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STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 1 “THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUAVA LEAVES EXTRACT AS A NATURAL PRESERVATIVE FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS” Science Investigatory Project Presented to Mrs. Josephine Impe Science 8 Teacher Napnapan National High School Tigbauan, Iloilo Stephen T. To-ong 8-Ruby 2013-2014

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  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 1

    THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUAVA LEAVES EXTRACT AS A NATURAL PRESERVATIVE

    FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

    Science Investigatory Project Presented to

    Mrs. Josephine Impe

    Science 8 Teacher

    Napnapan National High School

    Tigbauan, Iloilo

    Stephen T. To-ong

    8-Ruby

    2013-2014

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 2

    Acknowledgment

    The researcher would like to extend his sincere thanks and appreciation to

    the following people who have contributed, in one way or another, to the

    realization of this study.

    Mr. Paul T. Tejero, for the assistance and valuable suggestions,

    conceptualization, editing the study, helping the researcher for the study, and

    for the invaluable tips to improve the quality of the research study;

    Mrs. Josephine Impe, research adviser, for the encouragement and

    support to the completion of the study. Also, for the assistance and valuable

    suggestions and for the invaluable tips to improve the quality of the research

    study;

    To-ong and Tejero families, the wind beneath my wings as I reach my

    goals in life, for the unconditional love and prayers, for understanding, and

    moral support, despite of the challenges that come along;

    Most of all, to Almighty God, for giving the researcher the courage,

    knowledge, guidance, love and blessings.

    Stephen T. To-ong

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 3

    Table of Contents

    Page

    Title Page

    Acknowledgment

    Chapter

    1 Problem & Background of the Study

    Introduction

    Statement of the Problem.

    Hypothesis.

    Objectives of the Study.

    Scope and Limitations.

    Definition of Terms .

    Significance of the study.

    2 Review of Related Literature

    Related Literature

    Related Studies

    3 Methods of Research and Procedure

    Method of Research

    Methodology

    4 Presentation, Analysis & Interpretation of Data

    Findings

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 4

    Analysis of Data

    5 Summary of Findings, Conclusions & Recommendations

    Summary of Findings

    Conclusions

    Recommendations

    References

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 5

    List of Tables

    Table Page

    1 Images of the Different Groups of Bananas in a Given

    Period of time

    2 Scores of 20 Respondents of the Natural and Commercial

    Preservative in Terms of Effectivity, Eye Appeal and

    Odor..

    3 Scores of 20 Respondents on the Secondary Evaluation

    of Guava Leaves Extract as Preservative..

    4 Operating Procedure..

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 6

    Stephen T. To-ong. FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE GUAVA LEAVES EXTRACT AS A

    NATURAL PRESERVATIVE FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS. Unpublished Science

    Investigatory Project (SIP). Napnapan National High School, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

    ABSTRACT

    For generations, people bought, caught, or raised fresh foods and

    cooked them at home to feed their families every day. From the beginning,

    people struggled to preserve what they gathered, in order to ensure food

    reserves during times of scarcity. Vegetables and fruits were also dried or stored

    below ground in a safe place.

    Not all things in this world are eternal. In fact, almost everything has its

    limitation. People will die, plants will wither and even the fruit that we need in our

    daily diet will undergo the process of spoilage. The spoilage is one of the

    problems the people are facing nowadays, specifically, the vegetable and fruit

    vendors, and consumers who dont have refrigerators at home and cannot

    afford any commercial preservative, in turn cannot store vegetables and fruits

    for a long time.

    Thus, the researcher, being one of those consumers who cannot buy

    commercial preservatives to preserve the vegetables and fruits, came up with

    the idea and experiment to produce a home-made, easily available,

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 7

    affordable, easy-to-made, and safe-to-use vegetable and fruit preservative

    from the guava leaves extract.

    One-fourth (1/4) kilogram of guava leaves was put into a casserole

    together with 500 ml water. It was boiled within 30 minutes then the residue was

    separated from the filtrate which is the final product. The latter contains essential

    oil rich in cineol and phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, isoffavonoids and

    polyphenols (flavonoids) as well as saponins, 4 triterpenic acids (including

    ascorbic acid or Vitamin C) and tannins existing in aqueous and ethanolic

    extract.

