ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Cissus aralioides leaf: cosmetological application of the methanol extract, its silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles and characterization

Innocent Chukwujekwu Onunkwo, Mary Olire Edema, and Christiana E. Ogwuche

Department of Industrial Chemistry, Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Nigeria

E-mail: innocent.onunkwo@nmu.edu.ng

Abstract:

The demand for plant-based, and nano-formulated cosmetics with improved action is rapidly expanding due to the inefficacy and side effects of synthetic ones. In this study, Cissus aralioides methanol leaf extract was utilized in biosynthesis of silver (Ag), and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were characterized using Ultraviolet–Vsible (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Powered X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) instruments. Cosmetic soaps were formulated with the plant's methanol extract, its Ag, and ZnO NPs, and their antimicrobial activity was assessed at 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Candida albicans. Characterization results confirmed the formation of the Ag and ZnO NPs having spherical forms, and crystalline sizes of 22.52 and 28.31 nm, respectively. The cosmetic soaps showed good organoleptic properties and were non-irritant to the skin. The nanocosmetics soaps recorded excellent pH (7–8), moisture content (10–13%), foaming index (9–9.9 cm), total fatty matter (TFM > 70%), and saponification values, better than the extract soap and control. Again, the nano soaps showed stronger antimicrobial effects, demonstrating a 20 – 24 mm inhibitory activity at 400 mg/mL across the microbes. These findings show that C. aralioides-based cosmetic formulations have the potential to create safe and efficient antimicrobial skincare solutions.

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-04658-z

Chemical Papers 80 (3) 3213–3234 (2026)