Supplementary files for Albizia Amara: A potential plant surfactant for cosmetic and food applications

Surfactants are indispensable in cosmetics and food industries but raise environmental and health concerns due to synthetic variants. Plant-derived biosurfactants, particularly saponins, offer renewable, biodegradable, and low-toxicity alternatives. Albizia amara (AA), a tropical tree traditionally used for medicinal and haircare purposes, is rich in saponins but underexplored for its surfactant potential. This review consolidates evidence on AA’s phytochemical composition, primary studies of its surface-active properties, and industrial applicability, advocating for its adoption as a sustainable biosurfactant. Critical research gaps—extraction optimization, surface active properties, stability under industrial conditions, and scalability—are highlighted to guide future studies.