Sapindus Mukorossi – Soapnut Tree

Description

Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as Indian soapberry, soapnut, ritha or Chinese soapberry, is a deciduous tree from the soap tree family (Sapindaceae),
native to southern China, the Himalayas, India, Japan and parts of Southeast Asia.

The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and thrives in subtropical to tropical regions at altitudes of up to 1500 meters.
It tolerates poor, rocky or nutrient-poor soil. The fruits, rich in saponins, are widely used as a natural detergent for clothing,
hair and skin, with cleansing properties that have been recognized for more than 2000 years.
The pulp, which contains
triterpenoidal saponins (oleanane, dammarane and tirucallane), is also used in traditional medicine for its spermicidal, contraceptive, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozoan properties.
The seeds of the tree are used for handicrafts and the wood for arrows.
The plant produces 30-35 kg of fruit annually after about nine years, with applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals