PS-T-D16-D03

Gumamela Petals Hibiscus and

Taro Leaves Colocasia Esculenta
as an Alternative for a Shoe
Polish

LADY MHAY A. MAGTARAYO

MARICAR P. MARIANO
CHRISTINE JOYCE S. PECAOCO
Student Researcher

ALEXANDER GERIMI A. BASILIO

Research Adviser
SY 2022-2023
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Shoe polish is a waxy paste, cream, or liquid that is used to shine and polish

footwear’s life and restores its appearance. Scottish expatriates William Ramsay and

Hamilton McKellan began making "boot polish" in a small factory in 1904 in Melbourne,

Australia (S. William). Their formula was a major improvement on previous brands. It

preserved shoe leather, made it shine, and restored color. In March 1947, shoe polish

that resembled modern varieties appeared, such as Cherry Blossom, Kiwi, and

Wren’s; in 1889, William Wren claimed to be the person who first made wax polish.

Although shoe polish didn't become widely popular commercially until the 20 th century,

shoe shining dates back to the 19th century (K. Hieronim).

Gumamela (Hibiscus) is a flowering plant that has a large genus and is

comprised of several hundred species. This flower is known to be used as an

ornamental flower because of its appearance which comes in a different color

(Britannica, 2022). This flower became known as a shoe flower when Malaysian and

Indonesian people used the petals to produce black dye for shoe polishing

(Eresources, 2005). They have a variety of uses in the field of medicine and can be

used for other instances. Gumamela grows in frost-free areas and blooms all year. In

areas with light frosts, however, it may suffer damage or die back to the ground. The

roots are hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. New shoots grow in spring as long as the

roots remain unfrozen under the soil.

 Taro leaf (Colocasia Esculenta) (F. Brooks) originated in the Bay of Bengal

region of Southeast Asia, being carried by early Polynesians throughout Oceania as

stable food, and was introduced in Japan more than 2500 years ago. Their growing

season is around August or September. The leaves are native to Southeast Asia and

Southern India but they can be found in markets throughout Asia, Polynesia, the Cook

Islands, the Caribbean, and tropical Africa, today (Brown and Valiere, 2004). These

leaves are also known as “Elephant Ears” because of their shape. These leaves are

the heart-shaped leaves of the taro plant (Colocasia esculenta), commonly grown in

subtropical and tropical regions. While generally known for its edible, starchy root, the

leaves of the taro plant also serve as a staple food in various cuisines. These leaves

are known to repel water because of the layer of bio-wax covering them. The extraction

of the bio wax was achieved by immersing the leaves in chloroform, at a temperature

of 50°C for 30 seconds (Nasri et al, 2014).

Chloroform is a man-made by-product formed when chlorine is used to disinfect

water. Chloroform is also used in industrial processes. It is a colorless liquid with a

pleasant, non-irritating smell and a slightly sweet taste. Chloroform with a compound

formula of CHCl3 is a common organic solvent used to help other substances dissolve.

By achieving the bio wax that came from the taro leaves being submerged in the

chloroform, we can achieve its hydrophobic substance (Carey, 2022).

 At present, many people use shoe polish such as kiwi to blacken and polish

their shoes, by researching, the researchers can find other alternatives that can be

used as shoe polish. The researcher aims to investigate the effectiveness of the

gumamela and taro leaves’ hydrophobic properties as an alternative shoe shine.

Gumamela and Taro bloom and grow year-round, making them useful materials.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to experiment with the effectiveness of Gumamela and Taro

as an alternative shoe polish. Furthermore, it seeks to answer the following research

questions:

1. How effective is the Gumamela and Taro shoe polish in terms of:

a. Shine

b. Waterproof

c. Longevity

2. How effective is the Gumamela and Taro shoe polish in different types of shoes?

a. Rubber shoe

b. Leather shoes

3. How effective is the hydrophobic effect of Gumamela and Taro shoe polish in terms

of liquid dropping?

a. Cooking Oil

b. Soy sauce

c. Vinegar

d. Water
4. Is there a significant difference between using shoe polish made from gumamela

and taro leaves and the commercially available shoe polish in terms of shine,

waterproofing, and longevity?

Objectives of the Study

1. Prove the effectiveness of the gumamela and taro shoe polish in terms of shine,

waterproofing, and longevity.

2. Determine the effectiveness of gumamela and taro shoe polish in different types of

shoes.

3. Test the hydrophobic effect of gumamela and taro shoe polish in terms of liquid

dropping.

4. Identify the significant difference between gumamela and taro shoe polish and

commercial shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproofing, and longevity.

Statement of Hypothesis

H0: Using gumamela and taro did not help to make an alternative for a shoe shine.

H1: Using gumamela and taro helped to make an alternative for shoe polish.

H0: There is no effectiveness in different types of shoes when using gumamela and

taro shoe polish.

H1: There is an effectiveness in different types of shoes when using gumamela and

taro shoe polish.

H0: Gumamela and Taro shoe polish hydrophobic effect cannot repel liquids.

H1: Gumamela and Taro shoe polish hydrophobic effect can repel liquids.
H0: There is no significant difference between gumamela and taro shoe polish and

commercial shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproofing, and longevity.

H1: There is a significant difference between gumamela and taro shoe polish and

commercial shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproofing, and longevity.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The scope of the study will focus on the effectiveness of Gumamela petals and

Taro leaves shoe polish. This study will be conducted in the first semester of the year

2022-2023. This investigation will take place at Tanza National Trade School (TNTS).

