Antibacterial Soap Research Articles

Economic evaluation of pre-operative shower with antiseptic soap to prevent surgical site infections

A pre-operative shower is recommended before surgery to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). We modelled the occurrence of SSIs and the potential savings for patients undergoing an antimicrobial soap (AS) shower prior to surgery at a French University Hospital level. AS shower prevented 209 SSIs, generating a potential saving of €632,210 per year. Results grouped by type of surgery showed annual savings of €26,537, €20,520 and €14,377 for orthopaedic, gynaecologic and obstetric, and digestive surgery, respectively. Despite the lack of published data surrounding the efficacy of AS in preventing SSIs, we demonstrated the potential savings and benefits of generalizing AS before surgical interventions.

Potassium Linoleate (Isomerized) Satisfies the United States Environmental Protection Agency MB-05-16 for Hospital Disinfectant on Hard, Non-porous Surfaces.

Potassium conjugated linoleic acid or potassium linoleate (isomerized), 86 mM, satisfies the United States Environmental Protection Agency protocol hospital disinfectant for non-porous surfaces MB-05-16 with one-minute treatment. This stringent protocol requires separate preparations of Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection 6538) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (American Type Culture Collection 15442) unstirred for 48 hours, submerging 10 mm polished cylinders in the culture, and placing for 45 minutes in a 37°C humidified chamber before treating. Since potassium linoleate (isomerized) also satisfies the United States Environmental Protection Agency protocol MB-35-00 for Candida auris, this study establishes potassium linoleate (isomerized) as an effective cross-kingdom antimicrobial plant salt, soap, or cleanser. We affirm the need for formal post-treatment plating on agar to establish efficacy and not rely on OD600 when testing for antimicrobial capacity. Aqueous dilution of the soap causes variable opalescence making optical density an unreliable marker for antimicrobial efficacy.

Getting Ready for Wound Certification: Promoting Skin Health and Preventing Injuries.

Getting Ready for Wound Certification: Promoting Skin Health and Preventing Injuries.

Effects of Brazilian green propolis glycolic solutions against bacterial biofilm on elastomers used in maxillofacial prostheses

Maxillofacial prostheses are among the modalities of prosthetic rehabilitation but the disinfectant solutions for their cleaning have been barely explored. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of a Brazilian green propolis glycolic (PGL) solution on the removal of biofilm from the surface of two maxillofacial elastomers (room temperature vulcanization [RTV] and high consistency silicone rubber [HCR]). A total of 42 specimens (3×10 mm) were made with these two elastomers and Staphylococcus aureus was allowed to grow for 24 hours on the surface of the biomaterials. Specimens (n=3) were randomly allocated to the following treatment groups by immersion for 15 minutes: 0.9% saline solution; 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX); 11%, 16% and 20% PGL; and Daro Brand® antimicrobial liquid agent and antibacterial gel soap. Quantitative assessment was performed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFU). Two-way ANOVA was employed for data analysis. Specimens of both maxillofacial elastomers treated with PGL solutions at concentrations of 11%, 16% and 20%, as well as 2% CHX, did not reveal CFU/mL of the S. aureus strain, indicating the broad spectrum of antibiofilm action of these disinfectant solutions. In addition, the Daro Brand® antimicrobial liquid agent showed lower CFU/mL in both maxillofacial elastomers compared to the Daro Brand® gel soap and 0.9% saline solution. Therefore, disinfection with PGL solutions is effective and might be considered to be a promising alternative in eliminating the S. aureus biofilm from specimens of maxillofacial elastomers by immersion for 15 minutes.

Faecal microbiota transplantation for bipolar disorder: A detailed case study.

Faecal microbiota transplantation for bipolar disorder: A detailed case study.

