THE SOAP OF THE DRAGON FRUIT STEM

(Hylocereus undatus)
Imam Isnaini Sidiq1, Tb. Arrafi1, Devia Audina1, Isma Heryanti1

1
SMA Negeri 15 Pandeglang, Street of Carita Km. 5 Carita, Pandeglang, Banten, Indonesia 42264

*E-mail: imamsidiq@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Nowadays people increasingly pay attention to personal hygiene, due to many diseases
caused by bacteria and germs. One means to clean your self is soap. Usually the soap is
added to active substances such as triclosan to kill bacteria, but triclosan has a negative
impact on the body. For this reason, researchers tried to utilize the extract of the dragon fruit
stem (Hylocereus undatus) which contains saponins and functions as a natural anti-bacterial
to be made into natural soap.

The aim of this research was to make soap from the extract of the dragon fruit stem
(Hylocereus undatus) as the utilization of the dragon stem which is wasted or not utilized.

The methodology of this research was by mixing 50 mL of extract, 40 ml of palm oil and 10
ml of NaOH 2 M. The soap formation reaction was known as saponification, which was the
reaction between fat / triglyceride and alkali. Variations in NaOH volume and extracts of
dragon fruit stems were carried out to produce soap with the best antiseptic power.

Based on the test results with litmus paper and universal pH, shown that the soap from the
extract of the dragon fruit stem was alkaline, because red litmus paper turned into the blue. In
addition, testing with Universal pH shown, that the pH of this soap was 10. While the pH
value of bath soap required according to the SNI 06-3532-1994 range is pH 8-11. (Hart, H.,
2004). In addition, the soap from the extract was also tested by saponification reaction by
mixing 5 ml of distilled water, 5 ml of oil and 5 ml of extract of soap from the dragon fruit
stem. The result of that reaction it was formed some foam and both oil and water were mixed.
This shown the saponification of the dragon fruit tree extract soap.

For those reason, it can be concluded that the extract of the dragon fruit stem can be used as
an ingredient in making soap. In addition, this dragon fruit stem soap also contains saponins,
so it can be made as go Green soap

