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The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in

Coffee Production

Thesis · March 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.29855.87200

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 Sta. Clara Parish School
2360 P. Burgos St., Pasay City
Telefax: 831-8253 * Tel. No. 833-1238/832-8890

S.Y. 2013 -2014 50 Years of Clarian Legacy: Quality Catholic Education

“The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as

Coffee Beans in Coffee Production”

Researchers:

Luisse Zanther T. Carreos

Research II Teacher

Ms. Edzel B. Abad

Date Submitted:

March 13, 2015

 Acknowledgements:

The study aims to introduce the feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

Seeds as Substitutes to Coffee Beans in order to create a natural, nutritious and practical
product for all especially to those health-conscious individuals.

The study wouldn’t be possible without the everlasting love, care, and assistance
from the researchers’ family, who supported their studies, helped them from their hard
work, propagated the ampalaya seeds for their study, and uplifted the researchers
emotionally when they are taken aback with discouragement.

The researchers would never forget to acknowledge Mrs. Hasmine V. Satira, Ms.
Edzel B. Abad, Ms. Blesilda Magboo, and Ms. Arrah Khay G. Casidsid, who extended their
invaluable time, and patience in explaining the whole course of Research, helping them
correct their mistakes, and giving them words of encouragement.

To the RVM Sisters, our Directress S. Ma. Rosalina Cristina Arciosa- Asuncion,
RVM, our Principal S. Ma. Marlene Dolalas, RVM, and our CCF Coordinator, S. Ma.
Marilyn Obaldo, RVM, who supported the researchers by approving the study, giving
permission to do experiments, and for letting the researcher use the different facilities
and equipments of Sta. Clara Parish School Pasay.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 2
 Also the researchers would like to thank their classmates and some teachers for
the shared information during casual talk and discussion.

Most of all, the researchers would like to acknowledge God, the one who gave
them Life. For his unconditional love for them and for giving them strength, courage,
knowledge, wisdom.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 3
 CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Coffee is a drink that is brewed from the beans of the Coffea plant. Coffee is cultivated
over 70 countries in the world. It is commonly found on tropical and subtropical regions
primarily in Southeast Asia where Philippines is located, America, India and Africa. Four
kinds of coffee beans are the most famous and commonly used namely Arabica,
Robusta, Excelsa, and Liberica. There are few distinctions between the four. Among the
four, Arabica is the most common and is often used to make instant coffee that can be
found in different convenient stores at various places around the globe. Robusta is
another type that is often used in making espressos, coffee that is a more concentrated
blend by using different machines on making it; it is often pure and contains no
additives such as milk, creamer, and sugar. Excelsa coffee are often commonly mistaken
as Liberica coffee because of its almost same contents, aroma, taste, and aftertaste, It is
commonly cultivated in Africa’s indigenous regions. Liberica is the pride of the Malayan
Race as it is widely cultivated in almost every region of Southeast Asia, In the Philippines
the Liberica is commonly regarded as to ‘kapeng barako’ which is a highly bitter blend of
the coffee due to roasting, and letting it receive heat from the sun directly. Although
there are countless types of coffee they have the same functions and properties as to
help people every day and be part of a daily routine as a start of the day especially in
common breakfasts.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 4
 Coffee is known to be an energizer whenever we feel sleepy especially during
mornings and afternoons. It is consecutively becoming part of our daily routines and our
day-to-day lives but drinking too much coffee can be very harmful for our health. Some
of its harmful effects are Insomnia, Nervousness, Restlessness, Upset stomach,
Irritability, Fast heartbeat, and Muscle Tremors.

