BASELLA ALBA EXTRACT as POTENTIAL GLASS CLEANER

______________________________________

A Science Investigatory Project

Of the Naval School of Fisheries

________________________________________________

Researchers:

MARIA KAYLA ISABELLE ANONAR

SHEMINETH GABRIALLE ANNE SINAGOTE

HEART THESA MAE MADAYAN

Adviser:

FERNANDO l. ZAMORA
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The completion of this study was not a smooth ride. The researcher faced a lot of

obstacles that tested their strength and ability in conducting a scientific investigation.

This present paper would not have been possible without the following people who have

extended assistance/help to the researchers in the conduct of this science investigatory

project (SIP).

Most importantly, the researchers fervently thank God for without His

enlightenment and His bestowed wisdom and strength which enable the researchers to

withstand all the hardships and challenges.

The researchers would also like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Mr.

Fernando L. Zamora, their SIP 1 and 2 teacher and coach who assisted and guided

them since day one and given his time and extended extra effort to support the

researchers throughout the success and failure of the study.

Expression of gratitude is also accorded to Mr. Albert Sucalip for his valuable

inputs and help in the statistical treatment of the study which greatly contributed to the

successful presentation and analysis of the data of this study.

And finally, their deepest gratitude is expressed for their respective parents for

their unconditional support and love because without them, this achievement of having

successfully conducted a scientific investigation would not have been accomplished.

-The Researchers –

i
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

Title Page ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Acknowledgement page------------------------------------------------------- i

Table of Contents--------------------------------------------------------------- ii

Abstract --------------------------------------------------------------------------- iii

Chapter I. Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------- 1

Conceptual Framework --------------------------------------------------------- 3

Statement of the Problem ------------------------------------------------------- 4

Research Hypothesis ------------------------------------------------------------- 4

Significance of the Study --------------------------------------------------------- 5

Scope and Delimitation ----------------------------------------------------------- 6

Definition of Terms ----------------------------------------------------------------- 6

Chapter II. Research Plan

Material and General Procedure ------------------------------------------------- 7

Review of Related Literature------------------------------------------------------ 8

Chapter III. Results and Discussion ----------------------------------------- 10

Chapter IV. Conclusion and Recommendation -------------------------- 17

References ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Appendices ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19

1. Photo documentation of the materials

2. Photo documentation of the procedure
3. Photo documentation of the resultsii
 ABSTRACT

It has always been a challenge for classroom cleaners tasked to clean the

windows, glass panels or sliding glass doors of cabinets and glass table top of

homerooms since glass easily collects dirt and grease from hands of students and dusts

from the surroundings.

In the absence of commercial glass cleaners in the school and the money to buy

such cleaning material, students often resorted in using water-drenched cloth in

cleaning glass windows and other glass fixtures often yielded poor result.

The researchers focused their investigation on Basella alba. locally known as

alugbati for its matured leaf extract as a potential glass cleaner due to its surface active

and foaming agents (San Martin and Briones, 1999). The parameters used in the study

with reference to cleanness of the glass are clearness, smoothness, and shininess.

Specifically, the study focused on a lipid-soluble aglycone and water soluble

sugar chain(s) in the structure of the Basella alba leaf extract which has amphiphilic

nature - saponins which are surface active compounds with detergent, wet-ting,

emulsifying, and foaming properties (Wang et al, 2005; Sarnthein-Graf and La Mesa,

2004; and Ibanoglu and Ibanoglu, 2000). Tannins or tannic acid’s application as active

surface coatings (Ramakrishnan and Krishnan, 1994) is also considered in the study.

The investigation revealed that there was statistically significant difference in the

concentration level of the treatment and its cleaning action in terms of clearness

evidence by the means treatments A and B with 3.7 and 3.6 respectively. The study

also bared significant effect in Treatment A to the smoothness of the glass as supported

by its average of 4.6 interpreted as very smooth. However, the control setup, has an

average of 2.6 which means it is less smooth while treatment B and C, obtained an

average of 2.8, 2.7, respectively interpreted as moderately smooth.

 Furthermore, Treatment A gathered an average of 4.5, which means that it was

very shiny. However, Treatment B obtained an average of 3.6 saying that it is shiny,

while Control setup and Treatment C has an average has an average of 2.0 and 3.6

respectively signified as less shiny.

Finally, the study revealed that there is significant effect of the levels of

concentration of Basella albamatured leaf extract on itscleaning action glass surface in

terms of its clearness, smoothness and shininess.