    The product was tested in bananas for 12 days (it can be applied or used

    also to any vegetables or fruits) and the result showed that the constituents of

    the extract led to it being able to prolong the shelf-life of fruit- banana.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 8

    THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUAVA LEAVES EXTRACT AS A NATURAL PRESERVATIVE

    FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUITS

    Stephen T. To-ong

    CHAPTER I

    PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

    This part introduces the study by stating the objectives of the study, the

    problems to be answered, the significance of the study to certain populations,

    the hypothesis to be proved and terms to be defined.

    Introduction

    Since the beginning of time, people have looked for ways to preserve

    food. Without preservation, all foods will spoil in time. Pests, chemicals, and

    micro-organisms are the great agents most often responsible for food spoilage.

    They can be found everywhere that vegetables and fruits are grown, harvested

    and stored. However, spoilage may occur before changes in the flavor or odor

    can be noticed. For those who cannot afford to buy preservatives for the food,

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 9

    the researcher have studied guava as a natural preservative to solve the main

    problem in preserving foods.

    Guava (Psidium Guajava Linn), a member of family Myrtaceae, is a plant

    with several medicinal uses which are known and recognized worldwide, and

    studies and researches are still being conducted to discover its other uses.

    Guava is a very good source of vitamins, fibres as well as minerals. Being

    rich in Vitamin C; guava is effective in treating male infertility caused by sperm

    clumping, adhesion and other abnormalities. It has been associated with

    healing of wounds, when applied externally. Also, guava has general

    haemostatic properties and can be used for treating bleeding nose, gums and

    minor internal haemorrhaging. Guava, having high content of roughage, no

    cholesterol & less digestible carbohydrates, is good for those trying to lose

    weight.

    Researches have shown that guava is pretty effective in preventing

    cancer and even heart diseases in people. Guava is also effective in lowering

    cholesterol and blood sugar levels due to the presence of complex

    carbohydrates and dietary fibres.

    Guava leaves help cure dysentery, by inhibiting microbial growth and

    removing extra mucus from the intestines. Guava is one of the richest sources of

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 10

    dietary fiber and thus, strengthens and tones up the digestive system and even

    disinfects the same. It is also good for those suffering from constipation. Guavas

    can improve the texture of skin and help avoid skin problems. For the purpose,

    you can either eat it raw or make wash your skin with a decoction of its

    immature fruits and leaves, which is also known to bring relief in cough and cold.

    The presence of ascorbic acid and other phytonutrients, such as

    carotenoids, isoffavonoids and polyphenols (quercetin in particular), in guava

    leaves has led to it being an effective antioxidant. Thus, help the body in

    combating free radicals produced during metabolism and aids in preventing

    age-related chronic diseases, such as Alzheimers, cataract and rheumatoid

    arthritis.

    Much of the therapeutic activity of guava is attributed to the flavonoids of

    the leaves which also demonstrate antibacterial and antioxidant effect

    together with Vitamin C and other phytonutrients. Since certain antibacterial

    and antioxidants nowadays are being used in industry as food preservatives,

    guava leaves may be a source of preservative for fruits like bananas.

    Some of the commercial food preservatives available today contain

    harmful substances which may not be safe for human health. Due to this,

    researcher is now searching for alternative preservatives which are cheaper and

    safer to use. Guava leaves may be the answer.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 11

    Statement of the Problem

    The study was conducted to determine the effect of guava leaves extract

    in vegetables or fruits like bananas which is the subject of the study.

    The following questions need to be answered:

    1) What are the components of guava leaves extract which have uses

    and abilities similar to commercial preservatives?

    2) How effective is the guava leaves extract in preserving bananas?

    3) What makes guava leaves extract different compared to commercial

    preservatives in terms of:

    -effectivity -affordability

    -eye appeal -availability

    -odor -safetiness

    4) Is guava leaves extract feasible as a substitute for commercial

    preservatives?

    Hypothesis

    Is there a significant relationship between guava leaves extract and

    commercial preservatives in preserving vegetables or fruits like bananas?

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 12

    Objectives of the study

    1) General Objective

    The study aims to lengthen the shelf-life of vegetables or fruits like

    bananas which is the subject of the study.

