Republic of the Philippines Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON Division of Batangas BATANGAS PROVINCE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

Dacanlao, Calaca, Batangas

The Potential of Gynura Precumbens as a Main Ingredient in Making Antibacterial/ Anti-Inflammatory Soap for Acne and other Skin Ailments

Researcher: James Andre F. San Juan

Research Adviser: Mrs. Geralyn Abasola Alday

Abstract

The gynura precumbens is a vine that is found all over Asia. In the Philippines, it is often mistaken as the ashitaba, another miracle plant from the northern parts of Japan.

Just like its Japanese counterpart, the gynura is also branded with health wonders such as antidiabetes, anti-ulcer and they also lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Quite impressive right?

But theres more to what this plant can do. Researchers found that it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This sparked the researchers study in creating a soap made from the gynura plants extract as a remedy for pimples and other skin disorders.

The soap will be made using natural ingredients without any artificial substances. Then the gynura precumbens extract will be added to produce the final product.

Since no human subjects could be used to test the effectiveness of the soap, the researcher formulated the conclusion from the fact that gynura precumbens indeed has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances and that these substances are effective in eliminating acnecausing bacteria and reducing inflammation caused by it.

Background of the Study

The study deals with acne-causing bacteria and inflammation due to pimples using soap made from the extract of gynura precumbens. The researcher thought of creating a cheap yet effective soap from the said plants extract to give a solution to acne and other skins ailments.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to create an antibacterial and anti-inflamatory soap from the extracts of the gynura plant that is cheap and effective.

Significance of the Study

The gynura precumbens does not only possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties but also anti-oxidant and healing factors.

Therefore, the finished product would not only be a suitable remedy to acne but also for common skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. Plus, the anti-oxidant properties of the gynura will keep the skin young and healthy.

Methodology

INGREDIENTS 450 ml of gynura precumbens concoction 172 grams caustic soda/lye 1000 grams vegetable oil 250 grams coconut oil Gynura precumbens extract

EQUIPMENT Stainless steel saucepan Wooden or plastic spoon Thermometer - you can use either a milk or candy thermometer Electric mixer Moulds Large container

Procedures

1. The moulds were greased.

2. The thermometer was clipped to the side of the saucepan which was placed on low heat. The oils were poured and were slowly heated to 50 degrees Celsius.

3. In a container, the gynura precumbens concoction was mixed with the lye. This caused a chemical reaction that heated the mixture up to 50 degrees Celcius

4. The heated oils and the gynura/lye mixture were combined after both reaching a temperature of 50 degrees Celcius.

5. An electric mixer was used to mix the oils and the gynura/lye mixture for 5-10 minutes until it reached the stage where it is ready for molding. The gynura extracts were added during the mixing process.

6. The soap mixture was poured in a mould covered with cloth and was allowed to cool.

7. The soap mixture hardened and was cut into usable pieces.

Discussions

Since the product cant be used on real human subjects, the properties of gynura precumbens was analyzed instead.

The ethanol found in this plant is the reason for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the healing factors.

It is also rich in anti-oxidants which retains the skins youthfulness and health.

Theoretically speaking, obtaining the plants extracts and using it as an ingredient in soap-making will create an effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory soap that can be effectively used for

acne and other skin problems.

Conclusion

Based on the researches, the researcher can conclude that the substances in gynura precumbens soap, will be an effective remedy to acne and ailments of the same nature considering the fact that the plant has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which are factors in healing acne.

Recommendation

The researcher recommends toconduct an actual testing of the product for further proof regarding the gynura precumben capabilities. The reasearcher also recommends to have a further study to test if the effectiveness of gynura precumbens is affected when produced into soap.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12602932 http://www.stuartxchange.com/Sabungai.html http://www.ongkor.asia/2013/02/the-amazing-gynura-procumbens-anti.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gynura_procumbens http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-make-cold-pressed-soap.html