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) which is commonly regarded as bitter gourd,

bitter melon, bitter squash, and bitter pear is a widely cultivated bitter tasting plant all
around the globe. It is a specie of a tropical and subtropical vine from the family
Cucurbitaceae commonly grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. It
commonly just differs in terms of shape and bitterness of the fruit. This herbaceous vine
grows up to 5 meters in length. The fruit possesses a distinct warty, oblong and
elongated shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh
surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large, flat seeds. The fruit is most often
eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit's flesh is crunchy
and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper, but bitter. The
skin is tender and edible. Seeds and pith appear white in unripe fruits; they are not
intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking. As the fruit ripens, the flesh
becomes tougher, more bitter, and too distasteful to eat.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to test the feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds as
healthy substitutes to coffee beans in coffee production. Specifically, this research will
seek answers to the following questions:

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 5
  What will be the difference between the ampalaya seed coffee and the regular
commercial coffee in terms of the following:

1. Aroma
2. Acidity

 What will be the effects of using ampalaya seed as coffee in coffee production?
 Will there be a significant difference between Ampalaya Alternative Coffee and
Arabica Commercial Coffee?

Hypotheses

The ampalaya seeds that will be a subtitute to a commercial coffeewill have

more nutrients than the usual coffee that we drink because ampalaya is one of the
healthiest tropical fruit. Also, it would be less effective to use ampalaya seeds than the
regular one because the purpose of the coffee is to reenergize our body. This
experiment may probably work.

1. The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya Bitter Melon

(Momordica Charantia) as an alternative herbal medicine for liver problems.
Research about Ampalaya has shown that Ampalaya increases the production of
beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce
insulin, that controls the blood sugar for diabetics. Ampalaya leaves and fruits
are excellent sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also rich
in beta carotene. Ampalaya is used as herbal treatment for diabetes, HIV,
coughs, skin diseases, sterility in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as
purgative among others. Decoction of seeds and roots used to treat urethral

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 6
 discharge. Roots are used as an ingredient in aphrodisiac preparations.
Decoction of roots used to abort pregnancy. Infusion from bitter melon flower is
used to treat asthma

 To measure acidity, the simplest way is by using red and blue litmus paper as
a guide to measure acidity. If a red litmus paper turned to blue, it provides a
result that something is acidic and possess many content of Vitamin C, if a
blue litmus paper turned to red then it provides a result that something is
basic, something that is not to be regarded of as dangerous but good and
healthy especially when it comes to consumption. And if no change will
occur, as red will still be red and blue will stil be blue, then it is a salt which
means everything is neutral hich means balance will be greatly intact.

 In terms of taste, coffees have different tastes it depends on where does this
coffee beans grow. When it comes to ampalaya, the coffee will be obviously
bitter as so for it becoming renowned for, and will become more bitter when
it is roasted and placed above a high heat of stir frying.
2. Ampalaya is used as herbal treatment for having high sugar levels and
cholesterol, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, colds and coughs, diseases in
the dermis and epidermis, sterility in women, bug bites, and as purgative. Usage
of seeds and roots used to treat urethral discharge. Roots are used as
aphrodisiac ingredients. Usage of roots used to abort pregnancy. Infusion from
bitter melon flower is used to treat asthma. Therefore, amplaya seed as coffee in
coffee production are much helpful to human health.
3. There will be a big significant difference between the Ampalaya Alternative
Coffee and the Arabica Commercial Coffee in terms of aroma and acidity because
it is really distant from each other.

Significance and Importance of the Research Study

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 7
 Health awareness is the prime investment, ingenuity is the investor’s joining
effort and wellness is the net gain. Most people think that they buy a product that is
appealing to them and adapting a healthy and well-conditioned life is expensive and
difficult to achieve especially for those who are having financial problems. The
significance is just how one resourcefully utilizes and used the cheap, natural abundance
of nature in many ways.

Ampalaya is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains less of the Vitamin C

content present in oranges but is sufficient enough for everyday consumption. Vitamin
C helps us in improving your immunity and thus keeps your body healthy and protects it
from pathogens that cause infections. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a person’s
nightmare. Being rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, eating guavas can
protect your cells from damage and reduce your chances of getting cancer. Additionally,
Vitamin C boosts your immunity which is critical in fighting cancer cells. Its seeds contain
nutrients that are healthy and edible to use it as substitute.

