CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Alugbati is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Also known as Malabar spinach or

basella, this leafy green vegetable packs a hefty nutritional punch. Although its leaves
resemble spinach and are similar in flavor, this plant is actually a type of climbing vine. It
is unique compared to other leafy green plants as it's able to survive in both temperate
and very hot environments. This allows it to be grown and commonly consumed
worldwide. It is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, reaching 10 metres (33 ft) in
length.[citation needed] Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild
flavour and mucilaginous texture. It is rich in vitamins A and C, iron and calcium. It has
been shown to contain certain phenolic phytochemicals, and it has antioxidant properties.
In the Philippines, the leaves of this vegetable are one of the main ingredients in an all
vegetable dish called utan that is served over rice.

Like other plants, the alugbati also has health benefits. It is rich in Saponins that act
as phytochemicals, which can fight off cancer. The red variety of alugbati is a good
source of xanthones, an antioxidant. Its Folic acid, which is also called folate, is one of
the B vitamins that are critical for childbearing women.

However, it should be noted that these health benefits are not well studied. While the
whole plant has been used to support the treatment of many medical issues, its
therapeutic benefits have been primarily tested on animals. Although this plant is
regularly used as a type of herbal medicine, randomized studies on its consumption are
limited.

Another good aspect of the alugbati is that it can be a good source of biofuel. The
biofuel property of alugbati is not well studied before. The researchers aimed to
investigate its property that can serve as biofuel.

A biofuel is a fuel that is produced through contemporary processes from

biomass, rather than a fuel produced by the very slow geological processes
involved in the formation of fossil fuels, such as oil. Since biomass technically can
be used as a fuel directly (e.g. wood logs), some people use the terms biomass
and biofuel interchangeably. More often than not however, the word biomass
simply denotes the biological raw material the fuel is made of, or some form of
thermally/chemically altered solid end product, like torrefied pellets or briquettes.
The word biofuel is usually reserved for liquid or gaseous fuels, used for
transportation. There are two types of Biofuels. The two most common types of
biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is an alcohol, the same found in beer
and wine. It is made by fermenting any biomass high in carbohydrates (starches,
sugars, or celluloses) through a process similar to brewing beer.

Biofuels are most acceptable versus Gasoline because the Emissions Gap
Is Widening. The carbon footprint of biofuels has often been a source of
contention. These benefits have increased in recent years, as biofuels have
become less energy-intensive to produce while oil/gasoline has become more
energy-intensive to extract and produce.

Most gasoline and diesel fuels in North America and Europe are blended
with biofuel. Biodiesel accounts for about 3% of the German market and 0.15%
of the U.S. market. About 1 billion gallons of biodiesel are produced annually.
Bioethanol is more popular in the Americas while biodiesel is more popular in
Europe.

Plant based fuels comes form renewable source, can be grown anywhere
and have lower carbon emissions as compared to fossil fuels. Biofuels not only
help a struggling economy by providing jobs but also helps in reducing
greenhouse gases up to much extent by emitting less pollution.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study presents the possibility of alugbati extract as an alternative biofuel to

produce fire.

Specially, this study addressed the following question:

1. What are the properties of alugbati extract as an alternative biofuel to produce fire?

2. What are the benefits of alugbati extract as biofuel in the:

2.1 Environment
2.2 Society
2.3 Human

3. How effective is alugbati extract as an alternative biofuel to produce fire?

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of alugbati extract as biofuel?

5. Is there a significant difference between alugbati extract and diesel:

5.1 Heat capacity
5.2 Range of fire
5.3 fumes
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study is to encourage people that this product is different
than gasoline that can affect our internal system and health. And we prioritized the use of
the alugbati extract in our research enables to produce earth-saving products that can be
one of those smaller steps in making a big difference. It also helps the livelihoods of
people living in the mountains. The people living far from civilization such as islands,
mountains, and secluded places are our major priority in making these product.

