The Community Service Program (KKN) Students Team I of Diponegoro University 2023/2024 showcased the result of hand soap products made from mango leaf extract at the Works Exhibition held at the Prof. Soedarto SH Building, Tembalang campus of Diponegoro University on Monday (19/2). The exhibited product is one of the monodisciplinary programs by Josia Benardo Barimbing, a Chemical Engineering student of the Faculty of Engineering at Diponegoro University participating in the KKN program in Pekiringanageng Village, Kajen District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java.
The drive to create this innovation stemmed from the village chief’s desire for his residents to be more aware of cleanliness. Pekiringanageng Village was the primary inspiration, blessed with various plants, including mango and rambutan trees. The idea to create hand soap emerged as a solution. According to Josia, “Liquid soap is increasingly popular due to its convenience and higher appeal compared to other types of soap.” The decision to use mango leaves as the main ingredient was not without reason. Previously considered of little value, mango leaves are now processed into a beneficial product, considering that the local community is familiar with its presence and characteristics.
Mango leaf extract contains alkaloids, saponins, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and glycosides, which function as antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. The flavonoid content acts as an antibacterial agent that can inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, nucleic acid synthesis, energy metabolism, and the function of the cytoplasmic membrane.
“This innovation is also aimed at enhancing the skills of PKK mothers in maintaining health, especially through hand soap, by organizing activities to raise awareness of the importance of hand washing before and after meals,” he said.
The community welcomed this program enthusiastically, especially the PKK mothers of Pekiringanageng Village. The KKN team also provided education on materials and tools and explained how to make hand soap from mango leaf extract, including:
- Cut mango leaves into smaller pieces.
- Boil the cut mango leaves for 5 minutes until they turn murky yellow.
- After 5 minutes, strain the mango leaf extract and let it cool.
- Pour 200 grams of texapon, mango leaf extract, 20 ml of glycerol, and 40 grams of salt into a pot and stir until well mixed.
- Once mixed, add boiled water up to 2 liters (if it seems too thin, add salt as needed).
- Let it sit until the foam disappears (1×24 hours), then transfer it to soap bottles.
This program is expected to increase awareness of the importance of handwashing, especially in Pekiringanageng Village. Additionally, it is hoped that organic waste, previously considered worthless, can be utilized and appropriately processed to improve the health and welfare of the community. (Nina ed. Ut-Public Relations)