Comparing surgeons’ skin tolerance and acceptability to alcohol-based surgical hand preparation vs traditional surgical scrub: A matched quasi-experimental study

BackgroundWe aimed to compare the tolerance and acceptability of alcohol-based surgical hand preparation versus handscrubbing with antimicrobial soap and water by surgeons. MethodsMatched quasi-experimental trial in an academic quaternary care hospital in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, from April 1 to October, 31, 2017. Participants were cardiac and orthopedics surgeons from the study facility. In the first study phase, they performed handscrubbing with either 2% chlorhexidine (CHG) or 10% iodopovidone (PVP-I) and, in the second phase, they performed handrubbing with alcohol-based handrub (ABHR). Surgeons' skin tolerance and acceptability were evaluated using WHO-validated tools. Data were analyzed using the MacNemar's test within STATA. ResultsA total of 33 surgeons participated to the “per protocol” population; the majority were male (94%); mean age of 35 years (SD, 8.5). On product tolerance, there was a minimal variation in redness, scaliness, fissures, and visual evaluation of the skin when handrubbing with ABHR was compared to handscrubbing with either PVP-I or CHX. Regarding acceptability, participants rated better handrubbing with ABHR than handscrubbing with PVP-I when assessing product smell (66.6% vs 0%, p=0.002), color (73.3% vs 0%, p=0.001), product texture (60% vs 0%, p=0.004), skin dryness (60% vs 0%, p=0.004), ease of application (66.6% vs 0%, p=0.002) and overall satisfaction (66.6% vs 6.7% p=0.011). Participants rated similarly handrubbing with ABHR and handscrubbing with CHX, except for product texture, where handrubbing rated better (71,4% vs. 0%, p=0.002). Handrubbing with ABHR was preferred by 73.3%. ConclusionAlthough handrubbing and handscrubbing were equally well tolerated by surgeons, alcohol-based surgical hand preparation fell into the personal preference for most of them. Trial registration. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC), RBR-8ym9yj.

Formulasi Dan Uji Aktivitas Sediaan Sabun Mandi Cair Ekstrak Etanol Daun Kapuk (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Staphylococcus Aureus

Kapok leaf (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Geartn) is a plant that contains several secondary metabolites in the form of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins which have antibacterial properties. One of the pharmaceutical dosage forms that can be used to maintain healthy skin is antibacterial liquid bath soap. This study aims to determine whether kapok leaf extract (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Geartn) can be formulasited into a liquid bath soap that is physically-chemically stable and has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This type of research is an experimental study with a pretest and posttest only control design for testing the physical and chemical stability of the liquid bath soap formulasition and a posttest only control group design for testing the antibacterial activity of Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, there were 5 treatment groups, namely, F0 as a base without kapok leaf extract, F1 as a positive control of liquid lifebuoy soap, F2 as a preparation using 8% kapok leaf extract, F3 as a preparation of 9% kapok leaf extract and F4 using kapok leaf extract preparation 10%. The results of the research on liquid bath soap preparations from leaf extract of Kapok leaf (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Geartn) can be formulasited into liquid bath soap that has good stability from organoleptic tests, pH, viscosity, homogeneity, foam stability and free alkali with concentration antibacterial activity tests. 8% inhibition zone 15.8 mm, 9% inhibition zone 16.5 mm and 10% inhibition zone 18.1 mm. The formulasi for liquid bath soap with kapok leaf extract (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Geartn) can be formulasited with concentrations of 8%, 9% and 10% which are physically and chemically stable with strong antibacterial activity.

EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTED FROM AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) LEAVES IN FORMULATED NATURAL ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