Coffee is slightly acidic and can have a stimulating effect on humans because of
its caffeine content. It is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It can be prepared
and presented in a variety of ways. The effect of coffee on human health has been a
subject of many studies; however, results have varied in terms of coffee's relative
benefit. The majority of recent research suggests that moderate coffee consumption is
benign or mildly beneficial in healthy adults. However, the diterpenes in coffee may
increase the risk of heart disease.

This study will promote awareness on the relevance of serving of natural coffee.
It encourages households to plant ampalaya in backyards for personal consumption. As
one of the family problems is poverty, this study will encourage them as a solution from
poverty. Furthermore, it supports the Department of Agriculture on their program

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 8
 propagating gardens. Finally, it inspires people to study and search for benefits on
vegetables and other agricultural products.

Scope and Limitations

Our research study is only limited to test the Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica
Charantia) seeds as substitutes to coffee beans for coffee production. The researchers
may use ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) and kitchen utensils for them to roast the
guava seeds at the right temperature to turn the ampalaya seeds into coffee seeds. This
may be observed by colour, and texture and it may test if it would be possible to make
coffee beans from Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds. It will be tested to regular
coffee drinkers only at Sta. Clara Parish School (e.g. Teachers, Personnel, and Students).

Definition of Terms

1. Bean is a common name for large plant seeds used for human food or animal
feed.
2. Coffee is a drink made from the roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical
shrub, served hot or iced.
3. Ampalaya is and edible fruit with a bitter taste.
4. Roast is a cooking method that uses dry heat.
5. Seed is a small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering.
6. Temperature is a numerical measure of heat or cold.
7. Vitamin is an organic compound required by an organism as a vital nutrient in
limited amounts.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 9
 Chapter II
Review of Related Literature

Perhaps not too many people know that there are natural weapons against
diseases that can be grown right in the garden or farm. One such weapon is the wrinkly
green vegetable with a distinctive bitter taste called ampalaya.

Known in the science world as ‘Momordica charantia,’ it is called bitter gourd or

bitter melon.

In terms of nutritional contents, the fruits and leaves of the ampalaya are
reportedly rich in minerals and vitamins, notably iron, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin
B. In the Philippines, it is prepared into various dishes: it be stir-fried with ground beef
and oyster sauce, or with eggs and diced tomato. A very popular dish from the Ilocos
region is the ‘pinakbet,’ which consists mainly of ampalaya, eggplant, okra, string beans,
tomatoes, lima beans, and other various regional vegetables stewed with a little
bagoongbased stock.

Philippine traditional medicine attributes many medicinal properties to

ampalaya. Books and articles on Philippine medicinal plants list several diseases where
ampalaya is apparently beneficial. Reportedly, the extract from the leaves or roots
shrinks hemorrhoids. The leaf juice is supposedly a good antitussive (i.e., it stops cough),
antipyretic (i.e., for fever), purgative and anthelmintic (i.e., against roundworms).

Ampalaya is also used to treat sterility in women and it can supposedly alleviate
liver problems.

Likewise, it is claimed that ampalaya has some antimicrobial activity and can
help infected wounds.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 10
 “Commonly known as ampalaya in the Philippines, researchers refer to it as a
vegetable, fruit, or herb,” wrote Frank Murray in his book, ‘Ampalaya: Nature’s Remedy
for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.’ “It is indigenous to Asia, but is cultivated around the
world, where it goes by almost 90 different names.”

Yes, ampalaya has been considered as nature’s answer to diabetes. Today,

almost ioo studies have demonstrated the blood sugar lowering effect of this bitter
fruit. Dr. A. Raman and Dr. C. Lau, who reviewed over 150 pre-clinical and clinical studies
on amplaya’s antidiabetes properties and phytochemistry, concluded that, “Oral
administration of fruit juice or seed powder (of bitter melon) causes a reduction in
fasting blood glucose and improves glucose tolerance.”

In the Philippines, Dr. William Torres, former director of Bureau of Food and
Drugs, came up with this conclusion after reviewing several studies done on ampalaya:
“Ampalaya fruits, leaves, seeds and other parts, when used as dry powders, extracts,
decoctions, fresh or cooled, have clearly demonstrated hypoglycemic activity.”

