CHAPTER 1

PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introductions

The term “medicinal plant” includes various types of plants used in herbalism

("herbology" or "herbal medicine"). It is the use of plants for medicinal purposes,

and the study of such uses. The word “herb” has been derived from the Latin

word, “herba” and an old French word “herbe”. Now a days, herb refers to any

part of the plant like fruit, seed, stem, bark, flower, leaf, stigma or a root, as well

as a non-woody plant. Earlier, the term “herb” was only applied to non-woody

plants, including those that come from trees and shrubs. These medicinal plants

are also used as food, flavonoid, medicine or perfume and also in certain spiritual

activities.1 Before the introduction of chemical medicines, man relied on the

healing properties of medicinal plants. Some people value these plants due to the

ancient belief which says plants are created to supply man with food, medical

treatment, and other effects. The World Health Organization estimates that about

80% of the 5.2 billion people of the world live in the less developed countries rely

almost exclusively on traditional medicine for their primary healthcare needs.

Medicinal plants are the “backbone” of traditional medicine, which means more

1
Dr. Mahtab Alam Khan “Introduction and Importance of Medicinal Plants and Herbs” website
retrieved from https://www.nhp.gov.in/introduction-and-importance-of-medicinal-plants-and-
herbs_mtl on July 22, 2017
 than 3.3 billion people in the less developed countries utilize medicinal plants

on a regular basis.There are nearly 2000 ethnic groups in the world, and almost

every group has its own traditional medical knowledge and experiences. 2

Tagbanua tribe is one of the ethnic groups who are still utilizing different

medicinal plants in their ancestral domain despite of the influence of the different

pharmaceutical drugs. The role of indigenous knowledge in the realm of medicinal

plants is even more obvious than in the case of crop varieties. Knowledge about

the characteristics of a particular plant and its properties as a healing substance,

or stated differently, the technology of its use , is what gives medicinal plants their

social and economic value.3

One of the Tagbanua tribe’s utilized medicinal plant is the Alalandeg.This

plant is utilized by them as a remedy for Stomachache. Alalandeg is a large tree,

terrestrial plant and Genophyte. The Leaves are compound; arranged within an

opposites pairs, has a Caudate apex and an Oblique base, Entire margin and

Reticulodromous veins and dark green color. It has an Erect stem; Sympodial,

Indurate in terms of its texture, measured as 89cm and is Peru Brown color. It

2
Maryam Ahvazi et.Al “Introduction of Medicinal Plants Species with the Most Traditional
Usage in Alamut Region” website retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813099/ on July 22, 2017.
3
Suman Sahai “Importance of indigenous knowledge” website retrieved from
http://www.niscair.res.in/Sciencecommunication/ResearchJournals/rejour/ijtk/Fulltextsearch/2003/J
anuary%202003/IJTK-Vol%202(1)-January%202003-pp%2011-14.htm on July 22, 2017

2
has a Buttress roots, Indurate texture and Sienna Brown with Dotted white color.

Therefore , Alalandeg belongs to Kingdom Plantae under the Domain Eukaryota

which means organism whose cells contain complex structures enclosed within

membranes. It belongs to phylum Angiospermae under the class Magnoliopsida,

It is under the order Sapindales, member of Family Anacardiaceae, and belongs

to the genus Dracontomelon and its Scientific name is Dracontomelon edule

(Blanco) Skeels. As to the phytochemicals present on its bark and roots, There is

a Slightly Present Phytochemical Saponins in Alalandeg’s roots and moderately

present Phytochemical Saponins on its bark. The Phytochemical Flavonoids in

Alalandeg’s roots and bark are also present. Tagbanua tribe in Purok Pagbabago,

Sitio Iratag Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City prepare the plant by first

collecting at least 250g of bark and wash it with tap water. Then Putting the barks

in a pot/ earthen pot and boil it with 1L water, next when boiled, pouring the juice

or extracts in a glass or cup and then they drink it when lukewarm and repeated

twice a day.4

In continuation to the Researchers previous study “Morphological and

Chemical Investigation of the two tagbanuas medicinal plants Alaladeg and Taneg

in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City.”, which

founds out that there is a slightly present Phytochemical Saponins in Alalandeg’s

roots and moderately present Phytochemical Saponins on its bark and the

4
Pg. 80-81 Morphological and chemical investigation of the two tagbanuas medicinal plants
Alalandeg and Taneg in purok Pagbabago Sitio Iratag Puerto Princesa City.

