduced and not harm the earth.
“Indonesia has abundant natural potential. It would be useless if it is not optimally utilized. (Hence) a massive movement to use it in the long term should exist,” concluded the pharmacy student. (imh/faq/wil)
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