Researchers have identified the key compounds present in ampalaya, notably

polypeptide-P, a plant insulin found only in the ampalaya. Similar to animal insulin,
polypeptide-P lowers elevated blood sugar levels. Dr. Torres maintains that ampalaya,
when taken regularly, helps to increase glucose tolerance and “potentiate insulin.”

Even ampalaya leaves have some blood sugar lowering effect among diabetics,
according to Dr. Eduardo G. Gonzales, of the College of Medicine at De La Salle
University. “This effect is noticeable regardless of how the leaves are prepared - boiled
then eaten, or in the form of extract, tea, capsule or tablet.”

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 11
 Dr. Gonzales, however, warned diabetics not to be “overly enthusiastic in
replacing their proprietary medicines with ampalaya teas, capsules or tablets.” As he
wrote in his column published in a national daily: “None of the studies so far conducted
on ampalaya and diabetes can be labeled conclusive. All were done using a very limited
number of human subjects, and most are not controlled.”

He further cautioned: “Ampalaya should be considered, at best, just an adjunct

in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus that could possibly reduce the dose of
antidiabetic drugs that responsive patients need. It should not be regarded as a stand-
alone treatment that can take the place of established medicines.”

Recently, the Bureau of Food and Drugs approved the first ampalaya tea in the
country — Charantia Ampalaya Tea — as ideal for diabetics’ special dietary needs.
However, diabetics who wish to try ampalaya need not spend money on the tablet,
capsule or tea forms of the plant. They can cultivate the plant or buy it from the market
and make their own preparation.

To prepare ampalaya extract, the Department of Health says the following steps
should be followed: Wash and finely chop leaves. Add six tablespoons of the chopped
leaves in two glasses of water. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes in an uncovered pot. Cool
down and strain. Drink 1/3 cup of the solution 3 times a day. Alternately, ampalaya tops
can be steamed and eaten (1/2 cup 2 times a day).

But the Philippines is not the only country promoting ampalaya against diseases.
China, too, is doing several studies. In the book, ‘Zhong Yao Da Ci Dian (Great Dictionary
of Chinese Medicines),’ ampalaya (or ‘ku gua’) is described as bitter and cold and
entering the heart, spleen, and stomach channels, or, alternatively, the heart, liver, and
lung channels.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 12
 “Its traditional functions are that it clears summer heat and flushes heat,
brightens the eyes, and resolves toxins,” the book states. “It has been traditionally
indicated for heat disease vexatious thirst leading to drinking, summer heat stroke,
dysentery, red, painful eyes, welling abscesses, swellings, and cinnabar toxins, and
malign sores.”

In China, several studies have shown that ampalaya have cholesterollowering

effects. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were
returned to normal after to weeks of treatment. In another study, results showed that
bitter melon extract reduced triglyceride and lowdensity lipid (LDL) levels, and increased
high-density lipid (HDI.) levels.

In yet another Chinese study, HDLs (the so-called good cholesterols) were
consistently elevated by dietary bitter melon both in the presence and absence of
dietary cholesterol, indicating an ability of bitter melon to prevent or protect against
atherosclerosis.

Though it has been claimed that ampalaya’s bitterness comes from quinine, no
evidence could be located supporting this claim. Ampalaya is traditionally regarded by
Asians, as well as Panamanians and Colombians, as useful for preventing and treating
malaria. Laboratory studies have confirmed that various species of the bitter fruit have
anti-malarial activity, though human studies have not yet been published.

Recently, laboratory tests suggest that compounds in ampalaya might be

effective for treating HIV infection. As most compounds isolated from bitter melon that
impact HIV have either been proteins or glycoproteins lectins, neither of which are well-
absorbed, it is unlikely that oral intake of ampalaya will slow HIV in infected people. It is

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 13
 possible oral ingestion of ampalaya that could offset negative effects of anti-HIV drugs,
if a test tube study can be shown to be applicable to people. In one preliminary clinical
trial, an enema form of ampalaya extract showed some benefits in people infected with
HIV.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 14
 Chapter III
Methodology

 Research Design

For our sampling, we will use the research method which is the Experimental Method.
Experimental Method is a research design that has the Experimental Process. We can
manipulate and control the groups. We shall commence pre test and post test using this
method of research.