The results of the study are beneficial to the following :

Consumers: This study will help consumers to lessen their expenses. Health. The
product is convenient to the health of each individuals because it has less impact to the
health specially the internal system.

Society: This study will help those people living in an area with Alugbati to have a
new source of income.

Environment: The product of this study enables to produce earth-saving products

that can be one of those smaller steps in making a big difference.

Future Researchers: This research will be a useful reference and a reliable source
for researchers who would plan to make any related study to Alugbati extract as an
alternative biofuel.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Our research tackles about making an alternative biofuel to produce fire using the
extract of alugbati and on how it lessens the hazardous chemicals compare to the
gasoline. And its extract that serve as an alternative biofuel helps mother earth because
it is more convenient and cleaner than the gasoline which is full of toxic chemicals. In
addition it is very useful for the people who encounters the difficulty especially to the
people who are far from the civilization.
Researchers limit the study when it comes on how much alugbati plant is going to
use, unable to make or either efficient or effective products that will not harm our health.
We will use the extract of alugbati that have less toxic chemicals which is not identical to
the ingredients of manufactured gasoline.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

Alugbati- Also know Basella alba is an edible perennial vine in the family Basellaceae. It
is found in tropical Asia and Africa where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is native
to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and New Guinea
Biofuel- a fuel derived directly from living matter.
Saponins- Saponins a class of chemical compounds found in particular abundance in
various plant species.
Phytochemical- Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants,
generally to help them thrive or thwart competitors, predators, or pathogens.
Xanthone- Xanthone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₁ ₃ H₈ O₂ .
Ethanol- a colorless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural
fermentation of sugars; alcohol.
Basellaceae- a small family of usually climbing herbs (order Caryophyllales) sometimes
included in the Chenopodiaceae but distinguished by having the calyx and corolla
dissimilar.
Mucilaginous- having a viscous or gelatinous consistency
Glycosides- a compound formed from a simple sugar and another compound by
replacement of a hydroxyl group in the sugar molecule. Many drugs and poisons derived
from plants are glycosides.
Tannins- a yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substance present in some galls,
barks, and other plant tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic acid, used in leather
production and ink manufacture.
Flavonoids- any of a large class of plant pigments having a structure based on or similar
to that of flavone.
Terpenoids- any of a large class of organic compounds including terpenes, diterpenes,
and sesquiterpenes. They have unsaturated molecules composed of linked isoprene
units, generally having the formula (C5H8) n.
Oleanane- Oleanane is a natural triterpenoid. It is commonly found in woody
angiosperms and as a result is often used as an indicator of these plants in the fossil
record.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Alugbati (scientific name:Basella alba) is a one kind of plant that can be seen and grow everywhere.
It is an edible perennial vine in the family Basellaceae. It is found in tropical Asia and Africa where it is
widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and New Guinea.
It is reportedly naturalized in China, tropical Africa, Brazil, Belize, Colombia, the West
Indies, Fiji and French Polynesia. Alugbati is known under various common names, including Malabar
spinach, vine spinach, and Ceylon spinach.

Since Alugbati can be found and grow everywhere, it is one of the widely consumed
vegetables in Asia, however it is relatively understudied for its benefits. It is known to exhibit a
wide range of biological functions and is traditionally recognized as a medical plant with
anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer potential. Alugbati is one of the widely consumed
vegetables in Asia, however it is relatively understudied for its benefits. It is known to exhibit a
wide range of biological functions and is traditionally recognized as a medical plant with
anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer potential.Alugbati is one of the widely consumed
vegetables in Asia, however it is relatively understudied for its benefits. It is known to exhibit a
wide range of biological functions and is traditionally recognized as a medical plant with
anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer potential.

Alugbati is a fast;growing, soft, stemmed vine, reaching metres 11 ft2 in length.Its

thick,semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture. The
stem of the cultivar Basella alba ‘Rubra’ is reddish-purple.It grows well under full sunlight in
hot, humid climates and in areas lower than 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level. The plant is
native to tropical Asia. Growth is slow in low temperatures resulting in low yields. Flowering is
induced during the short -day months of November to February. It grows best in sandy loam
soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.0.