Natural remedy is sustainable in nature and was used in this present study, effects of essential oils from Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves in antibacterial soap was investigated. The essential oil was extracted via steam distillation and characterization of oil results are %yield (28%), acid value (16.5±0.5mg KOH/g); iodine value (42.40±2.5mgI/g)and saponification values (139±3.2mg KOH/g). The extract proportions 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 (mg/ml) respectively were used to formulate the soaps. The results of the soap characterization were: pH (9.3); foamability (3.5cm), color (light yellow).The antibacterial investigation used Ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole as positive controls whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were clinical isolates of microbes used. Sensitivity test was conducted and an in vitro evaluation of the anti-microbial activity was conducted using ditch-plate techniques. Strains of reference microbes namely Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were tested at four different soaps’ concentrations (0.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 8.0 mg/ml). ANOVA mean results of zones of inhibition also revealed variability of antimicrobial activity among the natural formulated soaps with strong positive correlation (r= 0.9912 ; P > 0.01) between zones of inhibition and soaps’ concentrations was evidenced. Blend 8:2 of the formulation exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (40 mm) on S. aureus, followed by Candida albicans with (35 mm) zone of inhibition whereas the least zone of inhibition (1.8 mm) was observed in 2mg/ml extract formulation. The high pH shows it conforms to NAFDEC set range of 9 to 11 pH. Therefore with local oil, National Economic Transformation is achieved hence, this highly sustainable product is recommended to homes, pharmaceutical companies, health organizations and government in handling topical issues related to skin infections caused by micro organisms.

Efficacy of herbal anti-microbial soap in Tinea corporis: A randomized controlled study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCurcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. Cassia tora L. has been used in Unani medicine for various skin ailments. Several researches have been conducted on these plants which have shown anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-oxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulation activities. Skin diseases and the use of these drugs are mentioned in classical Unani literature like The Canon of medicine, Continens Liber, Hippocratic treatments, The Complete Book of the Medical Art etc. AimThe aim of the study was to formulate anti-microbial soap and to evaluate its clinical efficacy of in the management of Tinea corporis. Materials and methodsThe anti-microbial soap was prepared by hydroalcholic extracts of Curcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. and Cassia tora L. The prepared soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, microbiological evaluation, stability study, skin irritation, In-vitro anti-microbial activity, GCMS analysis, and a clinical trial was carried out to evaluate its efficacy. A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled trail on 30 patients aged between 18 and 60 years of either gender was carried out. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either anti-microbial soap or Placebo soap for 4 weeks. Subjective parameters including erythema, pruritis and desquamation were assessed weekly while as objective parameter including Photograph of lesion, Total Symptom Score (TSS) and KOH mount was assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial. ResultsThe improvement in subjective parameters was found significant in test group. Erythema, scaling, and desquamation was completely relieved by 70%, 80% and 25% patients respectively in test group while as none of the patients got complete relief in control group. There was statistically significant reduction in average TSS 8.65 ± 0.6708 to 3.05 ± 1.35 p < 0.001. KOH mount turned negative in 80% patients in test group while as only 20% turned negative in control group. ConclusionIt is concluded that Unani drugs can be utilized in better way by modifying into a convenient dosage form. Anti-microbial soap was formulated by adding minimal additives to achieve effectiveness, with cost effective benefits and less or no side effects. Anti-microbial soap was effective in management of management of Tinea corporis. Moreover further studies on large sample size are required to fine-tune these observations.

Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity Analysis of Organic Soap Bar Containing Gnetum gnemon Peel Extract

Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) peel has been known as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal, but not yet used as cosmetic ingredients or drugs optimally. This research focuses on the production of organic soap bars from melinjo peel extract, the quality testing, and antimicrobial analysis against selected microbes. The soap making process was done by the saponification reaction between the mixture of palm oil and coconut oil with sodium hydroxide through cold and hot processes. Distilled water and ethanol were used as solvents for melinjo peel extraction. The quality test was done by determining insoluble fraction in ethanol, free alkali, and unsaponified fatty matter. An antimicrobial activity test was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. The result shows that the quality test fit with INS 2016 for all the criteria except for unsaponified fatty acid in the cold process soap bar. Inhibition zone of organic soap bar sequentially decreased against the growth of Tricophytone mentagrophytes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, the organic soap bar with melinjo peel extract shows a good potential to be used as an antimicrobial soap.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Ozonated Water for Hand Washing in the Presence of Organic Material Contamination Using the ASTM E2946-13 Standard Test Method

