Development of novel method for isolation of herbal surfactant from selected medicinal plants by flash chromatography and characterization by HPTLC, IR and PMR.

The demand for natural surfactants has surged due to concerns regarding synthetic surfactants' impact on human health and the environment. Sapindus mukorossi, or soapnut, has emerged as a source of natural surfactants. This review focuses on the extraction, isolation, and characterization of these saponins. While the phytochemical composition of Sapindus mukorossi, has been extensively studied, challenges remain in their extraction and isolation due to structural complexity and labile functionalities. Cold extractions with ethanol-water solutions are preferred for obtaining the real saponin composition. Various separation techniques like thin-layer chromatography, column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography are employed, with flash chromatography emerging as a rapid and cost-effective method. The isolated saponins are further characterized using UV spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography. In conclusion, Sapindus mukorossi particularly saponins, with potential applications. Further research is necessary to optimize extraction methods and explore their pharmacological potential.