    2) Specific Objective

    The study was conducted to produce an alternative preservative from

    guava leaves which is more affordable, more available and safer to use.

    Scope and Limitation

    The study was conducted in Sitio Gines, Barangay Napnapan Sur,

    Tigbauan, Iloilo which has plenty of guavas and bananas, and during the peak

    season of the latter.

    Basically, the study was limited to families and individuals consuming any

    vegetables or fruits specifically bananas but do not have refrigerators and

    cannot afford to buy commercial preservative, thus cannot consume bigger

    mass of any vegetables or fruit specifically bananas. However, it may also be

    applicable to vendors of any vegetables or fruits specifically bananas who are

    in the need of a preservative but cannot afford any.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 13

    Definition of terms

    Bananas- A banana is an edible fruit produced by several kinds of large

    herbaceous flowering plants of the genus Musa.

    Carotenoids- are organic pigments that are found in the chloroplasts and

    chromoplasts of plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae,

    some bacteria, and some fungi. Carotenoids can be produced from fats and

    other basic organic metabolic building blocks by all these organisms.

    Carotenoids generally cannot be manufactured by species in the animal

    kingdom so animals obtain carotenoids in their diets, and may employ them in

    various ways in metabolism.

    Cineol- is a natural organic compound which is a colorless liquid. It is a

    cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid.

    Commercial preservative- are those preservatives which can be bought

    in the market.

    Dysentery- is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, especially of the

    colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing blood and mucus in the feces

    with fever, abdominal pain, and rectal tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete

    defecation), caused by any kind of infection.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 14

    Extract- is a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often

    by using a solvent such as ethanol or water. Extracts may be sold as tinctures or

    in powder form.

    Flavonoids- are a class of plant secondary metabolites. Flavonoids were

    referred to as Vitamin P (probably because of the effect they had on the

    permeability of vascular capillaries) from the mid-1930s to early 50s, but the term

    has since fallen out of use.

    Food- material consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, and fat

    used in the to sustain growth, repair, and vital processes and to furnish energy.

    Guava- any of several tropical American shrubs or small trees of the

    myrtle family. It is widely cultivated for its sweet acid yellow or pink fruit.

    Guava Leaves Extract- the liquid produced from the guava leaf after it

    has been boiled.

    Isoffavonoids- are a class of flavonoid phenolic compounds. They are

    biologically active compounds, such as phytoestrogens, produced by pea

    family plants. Isoflavonoids are derived from the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway

    via liquiritigenin or naringenin.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 15

    Natural preservative-it is not required that it can be bought in the market.

    It has no other chemicals mixed not just like commercial preservative.

    Photochemical- The chemistry of the effects of light on chemical systems.

    Phytonutrients- natural chemicals that are found in a variety of plant

    foods.

    Polyphenols- are a structural class of mainly natural, but also synthetic or

    semisynthetic, organic chemicals characterized by the presence of large

    multiples of phenol structural units. The number and characteristics of these

    phenol structures underlie the unique physical, chemical, and biological

    (metabolic, toxic, therapeutic, etc.) properties of particular members of the

    class. They may be broadly classified as phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes,

    and lignans.

    Preservative- is a naturally occurring or synthetically produced substance

    that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological

    samples, wood, etc. to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by

    undesirable chemical changes.

    Spoilage- is the process in which food deteriorates to the point in which it

    is not edible to humans or its quality of edibility becomes reduced.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 16

    Vegetables- is an edible plant or its part, intended for cooking or eating

    raw.

    Significance of the Study

    The study aims to benefit the following populations:

    To the researcher, this may help him to have the ability to buy bigger mass

    of any vegetables or fruits like bananas without the need to worry of its shelf-life.

    To the small farmers and vendors of any vegetables or fruits like bananas,

    this may be a help for them in maintaining the texture of their products until

    these were delivered and consumed.

    To the families without refrigerators and cannot afford commercial

    preservatives, this may cause them not to buy retail any vegetables or fruits like

    bananas or that which will be consumed for a short span of time anymore.

    Instead, they can buy more any vegetables or fruits like bananas which can stay

    in shelves for longer time.