Ozonated water is a possible hand washing alternative to antimicrobial soap and water. In a previous report, 4 ppm of ozonated water removed artificially contaminated bacteria from the hands of healthy volunteers as effectively as antimicrobial or nonantimicrobial soap and water. Currently, there is a lack of data on the efficacy of ozonated water in removing bacteria from hands loaded with organic materials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozonated water in removing bacteria from hands contaminated with organic material, according to the American Society for Testing and Materials E2946-13. Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the ozonated water group and the antimicrobial soap and water group. Their hands were contaminated with an avirulent strain of Escherichia coli in beef broth suspension. Approximately 3-log CFU bacterial reductions between baseline and postwash colonies were observed on the hands in both groups. Ozonated water may remove bacteria from hands contaminated with organic material with similar effectiveness as antimicrobial soap and water.

Tuân thủ vệ sinh tay ngoại khoa của phẫu thuật viên chính tại Bệnh viện quận Thủ Đức thành phố Hồ Chí Minh năm 2020

Objective: To describe the current situation of main surgeons' compliance with surgical hand hygiene procedures at Thu Duc District Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City in 2020. Methods: Cross-sectional study, quantitative research design, Observed through the camera extracted at the end of each day. The evaluation toolkit was a design checklist on google form with the content based on the Decision 3916/2017/QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health dated 28/28 08/2017. Conducted observations of 144 surgical hand hygiene turns of 72 main surgeons. Main findings: The general compliance rate of surgical hand hygiene procedure according to Decision 3916/2017 / QD-BYT was 38.2%. Complies with the content step by step according to the opportunity to observe surgical hand hygiene was 48.6%, in which: Step 1 complies with 89.6%, step 2 complies with 80.6%, step 3 complies with 68.1%, step 4 complies with compliance with 93.1% and the operation "Rub the thumb", "Rub the finger" had the lowest compliance rate. Compliance with the time standards of surgical hand hygiene agencies: Complianced with 4 time standards 47.2% of which compliance with the standard "surgical hand hygiene more 3 minutes" had the highest rate of 82, 6%, the standard "Second hand washing with time from 1 minute 30 seconds or more" had the lowest compliance rate of 59%. Technicians complying the procedure of surgical hand hygiene for two times of observation was 19/72, accounting for 26.4%. Conclusions: The main surgeon complied with the procedure of surgical hand hygiene with Antimicrobial soap according to the guidance in Decision 3916/2017 / QD-BYT of the Ministry of Health dated August 28, 2017 of Thu Duc District Hospital was 38,2%. Keywords: hand hygiene, surgical hand hygiene, surgical hand hygiene procedures, main surgeons, Thu Duc District Hospital.

Soap, water, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): an ancient handwashing strategy for preventing dissemination of a novel virus.

Public Health Agencies worldwide (World Health Organization, United States Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, etc.) are recommending hand washing with soap and water for preventing the dissemination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. In this review, we have discussed the mechanisms of decontamination by soap and water (involving both removal and inactivation), described the contribution of the various components of formulated soaps to performance as cleansers and to pathogen inactivation, explained why adherence to recommended contact times is critical, evaluated the possible contribution of water temperature to inactivation, discussed the advantages of antimicrobial soaps vs. basic soaps, discussed the differences between use of soap and water vs. alcohol-based hand sanitizers for hand decontamination, and evaluated the limitations and advantages of different methods of drying hands following washing. While the paper emphasizes data applicable to SARS-CoV-2, the topics discussed are germane to most emerging and re-emerging enveloped and non-enveloped viruses and many other pathogen types.

Patient experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa: the Hidradenitis Patient Experience survey.

