Acacia concinna (leaf)

Acacia concinna (leaf)

Product Name: Акация пенистая, Acacia concinna, Shikakai, Acacia concinna, Acacia concinna, الأكاسيا الرغوية, ชิคาไก, Шикакай, Шикакай, Şikakay, Шикакай, Šikakai, Šikakai, Шикакай, שיקקאי

Synonyms: soap acacia, shikakai, soap pod, mimosenbaum, acacia moussante, árbol de shikakai, arbre à shikakai, الأكاسيا الصابونية, ฝักสระผม, soap nut pods.

Parts Used: leaf, fruit, seed, stem, bark, root.

Main Indications for Use Acacia concinna: seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, pediculosis, androgenic alopecia, diffuse alopecia, dandruff, pyoderma of the scalp, folliculitis, dermatophytosis of the scalp, tinea capitis, microsporia of the scalp, eczema of the scalp.

Main Indications for Use of Acacia concinna in Mixtures and Therapeutic Complexes: atopic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, cicatricial alopecia, hidradenitis suppurativa, chronic furunculosis, sebopsoriasis, rosacea, acne vulgaris.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Acacia concinna: antibacterial, fungicidal, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, cleansing, keratolytic, antioxidant, conditioning, emollient, seborrhea-regulating, astringent, wound-healing, antipruritic, antiseborrheic, anti-alopecia.

Dosage of Pharmacological Forms — Acacia concinna

Powder — Acacia concinna

Indication (Powder): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, pediculosis, androgenic alopecia, diffuse alopecia, dandruff, pyoderma of the scalp, folliculitis, dermatophytosis of the scalp, tinea capitis, microsporia of the scalp, eczema of the scalp.

Standard Dosage (Powder): not for internal use; for external application — 5–10 g of powder per procedure, diluted in 100–150 ml of warm water to a paste consistency, apply to the scalp for 10–15 minutes, then rinse.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): external application 15 g of powder per procedure, for pronounced seborrhea, dermatophytosis, pyoderma of the scalp; use 3 times a week.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): external application up to 20 g of powder per procedure for severe seborrhea and pronounced itching, but not more than 2 times a week to prevent excessive skin dryness.

Prophylactic Dosage (Powder): external application 5 g of powder once a week, for chronic seborrhea, predisposition to dandruff, in patients with oily scalp type; frequency — weekly, in courses of 2 months with a 1-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): external application from 7 years, with body weight of at least 25 kg; 2–3 g of powder per procedure, diluted in 50 ml of warm water; apply for 5–10 minutes, avoiding contact with eyes.

Contraindications (Powder): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): with overdose — skin dryness, itching, peeling, eye irritation if solution enters.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce powder amount by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Powder): raw material — dried fruits and leaves of soap acacia; 100 g of finished powder is obtained from 120 g of dry raw material. Raw material is cleaned of impurities, ground to a fraction of 0.2–0.5 mm. Sieved through a sieve with mesh size 0.3 mm. Packed in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry place at temperature 15–25 °C, in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture; shelf life — 24 months; after opening the package, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Acacia concinna

Indications (Dry Extract): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, pediculosis, diffuse alopecia, dandruff, dermatophytosis of the scalp, pyoderma of the scalp, eczema of the scalp.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): external application — 1–3 g of dry extract per 100 ml of base (shampoo, mask, conditioner) for single use, apply for 10–15 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): external application — 5 g of dry extract per 100 ml of base for pronounced seborrhea or fungal infection of the scalp; use every other day for 2 weeks.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): external application — 7 g per 100 ml of base for severe forms of seborrhea, dermatophytosis; course no more than 10 days, then transition to standard dosage.

Prophylactic Dosage (Dry Extract): external application — 1 g of dry extract per 100 ml of cosmetic base, once a week, for chronic seborrhea and predisposition to fungal infections of the scalp; course 1–2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): external application from 7 years, 0.5 g of extract per 50 ml of cosmetic base, no more than once a week.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): with overdose — skin irritation, dryness, itching, erythema.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15–20%; for body weight above 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To obtain 100 g of dry extract, use 500 g of ground soap acacia fruits, pour with 70% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5, infuse at a temperature of 25 °C for 72 hours with stirring. Ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished product. After infusion, the extract is filtered, evaporated on a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a thick mass, then dried in a drying oven at 40 °C to a powdery state. Control of complete solvent removal — disappearance of ethanol smell, residual content not more than 50 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a dry place at temperature 10–20 °C, in an airtight container, protected from light and moisture; shelf life — 24 months; after opening the package, use within 3 months.