The investigative study is an experimental type that will determine and distinguish the
feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds as a substitute for coffee in coffee
production which can help the drinkers of coffee, members of a household, workers, people
with night jobs which concerns drinking coffee as a normal drink in daily routine. The coffee
shall be helpful in providing a fragrant aroma and a good taste.

In this study, the researchers shall make use of the seeds of Ampalaya (Momordica
charantia) to become an alternative component of coffee without caffeine but with a sense of
practicality that is common among Filipinos’ mentality.

 Research Procedure

In this study, the researchers will be discussing the different methods and procedure in
making the coffee produce using Ampalaya (Momordia charantia) seeds.

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 15
 First Step: Collection of Ampalaya

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) is widely grown in tropical countries

and very native to those countries. There is no difficulty in collecting
Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds because of Ampalaya’s
abundance in the Philippines. The researchers will collect the Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia) leaves by purchasing it at the Pasay City Public
Market. The total quantity or amount of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaves that is
needed to be used is exactly 1 kilogram of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) seeds after being
roasted and pounded.

 Second Step: Preparation of Materials

Materials that are needed are guava seeds, a frying pan, a wooden spoon, mortar and
pestle, sugar, and a saucepan

 Third Step: The Experimental Framework

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 16
 Fourth Step: Roasting of the Ampalaya Seeds

The frying pan is placed on a hot stove and there the guava seeds will be roasted until it
reaches a dark brown colour, a wooden spoon shall be used to stir the guava seeds.

 Fifth Step: Grinding of the Guava Seeds

The roasted guava seeds will be then pounded using the mortar and pestle until it reaches
the desired fineness of the roasted guava seeds.

 Sixth Step: Making of the Liquid Coffee

The fined guava seeds will then be mixed with hot water in a saucepan and served in a cup
or mug.

 Preparation

The Researchers should prepare all the needed things and materials for the accomplishment
of the whole investigative study. These materials are ultimately necessary for the result of the
research study. The materials needed are; Guava Seeds, a Frying pan, a Wooden Spoon, Mortar
and Pestle, Sugar, and a Saucepan.

 Testing/Sampling
The researchers shall commence the test inside Sta. Clara Parish School, limited only
to 10 regular coffee drinkers preferably the teachers, and personnel. The well-known
taste test will determine if there will be a significant difference of coffee and guava
when it comes to taste. The experimentalism of the research will be evident because
there will be a controlled group and an experimental group. The amount of coffee
(commercial and alternative) and water will be the independent variable which makes it

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 17
 non- manipulable and non- controllable. The sugar however will be the dependent
variable which can be equally controlled.
In that test the comparison of the taste will be observed.
But there is another thing the researchers are looking for, is the significant difference between
the acidity of the guava and the coffee. It will be measured by the Ph Meter which will be
borrowed from the Science-Resource Centre of the School.

 Replication
TWO- GROUP EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN- the simplest of all the experimental
designs wherein one line represents one group.

 Collection of Data

 Amount of Sugar
It is measured by the preference of the person who will drink it but if
you put 2 tbsp of sugar on the commercial coffee it should also be the
measurement on the guava coffee

 Amount of Water
It will be measured 1 cup for each serving of coffee (commercial and
guava coffee).

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 18
  Amount of Coffee
It will be measured 1 tsp for each serving of coffee (commercial and
guava coffee).

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 19
 Chapter IV
Analysis and Interpretation of Data

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 20
 Chapter V
Recommendations

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 21
 Chapter VI
References

http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/ampalaya.html

Tremblay S. (2013) Nutrients Found in Ampalaya. Pods Publishing. New York, USA

The Feasibility of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Seeds as Coffee Beans in Coffee Production 22

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