Better understanding of the experience of people living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is essential to identify gaps in current patient care and inform healthcare decision-making. To describe the patient experience of individuals with HS, including their path to diagnosis, symptom control, treatments, healthcare utilization, patient needs and impact on quality of life. The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patient Experience survey was created, extensively reviewed and disseminated through engaging HS-related patient organizations, physician groups and social media groups. In total, 537 respondents completed the survey; the mean age was 38 years (range 14-73 years) and 95% (510 of 537) were female. The mean number of treatment types per respondent was 15, and included antibacterial soaps (93.3%; 431 of 462), avoidance of tight clothing (90.9%; 419 of 462), use of oral antibiotics (79.7%; 368 of 462), nonprescription drugs (79.7%; 368 of 462) and topical antibiotics (77.1%; 356 of 262). Pain was poorly controlled in 46% of respondents (184 of 401). HS had a negative impact on the ability to work and attend school for 81% of respondents (337 of 415), with 59% (245 of 415) missing at least 2 days of work a month and 16% (66 of 415) missing > 11 days of work. The mean number of misdiagnoses per respondent was three and the median time to diagnosis was 10 years. Individuals with HS experience a delay in diagnosis and have suboptimal control of the disease. We propose 11 recommendations to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals living with HS.

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

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.

Systemic absorption of benzalkonium chloride after maximal use of a consumer antiseptic wash product

An in vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted using consumer antiseptic wash containing 0.13% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) to assess the effect of dermal absorption on long-term systemic exposure to BAC. The objective of the study was to determine blood levels of BAC under maximal use conditions. Subjects were enlisted to wash their hands 60 s with soap containing 0.13% BAC 30 times per day over an 8–9 h time period for 5 consecutive days. The test product with the highest absorption potential was selected based on market share and results from in vitro permeation testing. Blood plasma was collected from subjects on 32 occasions over the 6-day study period. Plasma samples were analyzed for the C12 and C14 homologs of BAC using LC-MS/MS with a lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 106.9 and 32.6 ng/L, respectively. For the 32 subjects, C12 homolog was detected above the LLOQ in only four of 1,024 plasma samples at 117.8–191.7 ng/L, and C14 homolog was detected in only one sample at 59.5 ng/L. Consequently, systemic exposure to BAC in antimicrobial soap is very low and below the level of concern identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (500 ng/L) even under maximal use conditions.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF TRANSLUCENT SOAP PREPARED USING ALOE VERA GEL AND ZIZIPHUS JUJUBE LEAF EXTRACT AS ANTIMICROBIAL SOURCE

In this study, the antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of translucent antimicrobial soap prepared using two medicinal plants, Aloe vera gel and Ziziphus jujube leaf extract was evaluated. The results of the physicochemical analysis showed the pH (7.52±0.02), hardness(1.3 cm±0.02), solubility (0.82 g±0.02) and foamability (6.80 cm±0.03) of the prepared soap and these values were within the acceptable limit set by WHO/SON which make the prepared soap skin-friendly. Similarly, the antimicrobial screening was carried out on selected Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as on fungi species using disc diffusion methods and the results showed varying antimicrobial activity at different concentrations ranging from 62.5-500 mg/ml. However, the susceptibility of test bacteria in terms of the zone of inhibition at 500mg/ml of the soap was observed on Staphylococcus lentus (22 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (20mm), Escherichia coli (15 mm), Raoltella ornithinolytica (12mm). The result of antifungal properties was as follows, Candida albicans (12 mm), Trichophyton rubrum (12 mm), and Aspergillus nigar (10 mm) at 500 mg/ml concentration. The results when compared to other antimicrobial soap in the market indicate good quality by inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial activities exhibited by the soap in this study could be attributed to the presence of phytochemical constituents in the plant extracts, which signify the potential of the soap as an antimicrobial agent. Therefore, these findings confirmed the efficacy of Aloe vera gel and Zizipus jujube extract in traditional medicine.