Natural Shampoo — Acacia concinna

Indication (Natural Shampoo): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, androgenic alopecia, diffuse alopecia, dandruff, dermatophytosis of the scalp, tinea capitis, microsporia of the scalp, folliculitis, pyoderma of the scalp, eczema of the scalp.

Standard Dosage (Natural Shampoo): external application — 10–15 ml of shampoo per procedure, apply to wet hair, massage for 3–5 minutes, then rinse with warm water; use 2–3 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Natural Shampoo): external application — 20 ml of shampoo per procedure, for pronounced seborrhea, fungal lesions of the scalp; use every other day for 10–14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Natural Shampoo): external application — 25 ml of shampoo per procedure for severe seborrhea, profuse dandruff, pronounced itching; use no more than 3 times a week, course not more than 2 weeks.

Prophylactic Dosage (Natural Shampoo): external application — 10 ml of shampoo once a week, for chronic seborrhea and predisposition to dandruff; course 2–3 months, then a break of 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Natural Shampoo): external application from 5 years, 5 ml of shampoo per procedure, 1–2 times a week, with body weight of at least 20 kg.

Contraindications (Natural Shampoo): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 5 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Natural Shampoo): with overdose — scalp dryness, itching, burning, peeling.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce shampoo amount by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Natural Shampoo): to prepare 100 g of shampoo: dried soap acacia fruits — 20 g, soapwort roots — 15 g, fresh aloe vera leaves — 10 g, coconut oil — 10 g, distilled water — 45 g. Soap acacia fruits and soapwort roots are poured with water and heated at a temperature of 60 °C for 30 minutes, strained, crushed aloe leaves and coconut oil are added, mixed to a homogeneous mass. Poured into dark bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Natural Shampoo): store at temperature 5–15 °C, in a tightly closed container, protected from light; shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Cosmetic Composition — Acacia concinna

Indications (Cosmetic Composition): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, diffuse alopecia, dandruff, eczema of the scalp, dermatophytosis of the scalp, pyoderma of the scalp, skin dryness, skin irritation.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Composition): external application — apply 1–2 ml of composition to affected areas of skin or scalp 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Composition): external application — 3 ml of composition 2 times a day for pronounced seborrhea, itching, peeling, fungal infection of the scalp; course up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Composition): external application — 5 ml of composition 2 times a day for severe forms of seborrhea and pronounced inflammation; course not more than 7 days, then transition to standard dosage.

Prophylactic Dosage (Cosmetic Composition): external application — 1 ml of composition every 3 days, for chronic seborrhea, predisposition to skin irritation, in patients with increased scalp oiliness; course 1 month.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Composition): external application from 7 years, 0.5 ml of composition once a day, not more than 5 days consecutively.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Composition): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects: with overdose — skin redness, itching, dryness, peeling.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15–20%; for body weight above 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Cosmetic Composition): to prepare 100 g: dry extract of soap acacia — 3 g, coconut oil — 20 g, jojoba oil — 10 g, lavender hydrosol — 65 g, xanthan gum — 1.5 g, tea tree essential oil — 0.5 g. Heat oils to 40 °C, add dry extract, mix until homogeneous. In a separate container, dissolve gum in lavender hydrosol, combine with oil phase, mix thoroughly, add tea tree essential oil. Pour into sterile bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetic Composition): store at temperature 5–10 °C, in a tightly closed dark glass container, shelf life — 4 months; after opening, use within 20 days.

Natural Soap — Acacia concinna

Indication (Natural Soap): seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, seborrhea, dandruff, dermatophytosis of the scalp, tinea capitis, microsporia of the scalp, folliculitis, pyoderma of the scalp, eczema of the scalp, skin irritation, skin dryness.

Standard Dosage (Natural Soap): external application — 2–3 g of soap (bar or shavings) per procedure, lather hands or hair, massage for 1–2 minutes, then rinse with warm water; use 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Natural Soap): external application — 4–5 g of soap per procedure, for pronounced seborrhea, fungal infections of skin or scalp; use up to 3 times a day for a course not more than 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Natural Soap): external application — 6 g of soap per procedure for severe fungal lesions and profuse dandruff; course not more than 5 days, then transition to standard dosage.

Prophylactic Dosage (Natural Soap): external application — 2 g of soap 2 times a week for chronic seborrhea and predisposition to fungal infections of the scalp; course 2 months with a 1-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Natural Soap): external application from 5 years, 1 g of soap per procedure, not more than once a day, avoid contact with eyes.

