Sapindus as a Natural Antimicrobial Source: A Comprehensive Review of its Phytochemistry, Bioactivities, and Molecular Docking Studies

Abstract

Genus Sapindus (family Sapindaceae), widely known for its saponin-rich soapberries, has long held a place in traditional medicine across Asia and the Americas. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities of key Sapindus species, including S. mukorossi, S. emarginatus, S. trifoliatus, and S. saponaria. Through an extensive literature review and inclusion of recent molecular docking studies, the therapeutic potential of saponins and related compounds in combating bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains was discovered. The bioactive constituents were assessed for their mechanistic interactions with microbial targets, highlighting their membrane-disruptive, enzyme-inhibitory, and antibiofilm properties. Notably, in silico docking results support the strong binding affinities of specific Sapindus-derived compounds to microbial enzymes and virulence factors, reinforcing their potential as lead candidates for natural antimicrobial development. Data were collected from utilizing multiple scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. This review focused primarily on research published in the past 20 years It not only consolidates decades of ethnopharmacological and experimental data but also bridges traditional knowledge with modern computational tools to illuminate new paths for antimicrobial drug discovery.