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The Efficacy of Kalipipi Acalypha indica linn

Extract Soap on Wounds

By:

Katrina C. Escobanas

Katharina Nilda Ann T. Viquezo

Patricio Jose H. Najeal

-Minglanilla Special Science Elementary School-

[2014]

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Abstract

A. PURPOSE

Rapid growth in the use of herbs as medicine has triggered various researchers to study the

properties of certain plants that can cure certain ailments and diseases and kill harmful organisms. In our

country alone, local botanists are induced to use herbs as alternative medicines to cure skin related

disorders. The study of the healing wonders of plants has challenged even those highly industrialized

nations in the western world due to its economical, medical and practical advantages.

Based on these bits of information, the researchers conceived the idea to investigate the efficacy of

Kalipipi Acalypha indica linn leaves extract soap on infected wounds to provide pupils and low income

families a readily available soap from an extract of a very common weed as an effective cure for infectious

wound to fight the cost of medicines which keep on soaring high and only a small fraction of the Filipino

population can avail themselves of this drug.

B. PROCEDURE

The researchers harvested 200 grams of Kalipipi leaves. We blend it with 2 ½ cups of water inside

the blender until the mixture is fine. We prepared 443 mL of coconut oil to be boiled for about 15 minutes.

While the oil was boiling, we prepared 2 set-ups of sodium hydroxide with 59 mL each inside the

Erlenmeyer flask. After boiling, we mixed the lye with the mixture. We added the oil and stirred them. We

poured the product to the soap molders to dry.

C. RESULTS

D. CONCLUSION

Therefore we, the researchers, have found out after the experiment that the soap made from the extracted Kalipipi Acalypha indica linn () is much effective in healing wounds. We are very much certain that the subjects’ continuous use of the soap will find complete healing from their wound and allergies in a faster time frame. This is a great alternative to commercial products since it is economical, user-friendly and highly effective.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the

following persons who have made the completion of this project possible:

Our District Supervisor, Mrs Anita L. Basalo, for her vital encouragement and

support.

Our School Principal, Mrs. Jenelyn V. Craste, for her understanding and

assistance.

To our beloved teacher, Mr. Lornell Ramos, for the constant guidance and

much needed motivation.

To the PTA officers for supporting our financial and moral needs.

Most especially to our family, classmates and friends.

And to God, who makes all things possible!

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction Page

A. Background of the Study-------------------------------------------------------5

B. Statement of Problems/Objectives-----------------------------------------6

C. Significance of the Study--------------------------------------------------------6-7

D. Scope and Limitations------------------------------------------------------------7

E. Review of Literature----------------------------------------------------------------7-9

II. Methodology

A. Materials/ Equipments-----------------------------------------------------------10

B. Treatment/General Procedure-------------------------------------------------11

III. Results and Discussion

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A. Findings-------------------------------------------------------------------------------11-13

B. Analysis of Data--------------------------------------------------------------------13-14

IV. Conclusions-----------------------------------------------------------------14

V. Recommendations--------------------------------------------------------15

VI. Bibliography----------------------------------------------------------------16

Introduction

A. Background of the Study

Rapid growth in the use of herbs as medicine has triggered various researchers

to study the properties of certain plants that can cure certain ailments and diseases

and kill harmful organisms. The study of the healing wonders of plants has challenged

even those highly industrialized nations in the Western world.

Presently, plant constitutes along the seaweeds are the primary precursors resources of

drugs. Some of the important drugs derive their components from herbal plats. The herbals

may be a source of antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic, sedatives, stimulants, insecticides,

aschelmintics, and other pharmaceutical products.

In line with the government’s primary health campaign, there is a need therefore to fully

maximize the use of indigenous plant resources in the revitalization of the use of herbal

medications through scientific proven methods.

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Based on these bits of information, the researchers conceived the idea to investigate the

effects of Kalipipi Acalypha indica linn leaves extract soap on infectious wounds to provide

pupils and low income families a cheaper medicinal alternative as compared to the more

expensive commercial germicidal soap readily available in the market.

Furthermore, a proposed utilization plan for all school administrators in our district is

recommended to fight the cost of medicines which keep on soaring high and only a small

fraction of the Filipino population can avail themselves of this drug.

B. Statement of Problem/Objectives

This study aims to determine the efficacy of the soap extracted from Kalipipi Acalypha indica

Linn) on infected wounds as compared to washing the wounds with typical germicidal soap and

simple tap water. The findings of the study are hoped to be made as the basis for a proposed

utilization plans for all the schools of the District in Minglanilla.