Contraindications (Natural Soap): individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and childhood under 5 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Natural Soap): with overdose — skin dryness, tightness sensation, skin irritation, increased itching.

Adjustment Based on Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce soap amount per procedure by 20%; for body weight above 60 kg — standard dosage.

Preparation method (Natural Soap): to prepare 100 g of soap: soap acacia fruit powder — 10 g, coconut oil — 30 g, olive oil — 30 g, castor oil — 10 g, rose hydrosol — 18 g, alkali (NaOH) — 8 g (only for saponification of oils, absent in finished product). Heat oils to 40 °C, dissolve alkali in rose hydrosol, cool to 40 °C, combine oil and water phases, blend with a blender until trace, add soap acacia powder, mix thoroughly. Pour into a mold, leave for 24 hours, then cut and cure for 4–6 weeks for complete saponification.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Natural Soap): store at temperature 5–25 °C in a dry place, protected from direct light and moisture; shelf life — 12 months; after starting use, store in a soap dish with drainage to prevent sogginess.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Acacia concinna

Studies on the acute toxicity of Acacia concinna indicate an extremely low level of systemic toxicity with external use. Experimental in vivo data on laboratory animals showed that oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of fruits and leaves at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not cause lethal outcomes, corresponding to the "practically non-toxic" category according to the Hodge and Sterner classification. The LD50 value upon oral administration to rats exceeds 5000 mg/kg body weight. With external use, no signs of irritant or sensitizing action were detected at standard dosages. Chronic studies also revealed no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic action.

Reference: Sharma, P. et al. "Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of Acacia concinna extract in rodents." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020. DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112982.

Pharmacodynamics of Acacia concinna

Soap acacia contains a complex of biologically active substances, including saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and polysaccharides, which determine its multifaceted pharmacodynamic effects. Saponins, present in significant amounts in fruits and leaves, exhibit pronounced surfactant properties, which promotes gentle cleansing of the skin and scalp, and also potentiates the penetration of other components through the epidermal barrier. These compounds are also capable of modifying the permeability of microorganism cell membranes, explaining the observed inhibition of the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and dermatophytic fungi.

The flavonoid component of soap acacia extracts exerts antioxidant action, neutralizing free radicals and suppressing lipid peroxidation, which is important for protecting cellular structures of the skin and hair follicles. Phenolic compounds, including tannins, exhibit astringent and anti-inflammatory action, contribute to stabilization of capillary walls, reduction of exudation and local edema, and also possess moderate antimicrobial activity.

Anti-inflammatory action is confirmed by the ability of extracts to reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, through modulation of the activity of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. With external use, a local effect is observed, associated with suppression of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity, as well as with reduced proliferative activity of epithelial cells under irritation conditions.

Polysaccharide fractions of soap acacia may exert immunomodulatory action at the local level, stimulating non-specific defense mechanisms of the skin and mucous membranes. The ability of saponins and flavonoids to affect keratinocytes, normalizing keratinization processes and reducing hyperproduction of sebum, which contributes to maintaining the physiological condition of the scalp, has also been recorded.

Collectively, these properties provide a wide spectrum of pharmacodynamic impact: antibacterial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, keratolytic, astringent, and mild cleansing. The action is mainly realized at the local level, but with systemic absorption of individual fractions, influence on vascular reactivity and activity of liver enzyme systems is possible.

References: Sharma P. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020; Singh R. et al., Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2018; Pandey A. et al., BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2021.

Pharmacokinetics Acacia concinna

With external use of powder or extract of soap acacia, active substances mainly act locally, with minimal systemic absorption. Saponins, due to their high molecular weight and hydrophilicity, poorly penetrate through intact epidermis; however, they are able to interact with lipid structures of the stratum corneum, increasing skin permeability for other active components. When coming into contact with mucous membranes, partial absorption of saponins and flavonoids is possible.

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds upon systemic intake typically undergo metabolism in the liver with the participation of conjugation enzymes (glucuronidation, sulfation) and are partially metabolized by intestinal microflora. With the transdermal route of administration, these compounds are mainly retained in the superficial layers of the skin, where they exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Tannins, possessing large molecular weight, are practically not absorbed through intact skin, but upon contact with damaged areas can penetrate into superficial dermal layers. Polysaccharides and high molecular weight fractions act predominantly locally, creating a protective film on the skin and hair, reducing transepidermal water loss.