Phytochemical screening of various extracts yielded cardiac glycosides, saponins,

tannins ,flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and reducing sugars. Study isolated
Basellasa ponins A, B,C, and D, oleanane-type triterpenes polyglycosides, together with
betavulgaroside ,spinacoside C, and momordins IIb and IIc, from fresh aerial parts. Leaves
yield saponin, vitamin A and B. Fruit yields mucilage and iron.Study of wild Basella rubra
showed it to be abundant in carotene, middle in vitamin C, and low in nitrate. Nitrate in planted
B. rubra is about twice that of the wild variety.

Alugbati is a succulent, branched, smooth, twining herbaceous vine, several meters in

length. Stems are purplish or green. Leaves are somewhat fleshy, ovate or heart-shaped, 5 to
12 centimeters long, stalked, tapering to a pointed tip with a cordate base. Spikes are axillary,
solitary, 5 to 29 centimeters long. Flowers are pink, about C millimeters long. Fruit is
fleshy ,stalkless, ovoid or nearly spherical, 5 to 6 millimeters long, and purple when mature.

Based on the study of Rachelle Ignacio from Steemit she conclude that Alugbati is like a
green vegetable with a high level of iron and it has nutrition which is beneficial to our health.
The nutritional information of each 100 grams of alugbati leaves are listed as follow: Calories
19%, Carbohydrate 3.4 gr., Fat 0.3 gr., Protein 1.8 gr., Vitamin A 160%, Magnesium 16%,
Vitamin C 170%, Iron 6%, Vitamin B6 10%, Sodium 24 mg., Potassium 510 mg., Calcium
10%.

Asst. Professor Darcy Garza from the Department of Chemistry at De La Salle University,
presented the study entitled “The Genotoxic Potential of Basella alba Linn. Var. rubra on
MCF-7 Cells” during the Metro Manila Health Research and Development Consortium’s
(MMHRDC) 2nd International Symposium and 9th Annual Scientific Conference Oral
Presentation held on 24-25 May 2018 at Pan Pacific Hotel, Manila. The event was bannered
by the theme “Food Fortification in Universal Health Care.” The study was recognized as the
best research presented during the conference. The study was a result of the collaboration of
De La Salle University and St. Luke’s Medical Center. The research determined the
genotoxicity of alugbati leaf extracts on MCF-7 cells which is the most studied human breast
cancer cell line in the world. The researchers found out that alugbati leaves subjected to
enzyme-assisted hydrolysis or juice extractions prepared in an organosulfur compound
caused considerable damage in MCF-7 cells. This means that alugbati shows promising
properties that could fight off breast cancer cell lines.

According to Sara Ipatenco, State that Alugbati is a common vegetable in the Philippines,
and it's also known as Malabar spinach, though it isn't spinach at all. The vegetable has
heart-shaped leaves that grow along a vivid red stem. The alugbati plant bears fruit that
ranges in color from dark green to red. Alugbati,though it's not spinach, can be used as a
substitute for spinach in salads and other recipes. If you opt to expand your palate and give
alugbati a try, you'll get a wealth of nutrients, as well as a few health benefits. Conclude by
Cagayandeoro about year 2013,illutrates the stems are green or purplish. The leaves are
some what fleshy, ovate or heart-shaped, 5-12 centimetres (cm) in length, stalked, tapering to
apointed tip and heart shape at the base. The spikes are axillary, solitary and 5-29 cm inlength.
The flowers are pink and about 4 millimetres (mm) long.