 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Classroom cleaners were always challenged when it comes to cleaning windows,

glass panels or sliding glass doors of cabinets and glass table top of respective

homerooms since glass easily collects dirt and grease from hands of students. Despite

the meticulous cleaning, the glass still does not seem sparkling clean because of dust,

streaks and dent.

In the absence of commercial glass cleaners in the school and money to buy

commercially available glass cleaners, students have often resorted in using water-

drenched cloth in cleaning glass windows and other glass fixtures in the classroom.

However, the process often yielded poor result as evidenced by the poor clearness and

reflective/shiny effects brought by objectionable levels of spotting, filming and or

streaking on the glass material when accumulated dirt and grease from hands made

contact with the water-drenched cloth.

Hence, this problem prompted the student researchers to investigate on

alternative biological agents with promising components that can be used as glass

cleaner.

The researchers recalled that during their childhood, they used to play with

extracts from Basella alba locally known “alugbati” to produce bubbles. This prompted

the researchers to investigate further if the foaming property of the B. alba extract can

be a potential cleaning agent.

The researchers anchored their investigation on Basella alba. locally known as

alugbati for its matured leaf extract as a potential glass cleaner due to its surface active

and foaming agents (San Martin and Briones, 1999).

 Basella alba L. is an important green leafy vegetable found commonly in the

tropical regions of the world. The plant is used as a substitute for true spinach since the

plant is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C along with flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids,

amino acids and organic acids and other active substances/principles having great

ethnomedicinal importance.

The study conducted by Deshmukh and Gaikwad on the taxonomy, ethnobotany,

phytochemistry and pharmacology of Basella alba in 2014 revealed the plant’s

biological activities which included androgenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory,

antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiviral and wound healing properties. The plant is

also used to cure digestive disorders, skin disease, bleeding piles, pimples, urticaria,

irritation, anemia, wooping cough, leprosy, aphthae, insomnia, cancer, burns,

headache, ulcers, diarrhea, liver disorders, bilious vomiting, and sexual asthenia.

The present study focused on a lipid-soluble aglycone and water soluble sugar

chain(s) in the structure of the Basella alba leaf extract which has amphiphilic nature

and on saponins which are surface active compounds with detergent, wet-ting,

emulsifying, and foaming properties (Wang et al, 2005; Sarnthein-Graf and La Mesa,

2004; and Ibanoglu and Ibanoglu, 2000)

Statement of the Problem

The present investigation seeks to find answers to the following problems:

General Problem
The investigation seeks to assess the potential of Basella alba matured leaf
extract as a potential glass cleaner.

Specific Problem
The study will further investigate the effect of varying levels of concentration on
the cleaning action of the treatment variables – mature leaf extract of Basella alba on
glass surface with the following parameters:
 Clearness
  Smoothness
 Shininess/luster

Research Hypotheses

The researchers hypothesized that:

 There is no significant difference between the levels of concentration of Basella
alba matured leaf extract and the cleaning action of the treatment on glass
surface in terms of its clearness.

Significance of the Study

The researchers believe that the findings of this study will be valuable the
following entities:
Schools.This biological cleaning agent that will provide classrooms with clean
clear glass windows enhancing classroom illumination with unimpeded entry of light.
Students. This study will benefit students by providing them a product useful in
cleaning the classroom. Same cleaning agent can also be applied in their respective
homes.
Households. It will provide households alternative glass cleaning agent that is
inexpensive and totally safe from hazardous chemicals associated with commercial
glass cleaners.
Environment.With this biological glass cleaner, less toxic chemicals will be
introduced to the environment making the surroundings safer for all organisms.
Future researchers. Future researchers are hereby encourage to conduct similar
studies in a wider scope to obtain more valid generalizations of the study.

Scope and Delimitation

The investigation focused on the cleaning action of the Basella alba extract as
potential biological glass cleaner. The study specifically used the extract from mature
leaves of B. alba. The experiment will use three (3) experimental setups using the
following concentrations: A. 50mL extract; B. 25mL extract diluted in 25mL water; and
C. 12.5mL extract mixed in 37.5mL distilled water. The control setup uses only distilled
water as cleaning agent. Four (4) trials per setup will be conducted to test the cleaning
action of the variable treatment on glass surface, specifically old jalousie blades taken
from a renovated building and kept for five years in the school stockroom.
The investigation is limited in terms of assessing the effect of the B. alba extract
on the glass surface in terms of its clearness, smoothness and shininess/luster.