Metabolism of systemically absorbed components occurs primarily in the liver, with subsequent excretion of metabolites in bile and urine. Water-soluble fractions (saponins, low molecular weight flavonoids) are excreted mainly by the kidneys, lipophilic compounds — through bile. With external use, the majority of active substances is removed mechanically when rinsed from the skin or hair.

Data on accumulation of active components in tissues are absent, but considering the physicochemical properties of the main substances, significant accumulation in the body is unlikely with proper use.

References: Singh R. et al., Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2018; Pandey A. et al., BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2021; Sharma P. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Acacia concinna

The pharmacological activity of Acacia concinna is determined by a complex of secondary metabolites, among which the main ones are triterpene saponins, flavonoids (including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides), condensed tannins, phenolic acids, and polysaccharide complexes. Saponins exhibit amphiphilic properties, disrupting the integrity of lipid membranes of pathogenic microorganisms, accompanied by changes in osmotic balance and cell lysis. These compounds are also capable of modulating macrophage activity, stimulating interleukin production, and activating phagocytosis. Flavonoids inhibit the enzyme systems of cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and blocking the activation of the NF-κB signaling cascade, which reduces the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-1β, TNF-α). Tannins exert astringent and antioxidant action, stabilizing cell membranes, binding and inactivating bacterial enzymes, and also suppressing the growth of fungal flora by binding cell wall proteins. Phenolic acids exhibit the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species, preventing oxidative damage to cell lipids and proteins. Polysaccharides, acting on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes, create a protective barrier, promote moisture retention, and local immunostimulation. Collectively, these mechanisms provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and regenerative action, realized primarily at the local level with external use, with partial influence on systemic reactions upon absorption of active components.

References: Sharma P. et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020, DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2020.112982; Singh R. et al., Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2018, PMID:29564311; Pandey A. et al., BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2021, DOI:10.1186/s12906-021-03303-3.

Synergy — Acacia concinna

Scientific in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate synergistic interactions of Acacia concinna with a number of medicinal plants containing saponins, flavonoids, and essential oils. Combined use of Acacia concinna extract with Azadirachta indica (neem) extract enhances antibacterial effect through combined impact on cell walls and inhibition of biofilms, which is additive and in some aspects potentiating in nature. Combination with Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) showed increased antioxidant activity due to summation of free radical scavenging by flavonoids and phenolic acids of both taxa. When combined with Lawsonia inermis (henna), modulation of the anti-inflammatory response is noted through joint inhibition of NF-κB and reduced expression of COX-2, leading to more pronounced suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator production. Combination with Eclipta prostrata (bhringraj) enhances regenerative potential due to additive influence on keratinocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis, mediated through MAPK and TGF-β signaling pathways. Such combinations demonstrate tissue-specific synergy, predominantly at the level of the skin and its appendages, as well as concerning microcirculation.

References: Ali S. et al., Industrial Crops and Products, 2022, DOI:10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115179; Chanda S. et al., Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2019, DOI:10.1016/j.hermed.2019.100289; Verma S. et al., BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2020, DOI:10.1186/s12906-020-02900-4.

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Acacia concinna

Acacia concinna is traditionally used in countries of South and Southeast Asia, especially in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, as well as in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. The plant has gained the greatest distribution in the Ayurvedic medicine of India, where it is mentioned in ancient herbals as a cleansing and care agent for skin and hair. In Indian tradition, the fruits of Acacia concinna, known as "shikakai," were used in the form of powder and decoction for washing the head, hair, and skin care. In villages of South India, fruit decoction was used for hair wraps and as a mild detergent for fabrics, considered auspicious in ritual ablutions.

In the folk medicine of Thailand and Laos, leaves and fruits were used in the form of infusions for external skin cleansing and hair washing, often in combination with other local plants such as Azadirachta indica and Lawsonia inermis. In some ethnic groups of northern Thailand, shikakai was part of herbal mixtures used in body steam baths, associated with notions of "removing excess heat" from the body.

Historical mentions of the use of Acacia concinna in India date back to no later than the 11th–12th centuries, when the plant was included in recipes of Ayurvedic compilations such as "Bhavaprakasha." In the cultural context, shikakai was considered a plant that brings beauty and strength to hair, and in some regions was used in wedding and purification rituals.

Non-medical use of Acacia concinna is noted in the form of adding powder to ritual baths before important holidays, as well as a symbolic "cleansing" component during ablutions before visiting temples. In some villages of South Asia, shikakai powder was used in household practice as a mild detergent for silver jewelry and delicate fabrics, associated with its natural cleansing properties.