3
presence of Phytochemical Flavonoids is also validated on the plants’ roots and

bark that can be a potential toxic which can affect on the tagbanua people who

are utilizing Alalandeg. With this literatures and studies, the researchers will focus

on Alalandeg’s bark and roots which is proven to have the presence of Flavonoids

and Saponins and will validate the level of concentration that is considered lethal

on Nile Tilapia. And the examination of the difference between Alalandeg barks

and roots in terms of its level of toxicity and the behavioral changes of Nile Tilapia

that exposed to different levels of Alalandeg Roots and Barks decoction will also

be included in the Researchers Toxicological study.

Conceptual Framework

Alalandeg is a large tree which grows 40m in height and 1m or more in

diameter.5 It is an edemic plant to the Philippines, found from Luzon to Mindanao,

common on low land primary forests along river banks and on hills, low altitude

primary forest. Its scientific name is Draconmelon edule (Blanco) skeels which

edule means “Eatable” or “Enjoyable” in Latin “Etymology”. 6

Alalandeg Roots and Barks contains Phytochemical Saponnins and

Flavonoids which implies the presents of the plant parts potential source of

5
Cmtungol “Dracontomelon edule (Lamio)” retrieved from
https://www.flickr.com/photos/96979718@N00/4528991052 on July 28, 2017
6
Tonji and sylvia’s bird santuary “lLamio” retrieved from https://sylviatramos.blog/tree-list-
arranged-alphabetically-by-local-name/lamio/ on July 28, 2017

4
soaping agent and astringent and an indication of the presence of anti oxidant and

anti inflammatory health benefits.7

These Literatures and Studies indeed lead to the researches to conduct Acute

Toxicity Test on Alalandeg to be tested by means of Lethality Test using Tilapia,

that will first be subjected to a collection of plants specimens focusing on its barks

and roots.

After collecting Alalandeg’s barks and roots the plant specimens will be

subjected to decoction as a process of extraction. The word “Decoct” means is to

used concentrate to extract by boiling. It primarily the mineral salts and bitter

principles of plants from hard materials such as roots, barks, seeds, and wood. 8

And to prepare the instrument for Lethality Test, the researchers will do the

collection of Nile Tilapia. Nile Tilapia is a hardy herbivorous fish that feeds on

algae or small aquatic plant cells and its primarily raised in fresh water system

using cages, ponds, race ways or open waters.9

However the decocted extracts will now undergo to Acute toxicity test.

Acute Toxicity test describes the adverse effects occurring following oral or

7
Baaco R et.AL “Morphological and Chemical Investigation of Tagbanuas Medicinal Plants:
Alalandeg and Taneg in Purok Pagbabago, Barangay Irawan, Sitio Iratag, Puerto Princesa City”
January 2017 page 78.
8
Health freedom “What is the difference between a decoction and an insfusion?” retrieved
from http://www.healthfreedom.info/Decoction%20v.%20Infusion.htm on July 28 2017
9
Seafood Health Facts “Tilapia” retrieved from http://www.seafoodhealthfacts.org/description-
top-commercial-seafood-items/tilapia on July 28 207

5
dermal administration of a single dose of a substance, on multiple doses given

within 24 hours, or an inhalation exposure of 4 hours. 10 While conducting Acute

Toxicity Test, Lethality Test on Tilapia will also be done. Lethality test is a

procedure in which any substance or chemicals is apply or administer to the

species that will be used to determine the dosage that cause of their death. In

this study the decocted Alalandeg barks and roots extracts will be used as a

substance that will apply on Tilapia as a species in this study. 11

Monograph is a book which is a detailed study of only one subject.

