Sapindus mukorossi, commonly known as soapnut or reetha, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine in South Asia. For minor wounds such as scratches and abrasions, powdered or decocted fruit shells have been traditionally applied to the skin for their purported cleansing and healing properties. This traditional use is based on the soapnut’s saponin content, which provides natural surfactant and mild antimicrobial activity, thought to help cleanse wounds and prevent infection.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of Sapindus mukorossi in treating scratches and abrasions is limited. While some in vitro studies indicate the presence of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory constituents in the plant’s extracts, there are no robust clinical trials or well-documented pharmacological studies directly validating its effectiveness for wound healing or skin abrasion treatment in humans. Most references to its use for scratches and abrasions are found in ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medical texts rather than in peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Therefore, while the use of Sapindus mukorossi for scratches and abrasions is primarily justified by a tradition of folk and Ayurvedic medicine, the overall quality and quantity of supporting evidence is modest (rated 2/5). Caution should be exercised, and reliance on modern, evidence-based wound care is recommended where possible.