    To the entire population, this may be the answer in its search for available,

    affordable, and safer-to-use preservative.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 17

    CHAPTER II

    REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

    Antioxidant is a type of molecule that neutralizes harmful compounds

    called free radicals that damage living cells, spoil food, and degrade materials

    such as rubber, gasoline, and lubricating oils. These work against the molecules

    that form free radicals by destroying them before they can begin the domino

    effect that leads to oxidative damage. Although oxygen metabolism is essential

    to life, the antioxidants diminish excessive activity and damage to the cell.

    Antioxidants can take the form of enzymes in the body or vitamin

    supplements. They are routinely added to metals, oils, and other materials to

    prevent free radical damage. Antioxidants are also used as industrial additives

    and food preservative. Industrial antioxidants slow or prevent oxidative damage

    that causes food to spoil, and fats and oil to change color or go rancid.

    Ascorbic acid or vitamin C and the synthetic antioxidants butylated

    hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) are among the

    antioxidants used nowadays as food preservative. These antioxidants are added

    to foodstuffs in concentrations of much less than 1 percent.

    It was also reported that carotenoids, molecules found in tomatoes,

    carrots and guavas, have the ability to neutralize harmful compounds such as

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 18

    free radicals that are known to damage cells. Therefore, this compound is now

    accepted as an antioxidant.

    However, antibacterial or antimicrobials are chemical compounds used

    to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These work against organic

    compounds produced by bacteria or molds to prevent the damages caused

    by these.

    Antibacterial may be classified as bactericidal (killing bacteria) or

    bacteriostatic (stopping bacterial growth and multiplication). Some types of

    antibacterial are antiviral, antibody, antitoxin, antispasmodic and antiseptics.

    Antiseptic, a type of antibacterial, is a physical or chemical agent that

    prevents putrefaction, infection, and analogous changes in food and living

    tissue by destroying or arresting the development of microorganisms. In ancient

    times some antiseptic agents used were heat in cooking; niter, salt, and vinegar

    in corning and pickling; and wood smoke (containing creosote) in the smoking

    of meats. Meanwhile, in modern times we have processes like canning,

    pasteurization, and refrigeration.

    In 1955, the Food and Drug Administration permitted for the first time the

    use of an antibiotic in food. The antibiotic chlorotetracycline is used as a

    preservative for uncooked poultry and is called Acronize. Added to the water in

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 19

    which poultry is chilled after dressing, the antibiotic stops the early growth of

    bacteria responsible for most food spoilage. Acronize introduces no change in

    taste, color, or appearance of the poultry. The quantities of antibiotic added

    are so small that they are destroyed by cooking. Other formulations, adaptable

    to the red meat and fish industries, are being developed.

    Nowadays, studies are being conducted by many researchers to discover

    new scientific uses of many natural sources. Psidium Guajava Linn (Myrtaceae) is

    one of such natural sources which can have many potential scientific uses.

    On 2002, a study regarding on the antimicrobial activity of guava leaves

    was conducted by Anthony C. Dweck, a chartered chemist and scientist, and a

    fellow of the Linnean Society. The study showed that the guava leaves contain

    an essential oil rich in cineol, and 4 triterpenic acids as well as 3 flavonoids,

    quercetin, its 3-L-4-4-arabinofuranoside (avicularin) and its 3-L-4-pyranoside,

    components with strong antibacterial action. The leaves were extracted and

    the product showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli,

    Salmonella typhus, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, and Shigella

    dycenteria. The tannin in the leaves was capable of these. The flavone

    derivatives also in guava leaves were reported to inhibit the growth of

    Staphylococcus aureus.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 20

    Similarly, a broad spectrum of the antimicrobial activity of guava leaves

    was proved (Ibrahim Iliya et al., 2010).In the study, the leaves were extracted

    with hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol which were tested in vitro for activity

    against standard strains of microbes and clinical isolates. The in vitro

    antimicrobial screening revealed that the extract inhibited varying activity

    against different microbes with zones of inhibition-Minimum Inhibitory

    Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MIB) and Minimum

    Fungicidal Concentrations (MIF). The highest activity was in MIC of 1.25 mg/mL

    and MBC of 2.5 mg/mL and none in fungi isolates except the Candida albicans.

    The activities observed in the study were due to the presence of some

    secondary metabolites such as tannins, saponins, terpenes and flavonoids which

    were detected and have previously been reported in the plant.