Publishing a monograph will be final output that contains findings, result and

conclusion of the study “Acute Toxicity Test on Alalandeg (Dracontomelon edule

(Blanco) skeels), Roots and Barks decoction in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag,

Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City using Lethality test on Tilapia”, it can help

and inform people about the toxic content of the given specimen. 12

To illustrate the research to be conducted, the research paradigm is

presented on the next page.

10
The MSDS Hyper Glossary “Acute Toxicity” retrieved from
http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/acutetoxicity.html on July 28 2017
11
Animal Ethics Infolinks “LD50 and Lethality Testing” retrieved from
http://www.animalethics.org.au/accreditation-and-licensing/ld50-and-lethality-testing on July 28
2017
12
CollinsDictionary “Monograph” retrieved from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/monograph on July 28 2017

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 Figure 1.
Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Alalandeg Barks  Collection of the
and Roots samples and  Monograph
specimen in Tilapia as an of
Purok instrument for Alalandeg
Pagbabago, Sitio Lethality Testing. Barks and
Iratag, Barangay Rooots that
Irawan, Puerto  Extraction contains
Princesa City. through the
decoction of findings,
 Tilapia in Puerto Alalandeg Barks result and
Princesa City. and Roots. conclusions
 Acute toxicity of Acute
test on plants Toxicity
specimens and Test.
Lethality test on
Tilapia.

Figure 1 shows the samples of the Alalandeg barks and roots in Purok

Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City as the input of

the study. The process includes the collection of the samples, extraction through

decoction of Alalandeg barks and roots and Lethality Test on Tilapia which are

needed to obtain the monograph of Alalandeg barks and roots that contains the

result of acute toxicity test.

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Statement of the Problem

The study aims to conduct Acute Toxicity test on Alalandeg(Dracontomelon

edule(Blanco) Skeels), Roots and Bark decoction in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio

Iratag, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City using Lethality test on Tilapia.

Specially, the study seek to answer the following questions:

1. In which concentration thus the decocted Alalandeg (Dracontomelon edule

(Blanco) skeels) Barks and Roots become lethal to the Nile Tilapia?

2. Based on problem 1, what is the difference between Alalandeg (Dracontomelon

edule (Blanco) skeels) Barks and Roots in terms of its Level of Toxicity?

3. What behavioral changes (erratic swimming, loss of reflex, hyperventilation,

and discoloration) of Oreochromis Niloticus exposed to different levels of

Alalandeg (Dracontomelon edule (Blanco) skeels) Roots and Barks Decoction?

Assumptions

This study will be focusing on the assumptions that the results on the Lethality

test of Alalandeg plant extracts on Nile Tilapia shows that 50% concentration

above is lethal to the Nile Tilapia. Also, there is a difference between Alalandeg

Barks and Roots in terms of its level of toxicity and there will be behavioral

changes (erratic swimming, loss of reflex, hyperventilation, and discoloration) of

Nile Tilapia when exposed to different % concentrations of Alalandeg extracts.

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Hypothesis

The researchers hypothesized at 0.05 level of significance that:

1. There is a significant difference between the different concentration of

Alalandeg barks and roots extracts to the lethality of Nile Tilapia.

2. There is a significant difference between Alalandeg barks and roots in terms of

its level of toxicity.

3. There is a significant relationship between the exposures of Nile Tilapia in

different concentrations to its behavioral changes.

Scope and Delimitation

Problem. The study will cover the investigation of the decocted extracts of

Alalandeg roots and barks in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan,

Puerto Princesa City. It will focus on the Acute Toxicity Test using Lethality test on

Nile Tilapia to determine the concentration that is considered lethal to them . It will

also describe the difference between Alalandeg barks and roots in terms of its

level of toxicity. The different behavioral changes that can happen in the Nile

Tilapia when exposed to the different levels of concentrations will also deal in this

study. This will be limited only to the Alaladeg roots and barks for in the past

conducted research about “Morphological and Chemical Investigation of the Two

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Tagbanuas Medicinal Plants in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan,

Puerto Princesa City” the Pythochemical Saponins and Flavonoids was validated

on the said plant parts. The Alalandeg plant can only be found in Purok

Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City.

