Republic of The Philippines Department of Education Region XII Kidapawan City Division Saniel-Cruz National High School Saniel-Cruz Avenue, Poblacion, Kidapawan City Research Title: THE POTENTIAL OF MALUNGGAY (MORINGA OLEIFERA) LEAVES EXTRACT, THAI BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM VAR. THYRSIFLORA) LEAVES EXTRACT, AND GUYABANO (ANNONA MURICATA) LEAVES EXTRACT AS NATURAL ACID NEUTRALIZER Research Proponents: ASHTON SUANE G. ALMOCERA & KYLE DANICA A. RELAMPAGOS - 12-STEM (School Year: 2021-2022) Recommendation Researchers who want to perform studies with relevance to this study should consider the following suggestions: 1. Further enhance extraction methods of the three (3) plant materials especially in getting Guyabano leaves extract (Annona Muricata) for its dry characteristics made it somewhat difficult for extracting the needed plant material. 2. Conducting chemical analysis to further enhance its ability thus unlocking its full potential and truly deeming these as natural acid neutralizers. 3. Further improve testing methods in which could include other significant factors such as temperature, color, acid types, etc. 4. Compare such effectivity to other synthetic antacids and other available acid neutralizers in the market.

1. PRESENTED BY:
ASHTON SUANE G. ALMOCERA & KYLE DANICA A. RELAMPAGOS

2. INTRODUCTION
1

3. INTRODUCTION
Our stomach plays a significant role in temporarily storing what we
consume. Its inner lining contains folds on which liquids can pass through
Gastric juices that is the prime factor in absorbing nutrients which
quantifies to about 3-4 liters production daily as stated by the Institute for
Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) of Cologne, Germany.

4. INTRODUCTION
With a pH level of about 1.5 to 3.5 (acidic), acid reflux happens when
stomach acid arises in the food pipe for which lacks the unique properties
of the stomach lining’s adaptation from the compelling substance which
may lead to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that has shown a
bothersome rise in numbers over the past decade as an epidemiological
data outsourced from St. Luke’s Medical Center showing prevalence of
cases from 2.5-4.8% in 2005 to 5.2-8.5% by 2010 (Galang, 2017).

5. INTRODUCTION
However, with the presence of various over-the-counter prescriptions such
as Antacids, Histamine-2 (H2) blockers and Proton Pump Inhibators (PPIs)
indicates certainty of treating the said complications in a fast, effective and
convenient matter. But these synthetic drugs incorporate unabsorbed
chemical compounds into the body causing alarming side effects especially
taken on a frequent manner (Anand, 2019). Thus, paving the way into
tapping three potential acid neutralizers that is not only natural but is widely
accessible in our locality.

6. INTRODUCTION
Moringa oleifera, (locally known as “Malunggay”) is a plant that is native to the
tropical regions of Asia and Africa which is commonly referred to as the “drumstick
tree”. It contains notable amounts of vitamins and minerals found on its various
parts, paving the way for its traditional medicine usage (Vergara-Jimenez et al.,
2017). Several studies have been conducted that unlocked its potential as natural
acid neutralizer for gastric acidity through means of pulverizing leaves into powder,
but no study has been made to create an extract from Moringa leaves and to be
used as a potential natural acid neutralizer.

7. INTRODUCTION
Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora, (commonly known as Thai Basil) is a
variety of basil (Ocimum basilicum) natively grown in the regions of tropical
South-East Asia. Several studies have been conducted that has proven
effectivity of Basil as a natural acid neutralizer especially for gastric related
acidity complications (specified variety is Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)),
but no study has been conducted specifically for Thai Basil (Ocimum
basilicum var. thyrsiflora) as a potential natural acid neutralizer.

8. INTRODUCTION
Annona muricata, (locally known as Guyabano) is an evergreen, flowering
30-meter-tall tree that is native to tropical regions of The Caribbean, Central
America, and the Sub tropics of South & Southeast Asia. Various studies of
different health institutions have been conducted that has proven its leaves
and extract are beneficial in reducing ailments of acid reflux due to its anti-
inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Although some studies are
conducted for its extract as a potential natural acid neutralizer, we would
foresee its actuality based on pH testing.

9. INTRODUCTION
The significance of this study can pave a way to an alternative whose role is to
unlock the potential to a more accessible, and natural solution to the synthetic acid
neutralizers found in over-the-counter medications and other products. Thus, taking
advantage of what’s abundant in our locality can open the door to further studies in
developing new alternative medicinal sources. With a concurring inflation and
financial crisis, we can foresee an alternate solution to which would deem beneficial
without the need to spend money just to find a solution for a mitigating
complication we experience, advancing the quality of life.

10. INTRODUCTION
The following parameters shall be considered: pH level – to
determine the effectiveness of their potential as acid
neutralizer, Acid type – 60% Muriatic acid (pH level of 1.5-3.5)
shall be used as it shares similar acidity levels with stomach
acid, and Accuracy of test – pH tester’s accuracy in determining
the level of acidity, basicity, or neutralization. In pH testing, 7.0
means neutral, <7.0 is acidic, while >7.0 is basic.

11. INTRODUCTION
Our objective is to determine the potential of: Malunggay Leaves Extract,
Thai Basil Leaves Extract, and Guyabano Leaves Extract as natural acid
neutralizer. Based on previous studies and research proving the effectivity of
our chosen plant materials, we can foresee that these three has the capacity
to become natural acid neutralizers which could deem success to our
objectives and significance reflected on the result.

12. HYPOTHESIS
The research is also guided with the hypothesis:
Ho: There is no significant difference between Malunggay
leaves extract, Thai Basil leaves extract, and Guyabano leaves
extract as to their potential as a natural acid neutralizer.