    Photochemical from guava leaves extract has also showed antioxidant

    activity (Venent Nihorimbere et al., 2004). Dried ground guava leaves were

    extracted by water and aqueous ethyl alcohol 50% (1:10 ratio), and total

    phenolic content in the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically. By

    means of a 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydryzyl (DPPH*) colorimetry with detection

    scheme at 515 nm, at ambient temperature, the antioxidant activity of

    lyophilized extracts was determined. The activity was evaluated by the

    decrease in absorbance as the result of DPPH* color change from purple to

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 21

    yellow. The results obtained implied that ascorbic acid, constituent of guava

    leaves extract, was a substantially powerful antioxidant. This revealed that

    guava leaf extracts comprise effective potential source of natural antioxidants.

    Similarly, tannins from guava leaves extract which exist in aqueous and

    ethanolic extracts act as antioxidants (Simeray et al., 1982; Yoshizawa et al.,

    1987).

    It was also reported that the presence of Vitamin C and other

    phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, isoffavonoids and polyphenols in guava has

    led to it being a substantially effective antioxidant (Formica and Regelson,

    1995).

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 22

    CHAPTER III

    METHODS OF RESEARCH AND PROCEDURE

    This chapter offers discussions of the main method of research used in the

    conduct of the study and the procedures in the conduct of the experiment.

    Method of Research

    The sole purpose of the study is to produce a natural vegetable and fruit

    preservative from guava leaves that is cheaper, more available and has no side

    effects to health but is as effective as commercial preservative. The method of

    research used for the conduct and purpose of this study was experimental

    method. Any vegetables or fruits may be used as the subject of the study but in

    this case, the researcher used banana as a subject of the study.

    Methodology

    A) Materials and Equipments

    kg guava leaves

    500 mL water

    Cloth

    Casserole

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 23

    Container (preferably, a sprayer)

    Bananas (at least 9 pieces; for experimentation)

    B) Procedures

    1) Preparation

    The things needed-the casserole, kg guava leaves, 500 mL water,

    bananas, cloth and container-were washed and placed on a clean

    table.

    2) Formulation

    One-fourth kilogram of guava leaves was put into the casserole

    together with 500 mL water. It was boiled for 30 minutes. Then, using the

    cloth, the residue was separated from the filtrate which is the final

    product. The product was left to cool for 15 minutes and was poured into

    the container.

    3) General Procedure

    Using the sprayer, guava leaves extract was sprayed to a group of

    bananas (at least 3 pieces, for some unavoidable situations). It was left in

    a place where it is safe and exposed in air together with another group of

    bananas without any preservative, and a group with commercial

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 24

    preservative. The set-up was observed daily for 12 days and the results

    were recorded.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 25

    CHAPTER IV

    PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

    This chapter involves the discussion of results through the analysis and

    interpretation of data. It also presents all the data gathered from the perception

    of the respondents on the natural and commercial preservatives in terms of

    cost, eye appeal, odor, effectivity, availability and effects on health.

    Findings

    Table 1

    Images of the Different Groups of Bananas in a Given Period of time

    Period

    Groups of Bananas

    Without any

    Preservative

    With Natural

    Preservative

    With Commercial

    Preservative

    Day 0

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 26

    Day 6

    Day 8

    Day

    10

    Day

    12

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 27

    Table 2

    Scores of 20 Respondents of the Natural and Commercial Preservative in Terms

    of Effectivity, Eye Appeal and Odor

    Sample

    Preservative

    Effectivity Eye Appeal Odor

    Natural 12 13 12

    Commercial 8 7 8

    Table 3

    Scores of 20 Respondents on the Secondary Evaluation of Guava Leaves

    Extract as Preservative

    Sample

    Preservative

    Availability Cost Effects on Health

    Natural 14 16 18

    Commercial 6 4 2

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 28

    Analysis of Data

    Table 1 shows that the guava leaves extract is as effective as commercial

    preservative. On the first 6 days of evaluation, all the bananas have almost the

    same peel color-all are still yellow with dark spots and regions. After 8 and 10

    days, these regions turn larger for all the bananas, but the two sets of bananas

    with preservative have lesser dark regions than the other one. When the

    bananas were all peeled on Day 12, images show that those without any

    preservative have been totally spoiled, but still, in the two other groups, bananas

    are still edible.