Keywords: Dragon Fruit Stems, Extracts, Soap, Saponins, Triclosan

A. INTRODUCTION moisture and holding water in the skin,
Cleanliness is very important so that there is no excessive
because more and more diseases arise evaporation.
due to bacteria and germs. Soap is one Some soap add active substances,
means to cleanse yourself from dirt, such as triclosan, which function as
germs and other things that make the antimicrobials. Judging from the many
body dirty. Even today, soap is not only negative effects that can be caused by
used for self-cleaning, but there are also triclosan, it is necessary to think of
several soaps that also function to: other alternative materials that can
soften the skin, whiten the skin, and replace triclosan as an antimicrobial.
maintain skin health. (Kaspark, J., 2009).
Dragon fruit plants are cactus-like The purpose of this research is to
plants of the genera Hylocereus and make soap from the extract of the
Selenicereus. This plant originates from dragon fruit stem (Hylocereus undatus)
Mexico, Central America and South as go Green Soap.
America but now it is also cultivated in
Asian countries such as Taiwan, Dragon Fruit Tree (Hylocereus
Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and undatus).
Malaysia. Dragon fruit tree (Hylocereus Dragon fruit tree is a fruit plant that
undatus) has many benefits, namely as a is still in one group of cactus types.
source of producing raw materials for Dragon fruit stems can also soften and
various food, pharmaceutical, and moisturize the skin. This is due to the
cosmetics products. Dragon fruit stems extract of the stem containing lignin or
contain saponins which have the ability cellulose which is able to penetrate and
to clean and are antiseptic. seep into the skin and retain the loss of
(https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buah_nag body fluids from the surface of the skin,
a). so that the skin does not dry quickly and
By utilizing dragon fruit stems as maintain moisture. According to
ingredients for soap, not only can kill Adianto, (2013). The structure of the
bacteria, but also can soften the skin. dragon fruit stem consists of 3 parts:
This is due to the presence of lignin
which is useful for maintaining skin
 a. Leaf bark In the dragon fruit stem there is an
Leaf skin is the outermost part of active component namely saponins
the structure of the green dragon fruit which have the ability to kill
stems. microorganisms. Saponins are soluble
b. Exudate in water and ethanol, but not soluble in
Exudate is the sap that comes out of ether. Saponin in the extract of the
the leaf when it is cut. Exudate is liquid, dragon fruit stem will produce foam
green and tastes bitter. when mixed with water.
c. Gel This substance functions as an
Gel is a slimy part that is obtained antiseptic. It’s function as a cleanser
by cutting the inside of the leaf after the and has antiseptic properties. Saponins
exudate is removed. There are some have the characteristics of foam. So that
substances contained in gel yaitu when reacted with water and shaken, it
carbohydrates (glucomannan, will form foam that can last a long time.
accemannan), enzymes, inorganic The saponin content in the extract of the
compounds, proteins, saccharides, dragon fruit stem is around 5.651% per
vitamins, and saponins. The extract of 100 grams. (Makkar, et al., 2007).
the dragon fruit stem mostly contains The active ingredient that functions
about 99.51% water per 100 grams, the as an antiseptic is commonly found in
rest contains active ingredients such as dragon fruit stem gel. Gel is a slimy part
essential oils, amino acids, minerals, that is obtained by cutting the inside of
vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins the leaf. Dragon fruit gel gel is very
(Adianto, H. Sukirno. 2013). sensitive to air, especially O2, CO,
Classification of dragon fruit water vapor, and light radiation that can
plants cause browning reactions. (Gunasena, et
Kingdom : Plantae al., 2007).
Division : Spermatophyta
Coconut oil
Subdivision : Angiosperms
Class : Dicotyledonae Coconut oil is oil obtained from
Order : Cactales
copra (dried coconut meat) or from
Family : Cactaceae
Genus : Hylocereus coconut milk. The oil content in old
coconut meat is estimated to reach 30 to
Active compounds of dragon fruit
35%, soaps made from coconut oil will
stems
have a hard structure. Coconut oil has a affect saponification reactions, among
good cleansing power, but if you use others. (Syukri, 1999).
too much coconut oil, it will cause the
skin to become dry. The characteristics Sodium hydroxide
of coconut oil include: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is also
Melting point: 24-26 0C known as caustic soda or sodium
Iodine Value: 7–12
hydroxide. Pure sodium hydroxide is
Saponification Numbers: 251-2263
Free Fatty Acid (FFA): Max 0.2% solid white and is available in the form
(Hasibuan, Hasrul Abdi. 2012)
of pellets, flakes, granules or 50%
saturated solution. Sodium hydroxide is
Saponification reaction
hygroscopic and spontaneously absorbs
The process of soap formation is
CO2 from free air to form Na2CO3.
known as saponification, which is the
Sodium hydroxide is very soluble in
reaction between fat / triglyceride and
water and will release heat when
alkali. Alkaline commonly used are
dissolved. Sodium hydroxide is also
NaOH and KOH. At first the
soluble in ethanol and methanol,
saponification reaction is slow because
insoluble in diethyl ether and other non-
oil and an alkaline solution are
polar solvents. Sodium hydroxide
immiscible. After soap is formed, the
solution will leave yellow stains on
reaction speed will increase, where in
cloth and paper. (Syukri, 1999).
the end the reaction speed will decrease
Soap
again because the amount of oil has
Soap molecules consist of long
decreased. Saponification is an
hydrocarbon-like chains. The
exothermic reaction, so it must be
hydrocarbons consist of carbon atoms
considered when adding oil and alkali to
with very polar or ionic groups at one
avoid excessive heat.
end. Carbon chains are lipophilic
In the saponification process, the
(dissolved in fat and oil), and polar ends
addition of an alkaline solution (KOH
are hydrophilic (dissolved in water).
or NaOH) is carried out little by little
Another prominent feature of soap
while stirring and heated to produce
solutions is the very low surface
soap. To make the process more perfect
tension, which makes soap solutions
and equitable, stirring must be done
have a better cleaning power than water
better. There are several factors that
alone. So, soap, including a class of • Adding 10 ml of NaOH 2M to the
substances called surfactants. (Kaspark, extract and stir until a trace is
J., 2009). formed.
• The temperature is lowered to 40 0C
B. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY and stirring for 20 minutes.
This research was conducted in • Pouring the mixture into a mold and
Chemistry Laboratory at SMA Negeri leave it for 24 hours in the room
15 Pandeglang, with address Jl. Raya temperature until the soap was
Carita Km. 05, Banjarmasin, Carita, formed.
Pandeglang, Banten, Indonesia 42264.
Dragon fruit tree trunks are cut into small
This research was conducted from pieces