Specifically it sought to answer the following inquiries:

1. What is the antimicrobial activity of Acalypha indica linn (Kalipipi) soap extract?

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2. What are the effects of the antimicrobial soap extract to the infected wound of

children after 14 days of administration of the extract on the following:

3. What are the effects of antimicrobial soap extract on the skin allergies of the

pupils after 14 days of administration of the extract?

4.

C. Significance of the Study

This is a fact-finding study and the findings of which will be helpful to the following people:

The students can acquire knowledge about the variety of mechanical plants which could

be utilized with lesser cost;

The people of the community and educators will be enlightened on the scientific basis on

the ethomedical practice of utilizing herbals for the rural folks to find medical treatment to illness;

Schools of low-income families will be helped in saving and economizing their budget not

buying expensive treatment for illness like fever, cough, sore throat, itchiness, ulcers, and

wounds as costs of modern drugs are getting higher.

The results of the study can prove to be a milestone for further research of

other plants with healing properties like Tinospora Rumphii Boerl (Panyawan plant). The

manufacturers of drugs will no longer import raw materials that cost thousands of pesos

or dollars.

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Lastly, the result of this study will in one way or another become a

contribution to a campaign in line with the government’s primary health care on the

revitalization of the use of herbal medicines through scientifically proven methods.

D. Scope and Limitations

To test the functionality of our finished product, we tested it only to children

whose age ranged from 9-13 years old. It is because our primary targets are the

children at school ages since they are the age in which they are very active and are

prone to wounds and skin allergies. This soap product is tested to both genders but

not to infants since it may have irritations on their skin due to the presence of NaOH

on the ingredients. This can be applied to adults but it is expected that it will take a

longer healing time due to physiological degredation.

E. Review of Related Literature

The Philippines has a rich tradition of herbal medicine use. From traditional

healers in the countryside to housewives who created remedies from their backyard

garden, the use of plants for medicinal purposes remains an alternative to modern

healing practices. This tradition dates back centuries and has been passed down from

generation to generation. Although seemingly taking over by onslaught of modern

scientific healing techniques, the practice of herbal medicine in the Philippines continues

to flourish.

Because the cost of healthcare continues to soar and the rise of drug

prices remains limitless, alternative modes of treatment have been sought out both by

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the government and non-government sectors. A practical solution to this problem is to

tap natural remedies that are already in use by many Filipinos. By scientifically

validating these remedies, reliable yet economical ways of treating disease can be made

available to the public at large.

At the onset, researchers in the Philippines have individually

attempted to scientifically validate the use of certain herbal concoctions for the treatment

of specific diseases. In general, the output of these researches has not been fully

tapped as there was no venue where such knowledge could be consolidated and be

put to practical use. It was only in 1974 when a group of researchers from different

sectors and institutions organized themselves and put up the National Integrated

Research Program on Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), a research body which aimed to

systemize the study of medicinal plants in the Philippines which an end goal of

providing safe, effective and affordable pharmaceutical products derived from commonly

available plants.

To this date, a number of plants have already been studied and

proven to be safe and effective. Pharmaceutical dosage forms of some of these plants

have already been marketed and sold to the general public as affordable alternatives to

traditional drugs. Scientific validation of newly identified plants is also underway. A part from

NIRPROMP, many other institutions are now taking interest in herbal medicine research.

Although still a long way to go, herbal medicine research in the Philippines continues to

thrive and will hopefully pave the way for more affordable medicine for Filipinos.

At present, there are 10 plants which have been identified for such herbal

uses. These plants are well-studied and have passed safely and efficacy tests. These

are the:

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1. Acapulco (Cassia Alata) - for ringworms and skin fungal infections

2. Malaya (Momordica Charantia)- for diabetes mellitus, for the non-insulin dependent

patients

3. Bawang (Allium Sativum)- for reducing cholesterol in the blood thus reduce high

blood pressure

4. Bayabas (Psidium Guajava)- as antiseptic, to disinfect wounds, or as a mouthwash to

treat tooth decay and gum problem

5. Lagundi (Vitex Negundo) - for reliving coughs and asthma

6. Niyog-Niyogan (Quisqualis Indica)- for eliminating intestinal worms particularly the

Ascaris and Trichina

7. Sambong (Blumea Balsamifera)- for helping the excretion of urinary stones

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia Microphylla Lam.)- for treating intestinal motility and mouth wash

since its leaves have high fluoride content

9. Unassuming Baton (Peperoni Pellucid) - for arthritis and gout

10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium Douglasii)- as analgesic to relieve body aches and pains

Preparation and use of such medicinal plant products can easily be done at

home, thus providing safe, effective and cost effective alternative modes of treatment.