    Table 2 shows that most of the respondents chose natural preservative in

    terms of effectivity and eye appeal. It implies that they perceived that the

    natural preservative is as effective as the commercial one. Meanwhile, most of

    them chose the natural one in terms of odor.

    Table 3 shows that the respondents perceived that the natural

    preservative is more available and affordable than the commercial one.

    Majority of the respondents also trust the natural one when it comes to effects

    on human health.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 29

    Table 4

    Operating Procedure

    PROCEDURE PICTURE

    One-fourth kilogram of guava leaves

    was put into the casserole together

    with 500 mL water.

    Boil for 30 minutes

    Using the cloth, the residue was

    separated from the filtrate which is the

    final product.

    Left the product to cool for at least 15

    minutes and pour it into the container.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 30

    Using the sprayer, spray the guava

    leaves extract to a group of bananas

    Left the bananas in a place where it is safe and exposed in air

    Observe the set-up for 12 days. The

    result should be recorded daily.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 31

    CHAPTER V

    SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    This section covers the summary of findings and generalizations formed

    based on the results. Using the findings and conclusions, recommendations were

    also given.

    Summary of Findings

    The study was conducted to test the feasibility of the guava leaves

    extract in preserving vegetables and fruits, specifically bananas. The data

    gathered showed that the flavonoids and other phytonutrients which are found

    in guava leaves and are also known as antioxidants and antibacterial, have the

    ability to preserve fruits like bananas.

    Since it has been found that it is effective, guava leaves extract was

    compared to commercial preservative in terms of many aspects. The researcher

    used 20 respondents who are vendors and consumers of bananas, and are

    aware on some aspects of preservatives.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 32

    The respondents found that guava leaves extract is as effective as

    commercial preservatives. They also preferred both in terms of eye appeal. Yet,

    in terms of odor and availability, guava leaves extract obtained better results.

    Meanwhile, most of the respondents chose the natural one when it comes to

    cost. The data also showed that the respondents perceived that guava leaves

    extract gives no side effect to human health.

    In this study, it was found out that it should not need to buy commercial

    preservatives in the local market just to preserve the vegetables and fruits that

    have in the table for a longer time. What should be needed is just to look for

    guava (any variety will do) leaves and have with you the natural preservative

    that youre looking for. Today, we should be more practical, save for money

    and protect our health. Let ourselves not to be encouraged by advertisements

    either in radio or TV, because in fact, we dont really need it much but be wise

    all the time in all aspects that we need for ourselves. Its always in the

    environment, dont need to go far just look for what you want.

    Conclusions

    Using the results as bases, the subsequent conclusions were drawn:

    The cineol and phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, isoffavonoids and

    polyphenols (flavonoids) as well as saponins and Vitamin C found in guava

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 33

    leaves extract make it effective in lengthening the shelf-life of fruits like bananas

    and thus, it is acceptable as a preservative.

    It is as effective as commercial preservative but is cheaper, since guava

    leaves are easily available and the extract is easy to make.

    It is feasible as a substitute for commercial preservative because aside

    from the reasons which are already mentioned, it has no adverse effect on

    human health since it is from natural and fresh leaves, and does not contain any

    amount of chemical or artificial additives.

    Recommendations

    Based on the foregoing data, here are the recommendations given:

    Guava leaves extract is recommended for preservative use, especially at

    home, not only for bananas, but for other vegetables and fruits.

    For future researchers, further studies can be done to search for other

    plant alternative containing flavonoids, carotenoids, or those having antioxidant

    and antibacterial effect such as tomatoes and carrots. Further, theres a million

    of topics that can be used by the different plants in the environment. What

    should need to do is to experiment, study and research. Just like this study, it was

    just an experimental study in which accidentally gave a good result. Always

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 34

    remember, almost all discoveries by the people are all the result of accidents

    that even them dont really expect such much.

  • STEPHEN T. TO-ONG 8-RUBY 35

    BIBLIOGRAPHY

    Abdelrahim, S. I., et al. Antimicrobial activity of Psidium guajava L.

    Fitoterapia 2002; 73(7-8): 713-5.

    Arima, H., et al. Isolation of antimicrobial compounds from guava

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