Locale. The collection of specimen will be conducted in Purok Pagbabago,

Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City while the Nile Tilapia will be

collected in BFAR Santa Monica. The maps of the research locale is shown in the

next page and for the lethality test will be conducted in Palawan National School

Vivant Laboratory.

Time frame. The study from June 2017 and will be end in March 2017.

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 Figure 2.
13
Map of Puerto Princesa City

Figure 2 shows the location of Barangay Irawan , Puerto Princesa City in

which Purok Pagbabago is situated.

13
Baaco R et.AL “Morphological and Chemical Investigation of Tagbanuas Medicinal Plants:
Alalandeg and Taneg in Purok Pagbabago, Barangay Irawan, Sitio Iratag, Puerto Princesa City”
January 2017 page 10.

11
 Figure 3
14
Map of Purok Pagbabago, Barangay Irawan

Purok Pagbabago

Figure 3 shows the map of Purok Pagbabago in which the 64 households

wherein the Tagbanua tribe is located.

Significance of the Study

14
Baaco R et.al “Morphological and Chemical Investigation of Tagbanuas Medicinal Plants:
Alalandeg and Taneg in Purok Pagbabago, Barangay Irawan, Sitio Iratag, Puerto Princesa City”
January 2017 page 11.

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 The Acute Toxicity Test on Alalandeg(Draconto melon edule(Blanco) Skeels),

Roots and Barks decoration in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay Irawan,

Puerto Princesa City using Lethality test on Tilapia is deemed significant to the

following:

The (NCIP) Indigenous People (Tagbanua Tribe).This study is deemed

significant to the NCIP for this will give awareness and extra knowledge to the

Indigenous people of Sitio Iratag which is Tagbanua Tribe about the toxicological

analysis of Alalandeg plant.

Nagkakaisang Tribu Ng Palawan. This study is deemed significant to the

NATRIPAL as their support in developing awareness about the adverse effect of

the environment for the safety of Indigenous people in utilizing the natural

resources in an ancestral domain.

The Academic Community.This study is significant to the different universities

and colleges, libraries and different institutions for this study will serve as a

reference that could support future research related to this study.

The Palawan National School (PNS).The findings of this study will rebound to

the benefit of Palawan National School community, considering that this study will

give them knowledge and awareness about the toxicological analysis of Alalandeg

plant.

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Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This study is

deemed significant to the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

(STEM) students to have a reliable reference especially on the toxicity

assessment procedures that may be used for their future researches.

Local Residence. This study will help the local residents know about the toxic

content of Alalandeg roots and bark and can serve as a guideline in preparing the

minimum dosage of the said plant that is not considered toxic.

Researchers. This study will help to improve the analytical and critical skills of the

researchers. It will also help them gain additional knowledge about this study.

Future Researchers. The findings will serve as a reference to the future

researchers related to this study.

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Definition of Terms

In order to facilitate common understanding of information conveyed in this

research study, these terms are hereby defined operationally and theoretically.

Alalandeg. A tree that can be found in Purok Pagbabago, Sitio Iratag, Barangay

Irawan, Puerto Princesa City and is a utilized medical plant of the tagbanua

people.

Ancestral Domain. A place where indigenous people is inhability.

Dracontomelon edule(Blanco)Skeels. The Alalandeg Scientific name.

Flavonoids. Is a nutrients group that is known for its anti-oxidant and anti-

inflammatory health benefits.

Lethality. The capacity of a substance to cause death.

Medicinal plant. Plants that is used as a remedy for a specific disease.

Phytochemical. A various chemicals produced by the plant.

Saponnins. One class of chemical compounds that are believed to have

benefical effects and can be found in various plant species.

Tagbanua. An Ethnic groups in the Philippines that can be found in the central

part in Northern Palawan.

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Toxicity. The degree to which a substance is considered as poison to an

organism.

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