Abdelsam’s (1993) studied on the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity of

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica Linn) leaf extract.

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Olivyar (2006) conducted a study on the effects of the cream extract from

Tinospora Rumphii Boerl (Panyawan) and had a successful outcome.

The researchers, inspired by the positive results of the experiment conducted,

was motivated to investigate further on the effect of the soap extract of Tinospora

Rumphii Boerl, locally known as Panyawan, to all skin disorders and infected wounds

on human beings.

II. Methodology

A. Materials/Ingredients

200g of Kalipipi leaves 1 tripod

1 wire gauze 1 drop of lavender scent

1 blender 2 ½ cups of tap water

3 scissors 118.2 mL NaOH or lye

2 Erlenmeyer flask 443.6 mL coconut oil

3 stirring rods 8 soap molders

1 spring scale 3 beakers

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III. Results and Discussion

A. Findings

Table 1

Profile of Wound Healing Effects of the Kalipipi Soap (Experimental)

Table 2

Subject Number Age Gender Wound Size Number of

Days To Heal

Number One 6 F 8.92 mm 8

Number Two 14 M 0.13 mm 10

Number

Three

13 M 40.94 mm 5

Number Four 9 F 30.14 mm 4

Number Five 6 M 22.71 mm 9

Subject

Number Age Gender Wound Size Number of

Days To Heal

Number One 10 M 14.23 mm 7

Number Two 11 F 16.36 mm 4

Number

Three

6 M 19.55 mm 7

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Profile of Wound Healing Effects of Commercial Soap (Positive)

Number Four 12 M 30.7 mm 6

Number Five 7 F 4.38 mm 13

Number Six 8 F 30.59 mm 6

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Table 3

Profile of Wound Healing Effects of Tap Water (Negative)

B. Analysis of Data

Based on the findings on the 18 subjects in Table 1 that had skin cuts and wounds and

had the Kalipipi

soap extract applied on their affected area for a week, the researchers had found significant

improvements. All

the ten respondents have had their wounds recuperating at a faster rate. Those who have their

wounds healed

completely had a lighter scar as compared to Betadine solution that had a darker tissue which

determined its

strong effect on the wound, thus The Kalipipi soap extract was proven as effective as other

commercial

antiseptics.

With regards to its healing properties on skin allergies, all the respondents rated the

soap as effective to

very much effective. This shows the alkaloid, acalyphine, andphytochemicals of Acalypha indica

Linn (Kalipipi)

Subject Number Age Gender Wound Size Number of

Days To Heal

Subject One 6 F 6.81 mm 6

Subject Two 7 F 9.39 mm 24

Subject Three 8 F 9.2 mm 4

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are the active constituents responsible of the healing on cuts, wounds, and skin allergies.

IV. Conclusion

Therefore we, the researchers, have found out after the experiment that the soap

made from the extracted Acalypha indica Linn (Kalipipi) is much effective in healing wounds and

skin allergies

in just 14 days. This also shows that the alkaloid, acalyphine, and phytochemicals of Acalypha

indica Linn (Kalipipi plant) are the active constituents responsible for the healing of cuts,

wounds,

and skin allergies.

We are very much certain that the subjects’ continuous use of soap will find

complete healing from their wound and allergies in a faster time frame. This is a great

alternative to commercial products since it’s economical, user-friendly and highly effective.

In these days of a sharply declining economy where unemployed, high inflation

rates and high cost of living, Filipinos need more alternative medicines that are cheaper but are

just as effective as synthetic ones and which do not have harmful side effects.

DepED Miglanilla 1 with the help of the LGU will help the recommended

guidelines for the pupils

of Minglanilla Elementary Schools to produce the soap extract to answer the high Cost of

medicines and go on

with the more extensive study of Kalipipi plant since it is very common in our locality.

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VI. Recommendations

After the findings, the following are recommended proposals for further studies.

1. The plant collection should be done early in the morning and the

extraction of its juice should be done immediately to have more

extract

2. Other parts of the plant must be analyzed for another possible

medicinal effects.

3. A study on wounds of animal pets like dogs, cats and roosters

May be conducted too

4. Further studies should be conducted on any toxic effects of the

soap extract to identify the safety limit of its medication.

5. All elementary school in the Division of Cebu Province must

encourage all science coordinators to conduct an experiment as to

what the effects of Acalypha indica Linn (Kalipipi plant) extract to

other illness and disease.

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