Definition of Terms
In order to understand the terms used in the study, the following terms are
defined conceptually and operationally.
Clearness.In the study this refers to the ability of the glass to transmit light
without being impeded or blocked.
Smoothness. In the study this refers to how particles glide smoothly when in
contact with the glass surface.
Shininess.In the study this refers to the ability of the glass to reflect light proving
luster on the surface of the glass
 Chapter II

METHODOLOGY

Materials and General Procedure

Matured leaves of B. alba were weighted using a kitchen weighing scale. In all
three setups, 200 grams of leaves added with 20 mL distilled water was blended until a
puree was produced. This was then strained with a cheese cloth to extract the juice
which is free from impurities. 500 mL beakers were used to contain the extracts in the
three setups. Beaker A contained 50mL extract. In Beaker B, using a graduated
cylinder, 25mL water was added to the 25mL extract. While in Beaker C, 12.5mL
distilled water was added to 37.5mL extract.
Three separate water sprays were used to contain the three treatments for the
experimental setups sprayed in equal amounts to three separate 4”x24” jalousie blades
labeled Setups A, B and C respectively. Distilled water was also sprayed in equal
amount to another 4x24 jalousie blade for the control setup.
The treatment was left in contact with the glass surface for 60 seconds before
wiping it using separate cotton cloth. Equal amount of pressure and the number of
wipes were applied in circular motion in the three setups.
The results and or effects of the respective treatments on the separate glass
surface will be examined and evaluated by workers from glass suppliers using the
following rating scale:
Clearness: 1 - Not clear; 2 - Less clear; 3 – Moderately clear; 4 – Clear;
5 - Very clear
Smoothness: 1 - Not smooth; 2 - Less smooth; 3 – Moderately smooth;
4 - Smooth; and 5 - Very smooth
Shininess: 1 - Not shiny; 2 - Less shiny; 3 – Moderately shiny;
4 - Shiny; and 5 - Very shiny

Chapter III
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results of the investigation conducted and the analysis
and discussion of the data presented.

The investigation revealed that there was statistically significant difference in the
concentration level of the treatment and its cleaning action in terms of clearness
evidence by the means treatments A and B with 3.7 and 3.6 respectively while the
control setup and treatment C obtained 2.2 and 2.4 respectively.
Moreover, the study also bared significant effect in Treatment A to the
smoothness of the glass as supported by its average of 4.6 interpreted as very smooth.
However, the control setup, has an average of 2.6 which means it is less smooth while
treatment B and C, obtained an average of 2.8, 2.7, respectively interpreted as
moderately smooth.
The study further indicated that Treatment A gathered an average of 4.5, which
means that it was very shiny. However, Treatment B obtained an average of 3.6 saying
that it is shiny, while Control setup and Treatment C has an average has an average of
2.0 and 3.6 respectively signified as less shiny.

Table 1
Effects of the Different Set-Ups to Glass in terms of Clearness

Trial Control Set-up Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C

1 1.8 4.0 3.4 2.6
2 2.8 3.1 4.0 2.3
3 2.0 4.0 3.4 2.2
Average 2.2 3.7 3.6 2.4
Rating Scale:
1.0 – 1.8 Not Clear 1.9 – 2.6 Less Clear 2.7 – 3.4 Moderately Clear
3.5 – 4.2 Clear 4.3 – 5.0 Very Clear

As disclosed in Table 1, it can be gleaned that treatments A and B obtained an

average of 3.7 and 3.6 respectively interpreted as clear. However, the control setup and
treatment C obtained an average of 2.2 and 2.4 respectively signified as less clear.
This implies that there is really a positive effect shown in treatment A and B. The
result of the one way ANOVA is presented in table 2.

Table 2
Difference Among Treatments in terms of Clearness

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

 Between Groups 5.691 3 1.897
10.400 .004
Within Groups 1.459 8 .182

Total 7.150 11

As presented in the table above, it can be noted that there was a statistically
significant difference between groups as determined by one way ANOVA (F, (3,8) =
10.400, p = 0.004). A tukey post-hoc test revealed that that there is a statistically
significant difference between control setup and treatments A and B, treatments A and
C, and treatments B and C. There was no statistically significant difference between
Control and Treatment C, Treatment A and B.