Noted by Cagayande Oro about year 2013, emphasizes that the Alugbati is commonly
grown for its young shoots which make an excellent Succulent, slightly mucilaginous
vegetable, used as a pot herb in stews or soup; consumed boiled, fried in oil or sometimes as
a green salad. Its fruits seem to have been earlier used fordyeing purposes in China. The red
fruit juice can be used as ink, cosmetic and for coloring foods. The young leaves can be used
as laxative, the pulped leaves to poultice sores, red fruit juice as eye drops to treat
conjunctivitis and the roots as rubefacient. The red forms are commonly planted as
ornamentals and are, even becoming popular in Europe as pot plant.
 State by Natural Care about 2007,reveals that it s good for health and works as a soft
laxative. The roots are quite effective in removing redness of the skin. It has been used in
dressing to cover up the swelled area to minimize the puffiness. In case of burn and scald,
apply the mixture of leaf pulp and butter on wound. It produces a cooling effect. Liquid of the
plant is effective for acne eruptions and also eases inflammation. For child and pregnant lady,
the decoction of the leaves make a better laxative.

Proposed by Dr. Aligui about year 2007, explains that the Alugbati isan excellent source
of anti-oxidant good source of vitamin A, B, and C, calcium, and iron. Also a good source of
rough age. Remarks by Marvin about year 2011, suggests that the Alugbati is a good source
of essential nutrients. Excellent source of calcium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and
iron. Explains by prescription for nutritional", year 2012, it suggests that you can make a
remedy to treat headaches by mixing the liquid from the leaves of the alugbati plant with the
stalks of this plant. Further, you can use the fruit of this plant to create a natural makeup for the
lips and cheeks. Moreover, alugbati is a vegetable source of calcium, iron and vitamins A, B,
and C. Indicates by "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide
to 550 Key Herbs with All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments, about year 2012, it
emphasizes that the alugbati is an easily digestible spinach that can act as a mild laxative.
Additionally, you can apply a pulp made from the leaves of this plant to boils, ulcers and
abscesses to help suppress the discharge of puss. Moreover, the leaf juices, thoroughly
rubbed and mixed with butter, can create a soothing and cooling application to treat burns and
scalds.

According to Kimberly Collado about year 2015, propose that Ink can widely used over
the years to color a surface to produce an image text or design. Ink is used for drawing or
writing with a pen, brush or a quill. The two most used black writing inks I n history are carbon
inks and iron gall inks.

According to Glorex_Einstein about year 2008, suggests that Alugbati stems as askin
moisturizer. To produce an effective product to the population of the people who has skin
problems.

Written by Ferdinand Mortel, shows that the alugbati seed can be extracted as Organic
Stain for Hematologic Blood Smear. The blood cells can be stained by the extracted dye
coming from fruit of Basella rubra.

Stated by Kathrina about year 2009,proposes the Feasibility of Alugbati (Basella Rubra
Linn) Fruit Extract as biological Stain. The alugbati stain is feasible and it is comparable to the
commercial stain in terms of clearness but its permanence did not last longer.
 Based on Maricar Daling about year 2009, it illustrates the feasibility of Alugbati seed as
Food coloring. As based on the results the alugbati seed can be made into a food coloring and
can be a potential source of food coloring production.

Established by Nildo Olivera about year 2012, it states that Colored Ink for Computer
Printer out of Malabar nightshade extract. Alugbati berries can be extracted to produce
colored ink for computer printer.

Bensurto about year 2008, suggested that alugbati seed can be extract as fabric dye and
it can be potential source of fabric dye. The dye can produced from Alugbati berries.

According to Riezen about year 2011, propose Malabar Night Shade or Alugbati for
Abscess and Furuncle (Naknak at Pigsa). Alugbati is also best in healing Abscess and
Furuncle.

Based on All About Alugbati about year 2014, it unvocates that Alugbati can heal
Diabetes. The studies that show that as an antioxidant, action of B. Rubra in alugbati showed
potential ability to reduce blood sugar levels. The positive results however only applies to rats
and has not been confirmed or validated if the same effect happens to diabetic humans
CHAPTER III
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