January to August 2019. The

blended and filtered
ingredients used were dragon fruit
stems that have been pureed, pure palm 50 ml stem extract + 40 palm oil heated to
50 0C
oil, Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and
distilled water. The tools used were Added 10 ml of NaOH 2 M, stirring while
heated
magnetic stirrer, beaker glass,
Pour into molds and cool until the soap
measuring cup, spatula, thermometer, hardensThe soap formed in the pH test
and the weaving reaction
stir bar, analytical scales, universal pH,
blender, watch glass, test tubes and
Figure 1. Flow diagram of the procedure for
other tools used for analysis. making soap from the extract of the
dragon fruit stem (Hylocereus
Research procedure: undatus)
• Making extracts of dragon fruit stems
was begun by washing the dragon
C. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
stems, cutting into small pieces and
Based on the test results using
peeling to separate the skin from the
litmus paper, Universal pH paper and
extracts of the stems and then
Saponification Reaction, the results
blending it well.
obtained can be seen in the table below.
• heating 50 ml extract of dragon fruit
with 40 mL of palm oil which has
been purified in 50 0C.
 Type of Result of Informa from 8-11 according to SNI 06-3532-
Sample 1994 (Hart, H., 2004).
Test Test tion
The color of In addition, stem extract soap was

1 Red Litmus the Litmus Basa also tested by the saponification

turned blue reaction, by mixing 5 ml of oil with 5

The color of ml of water, then adding 5 ml of the

2 Blue Litmus Litmus was Basa extract soap into the mixture. It was

still blue obtained the results that foam, oil and

water were mixed (forming an
Universal
3 pH = 10 Basa emulsion). Based on these results, it
pH
shown there was the saponification
Saponificati Soap foam Positif
4 properties of the dragon fruit stem
on reaction (mixed) reaction
soap.
Table 1. Test results of soap from dragon fruit
stem The saponification of the dragon
fruit stem soap was due to the active
component in the stem of the dragon
fruit namely saponin which has the
ability to kill microorganisms. Saponins
are soluble in water and ethanol, but not
soluble in ether. Saponin in the extract
of the dragon fruit stem will produce
Figure 2. Test results of soap from dragon foam when it was mixed with water.
fruit stem with universal pH The functions of Saponins is as a
indicator, litmus paper and
saponification reaction. cleanser and antiseptic. Saponins have
the characteristics of foam, so when it
Based on the results of testing with reacted with water and shaken, it will
red litmus paper on extract soap form the foam. The saponin content in
solution, the results obtained that red the extract of the dragon fruit stem is
litmus paper turned blue and blue litmus around 5.651% per 100 grams.
paper was still blue. This shown that the (Makkar, 2007).
soap extract of dragon fruit stem was The active ingredient that functions
alkaline. This was suitable with the SNI as an antiseptic is commonly found in
range that the pH of bath soaps was
dragon fruit stem gel. Gel is a slimy part 2. Dragon fruit stem contains saponins
that is obtained by cutting the inside of so that it can be made into go Green
the leaf. Dragon fruit gel is very Soap.
sensitive to air, especially O2, CO2,
water vapor, and light radiation that can Suggestions from this research are:
cause browning reactions. (Gunasena, et 1. This research is preliminary research
al., 2007). to utilize dragon fruit stem waste
Soap molecules consist of long into soap. For this reason, the
hydrocarbon like chains. The further research is needed to obtain
hydrocarbons consist of carbon atoms high quality soap.
with very polar or ionic groups at one 2. Hopefully this research can be useful
end. Carbon chains are lypophobic for the environment and the
(dissolved in fat and oil), and polar ends community in order to reduce the
are hydrophilic (dissolved in water). waste of dragon fruit stems.
Another prominent feature of soap
solutions is the very low surface E. REFERENCES
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