Table 3
Effects of the Different Set-Ups to Glass in terms of Smoothness

Trial Control Set-up Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C

1 2.2 4.8 3.4 2.6
2 2.8 4.2 2.3 3.0
3 2.8 5.0 2.6 2.6
Average 2.6 4.6 2.8 2.7
Rating Scale:
1.0 – 1.8 Not Smooth 1.9 – 2.6 Less Smooth 2.7 – 3.4 Moderately Smooth
3.5 – 4.2 Smooth 4.3 – 5.0 Very Smooth

As shown in table 3 it can be gleaned that Treatment A obtained an average of

4.6 interpreted as very smooth. However, the control setup, has an average of 2.6
which means it is less smooth while treatment B and C, obtained an average of 2.8, 2.7,
respectively interpreted as moderately smooth.
This proves that there has indeed a significant effect shown in Treatment A.
Table 4 presents the results of the one-way ANOVA.

Table 4
Difference Among Treatments in terms of Smoothness

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 8.571 3 2.857 16.762 .001

Within Groups 1.364 8 .170
Total 9.935 11
 As gleaned in the table above, it can be concluded that there was a statistically
significant difference between groups as determined by one-way ANOVA (F, (3,8) = 16.
762, p = 0.001). A tukey post-hoc revealed that there is a statistically significant
difference between Control and treatment A, A and B, and A and C. There was no
statistically significant difference between Control and Treatment B and C, Treatment B
and C.

Table 5
Effects of the Different Set-Ups to Glass in terms of Shininess

Trial Control Set-up Treatment A Treatment B Treatment C

1 2.2 4.8 3.6 2.8
2 2.0 3.8 3.6 2.3
3 1.8 4.8 3.6 2.2
Average 2.0 4.5 3.6 2.4
Rating Scale:
1.0– 1.8 Not shiny 1.9 – 2.6 Less Shiny 2.7 – 3.4 Moderately Shiny
3.5 – 4.2 Shiny 4.3 – 5.0 Very Shiny

As revealed in table 5, it showed that Treatment A gathered an average of 4.5,

which means that it is very shiny. However, Treatment B obtained an average of 3.6
saying that it is shiny, while Control setup and Treatment C has an average has an
average of 2.0 and 3.6 respectively signified as less shiny.
This concludes that there is definitely a positive significant shown in Treatment A.
The result of the one-way ANOVA is presented in Table 6.

Table 6
Difference Among Treatments in terms of Shininess

Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 11.348 3 3.783
33.383 .000
Within Groups .907 8 .113
Total 12.255 11

As exposed in the table above, it can be distinguished that there was

astatistically significant difference between groups as determined by one-way
ANOVA(F, (3, 8) = 33.383 = p =.000. turkey post-hoc test showed that there is a
statisticallysignificant difference between Control and Treatments A, B and C,
Treatments A andC, Treatment C and B. There was no statistical difference between
Treatment A and B

Chapter IV
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION

The researchers, after thoroughly conducted the investigation, arrived with the
following conclusions.
 There is significant effect of the levels of concentration of Basella albamatured
leaf extract on itscleaning action glass surface in terms of its clearness.
 There is significant effect of the levels of concentration of Basella albamatured
leaf extract on itscleaning action glass surface in terms of its smoothness.
 . There is significant effect of the levels of concentration of Basella
albamatured leaf extract on itscleaning action glass surface in terms of its
smoothness.
RECOMMENDATION

 The researchers recommend the further study of the same treatment to

improve its smell. Further study could provide a scented glass cleaner
from B. anal extract.
 Further investigation is also recommended to investigate on how to extend
the shelf life of the treatment for the treatment to be used in a prolonged
time.
 Study on whether the treatment can also be used in other pieces of
furniture and or fixture made from materials other than glass.
REFERENCES

Books
Sas, A.C(1984).Plants and Health. Manila: Eastern Publishing Association
Science of Life, Vol No. XII Nos. 3 & 4, January-April 1994, Pages 232-238 TANNIN-
CLASSIFICATION, ANALYSIS AND APPLICATIONS K.RAMAKRISHNAN and
M.R.V.KRISHNAN
Journal
Deshmukh S. A. Gaikwad. A review of the Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry
and Pharmacology of Basella alba. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical science.
2014: 153-165.
Websites
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6375032 Saponins Properties Applications
and Processing
https://www.rroj.com/open-access/phytochemical-screening-and-antimicrobial-activity-
of-crude-extracts-of-basella -alba-and-helianthus-annuus-on-selected-food-
payhogens.php?aid=34520
http://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1381400671 Kumar%20et%20al.pdf