13. MATERIALS
AND METHODS

14. RESEARCH LOCALE
The study was conducted last May 18, 2022, in Kidapawan City for which the
Malunggay and Guyabano leaves was opted. Meanwhile, The Thai Basil is
homegrown by the researcher situated in the nearby municipality of
Makilala, North Cotabato. Preparation proper was done within the vicinity of
Saniel-Cruz National High School’s (SCNHS) Science Laboratory as the
necessary plant materials have been collected. Test results shall reflect on
changes within the acidity test (pH scale) to be implemented in the premises
of the said laboratory.

15. STUDY DESIGN AND STUDY AREA
The study on the potential of Malunggay, Thai Basil , and Guyabano
leaves extract as acid neutralizer was laid out using an experimental
research design with specifications of the One-way ANOVA to test
and determine the effectivity between the 3 varied plant species. The
study was conducted on the Science Laboratory of Saniel-Cruz
National High School (SCNHS).

16. COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF PLANT MATERIALS
The researchers collected the Malunggay and Guyabano Leaves
in the premises of their home. Meanwhile, one researcher who
is residing in the municipality of Makilala in North Cotabato
has collected the Thai Basil Leaves for which is homegrown.
Once collected, the preparation on the extraction and other
procedures was conducted in Saniel-Cruz National High
School’s (SCNHS) Science Laboratory.

17. PREPARATION OF PLANT MATERIALS AS CHARACTERIZED
A simple preparation was done to the plant materials. All three undergone
crushing and grinding using mortar and pestle. Once crushed and grinded,
materials undergone extraction by the means of pressing and filtration thus
separating the needed extract to be used for the experiment.
Crushing and Grinding of the plant materials

18. PREPARATION OF PLANT MATERIALS AS CHARACTERIZED
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
Leaves Extract
Thai Basil
(Ocimum basilicum var.
thyrsiflora)
Leaves Extract
Guyabano
(Annona muricata)
Leaves Extract

19. pH TESTING
Once extraction is done, the chosen acid (0.5ml 60% Muriatic Acid) was
mixed with the three extracts (each measuring 0.5ml) on 3 separated
containers allotting a time of approximately 10 minutes before doing actual
pH testing. In pH testing, 7.0 means neutral, <7.0 is acidic, while >7.0 is
basic.
Testing of Ph tester’s accuracy
Separation of 3 materials in various petri dishes
measuring 0.5 ml each.

20. pH TESTING
Mixing the 60% Muriatic Acid measuring 0.5 ml each.

21. pH TESTING
Allotted 10 minutes before data collection and analysis.

22. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The data collected and interpreted was the results from the pH
tester. An increase in pH level of acid (specifically resulting into
a value of ≤7 but not <5 nor >8) once the basic extracts are
mixed indicates a positive outcome along its effectivity as a
potential natural acid neutralizer. Data gathered was analyzed
using the One-way ANOVA for the three varied plant materials
which was preceded by a post ANOVA using Microsoft Excel as
the program for data input and analyzation.

23. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data Collection and analysis of pH level.

24. RESULTS AND
DISCUSSION

25. The data collected shows that there is a significant difference in the pH levels
between the three (3) varied plant materials which are the Malunggay Leaves Extract
(Moringa oleifera) (T1) showing an average pH level of 6.40 which interprets to
slightly acidic, Thai Basil Leaves Extract (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) (T2) with
an average pH level of 5.47 showing slight acidity, and Guyabano Leaves Extract
(Annona muricata) (T3) with an average pH level of 6.84 which translates the closest
of the 3 in achieving neutrality.
MEAN AVERAGE
T1 6.40
T2 5.47
T3 6.84

26. The table shows that the value of F 4.437016021 is lesser than F Crit which is
5.14325285, portraying that the F value is lesser than the F Crit Value. It can be
interpreted that there is no significant difference among the three (3) plant materials
when it comes to their pH levels. Furthermore, with an alpha level of 0.05, the P-
value accumulated 0.065639855 which is more than the signified level. Therefore,
with the P-value being more than the alpha level, the null hypothesis must be
accepted.
SOURCE OF
VARIATION
SS df MS F P-value F crit
BETWEEN
GROUPS
2.954066667 2 1.477033333 4.437016021 0.065639855 5.14325285
WITHIN
GROUPS
1.997333333 6 0.332888889
TOTAL 4.9514 8

27. CONCLUSION
With the data driven from the actual testing, it can be shown that the
three (3) plant materials have the potential to be tapped as natural
acid neutralizers. However, results show that the Thai Basil Leaves
Extract (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) (T2) portrays the least
increase while the Guyabano Leaves Extract (Annona muricata) (T3)
had the most increase and almost achieved the value of neutrality on
the pH scale.

28. RECOMMENDATION
Researchers who want to perform studies with relevance to this study should consider the
following suggestions:
1. Further enhance extraction methods of the three (3) plant materials especially in getting
Guyabano leaves extract (Annona Muricata) for its dry characteristics made it somewhat
difficult for extracting the needed plant material.
2. Conducting chemical analysis to further enhance its ability thus unlocking its full
potential and truly deeming these as natural acid neutralizers.
3. Further improve testing methods in which could include other significant factors such as
temperature, color, acid types, etc.
4. Compare such effectivity to other synthetic antacids and other available acid
neutralizers in the market.

29. REFERENCES

30. REFERENCES
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33. PRESENTED BY:
ASHTON SUANE G. ALMOCERA & KYLE DANICA A. RELAMPAGOS

34. PRESENTED BY:
ASHTON SUANE G. ALMOCERA & KYLE DANICA A. RELAMPAGOS