Development and Evaluation of Antibacterial Polyherbal Bath Soap

Bacterial skin infections are the most prevalent among individuals, necessitating immediate treatment as well as ongoing care to preserve healthy skin. Because some herbal plant extracts have antibacterial properties, the goal of this research is to make an antibacterial poly herbal bath soap using curcuma longa[Turmeric] and Organum Vulgare [Oregano The antibacterial activity of prepared soap was evaluated against staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Aspergillus Niger using the agar well diffusion technique. The developed Polyherbal formulation had a good antibacterial activity, and it was analysed for several physicochemical parameters and whether it has good characteristics. Plants are easily obtainable, and their efficacy helps manufacturers in achieving cost-effective outcomes with few or no side effects.

Triclosan Increases Production of the Pro‐inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐1β in Human Immune Cells: The role of ERK1/2 pathway

Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent that is incorporated into medical and personal care products such as topical antiseptics, deodorants, toothpastes, antibacterial soaps, dishwashing liquids, acne treatments, makeup, and lotions. TCS is readily absorbed through the skin. The usage of these products, which rely upon direct contact with skin, is a source of exposure to the compound. Studies have found approximately 1 μM of TCS in human blood plasma upon ingestion of TCS-containing mouthwash. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by immune cells such as monocytes and lymphocytes, and plays a critical role in immune response regulation, tissue repair, and cellular growth. Overproduction of IL-1β can contribute to chronic inflammation and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. IL-1β has also been shown to stimulate tumor development. A previous study in our lab showed that when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to 0.05-5 μM of TCS for a period of 24 hours, secretion of IL-1β increased in an ERK 1/2 dependent manner. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as ERK 1/2, are known to regulate both the secretion and production of IL-1β. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether TCS is stimulating the immune cell's ability to produce IL-1β (or solely releasing pre-existing stores of this cytokine) as well as the role of ERK 1/2 pathway in any TCS-induced elevation of IL-1β production. PBMCs were exposed to TCS concentrations ranging from 0.05-5 μM for time periods of 30 minutes, 6 hours, or 24 hours. The cellular production (combination of secreted and intracellular levels of IL-1β) in response to this treatment was investigated by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays to measure secretion and Western Blots to measure intracellular levels. The results indicate that production of IL-1β was increased at each length of exposure, with the greatest TCS-induced increases seen at 6 h. To investigate the mechanism of this increased production of IL-1β, PBMCs were exposed to MEK inhibitor PD98059 to block ERK1/2 pathway activity. Prior exposure of PBMCs to the MEK inhibitor diminished TCS-induced increases in IL-1β production. Thus, TCS not only stimulates the secretion of IL-1β from immune cells, but also increases production of this potent inflammatory cytokine, which can contribute to several pathologies. TCS-induced increases in IL-1β were shown to be dependent on the ERK 1/2 MAPK pathway.

African black soap: Physiochemical, phytochemical properties, and uses.

The African black soap is popular for its cleansing and medicinal properties particularly amongst those of African descent. The "traditional" African black soap" refers to soaps made from the ash-derived alkali from agricultural waste and oil extracted from vegetable matter without the addition of cosmetic enhancing products. Production of black soap has been traced to west Africa especially Nigeria and Ghana. The raw materials are readily available in the region making the soap available and affordable for most in sub-Saharan Africa. It has been described as gentle, super fatted and hypoallergenic. It is advertised as antimicrobial, anti-acne, exfoliating, skin toning, scar fading, and having medicinal properties. It is popular for its management of skin diseases, although some of the claims remain anecdotal. Generations of Africans abroad continue to use modified versions of the soap and claim they are satisfied with the results obtained. However, in the management of patients with skin disorders, especially eczema, in sub-Saharan Africa, prescribing an ideal skin cleanser can be challenging as many cannot afford the imported nonsoap cleansers with skin friendly pH. Studies have shown that the traditional black soap does have antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcal and some Streptococcal organisms, which are commonly seen in the tropical climate. The recent ban of some antiseptics in popular antibacterial soaps in this environment, emphasizes the need for production of safer antimicrobials. The antimicrobial, physiochemical, and phytochemical properties of the African black soap suggest it may have beneficial effects on the overall skin health.