The respondents will be STEM-Euclid students in grade 12.

In determining the effectiveness of Gumamela and Taro shoe polish the

researcher will make a comparative between the Gumamela and Taro shoe polish and

the commercially available shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproofing, and longevity.

Moreover, the purpose of the study is to provide an alternative shoe polish that can

help the beneficiaries in the study.

This study is limited to making a waterproof plant-based shoe shine only. The

data needed will be collected through observation and photo documentation. Having

components derived from plants is advantageous since they can be planted and

harvested at any time of the year. Plant-based materials are crucial in the sector since

they are abundantly available to individuals.

Significance of the Study

This study investigates the effectiveness of using gumamela petals and taro

leaves as an alternative to shoe polish. The research can benefit everyone, especially

students, workers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and future researchers. Furthermore, they

can buy in supermarkets and has been normally found in dishes. Gumamela also has

many different uses.

Second, the ingredients may become expensive as prices change over time.

This will lessen your costs of ingredients. For instance, a person is tasked to make a

shoe shine but it is too expensive for their budget, by using the study, the person will

save money that can be potentially used for other parts of the research.

Third, shoe polish is normally toxic because of the chemicals present in the

shoe polish. Gumamela shoe shine is less toxic than normal shoe polish such as kiwi

because it is made mostly with plant-based ingredients.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Gumamela, Extract the Gumamela petals

and Taro leaves

Olive oil, gumamela petals.
shoe polish
Beeswax, Extract taro leaves

Acetone, hydrophobic effect

Stove using chloroform in

Chloroform 10 minutes by

Taro submerging.

Figure 1. Input-Process-Output Diagram

The conceptual framework above exhibits the input, process, and output of the

study wherein, the input consists of the following: Gumamela, olive oil, Beeswax,

Acetone, Taro, and n Chloroform. These are the ingredients that the researchers will

use to make this experimental research.

Besides the process that the researchers need to follow to make gumamela

and taro shoe polish. Where in the gumamela and taro extract will be processed to

extract the gumamela petals by doing the hot process method. The process to extract

the hydrophobic effect of taro leaves is by submerging them in chloroform for ten

minutes. Furthermore, the output of the study is the gumamela petals and taro leaves

shoe polish.
 This study aims to investigate if the researchers can make alternative shoe

polish using gumamela and taro. With the support of related studies, the researchers

conduct this study.

Definition of Terms

For clarity and a better understanding of the key terms to be utilized in the study,

the following terms were conceptually and operationally defined.

Beeswax. Is a substance that is secreted by honeybees and is used by them for

constructing the honeycomb.

Chloroform. Is an organic compound with the formula CHCl3 and is a common

organic solvent. It is a colorless, strong-smelling, dense liquid produced on a large

scale.

Extract. To remove or take out something.

Gumamela. Is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus

is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate,

subtropical, and tropical regions throughout the world.

Hydrophobic effect. The tendency of non-polar molecules and molecular segments

in an aqueous solution to avoid contact with the water molecule.

Submersion. To cover or overflow with chloroform.

Shoe polish. Is a waxy paste, cream, or liquid that is used to polish, shine, and

waterproof leather shoes or boots to extend the footwear's life and restore its

appearance.

Taro. Leaves are heart-shaped leaves of the taro plant (Colocasia esculenta),

commonly grown in subtropical and tropical regions.

REFERENCES

Ahmed, M., Hamza, U. D., Mohammed, J., Naemah, M. N., Nasri, N. S., & Zain, H. M.

(2014). Hydrophobicity Characterization of Bio-Wax Derived from Taro Leaf for

Surface Coating Applications.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266970535_Hydrophobicity_Charact

erization_of_BioWax_Derived_from_Taro_Leaf_for_Surface_Coating_Applica

tions

Alvarez, L. C. (2019). Hydrophobic Paper from the Wax of Colocasia esculenta (Taro

Leaf) and Chitin from Crab Shell. https://www.ijrp.org/paper-detail/611

Beray, C. J., Boadilla, J. G., Campos, C. V., Deduque, J. T., Dupiano, X. L., Junio, C.

J. J., Pineda, P. L., Posugac, L. A., Sanchez, A. S., & Sereno, A. A. (2019).

TARO LEAVES (Colocasia esculenta) AS HYDROPHOBIC BIO-WAX

COATING FOR RECYCLED GROCERY PAPER BAGS.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361330985_TARO_LEAVES_Coloc

asia_esculenta_AS_HYDROPHOBIC_BIOWAX_COATING_FOR_RECYCLE

D_GROCERY_PAPER_BAGS

Bolgado, C. S., Evangelista, C. A., & Mallari, J. M. (2018). The effectiveness of

the bio-wax extract from taro (Colocasia esculenta) in waterproofing paper.

Ascendens Asia Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Abstracts.

https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/4683?fbclid=I

wAR2GVGzH3bwyw7egzZfFaDZx9JnOVU0wPGtkrByPnJfbrdKOCLA5X0fAh

A#:~:text=The%20bio%2Dwax%20causing%20the,use%20of%20a%20rotary

%20evaporator
Carey, F. A. (202). Chloroform. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/science/chloroform

Kwabena. (2022, May 30). Is shoe Polish good for leather? (9 pros and cons + tips).

FavoredLeather.com.https://favoredleather.com/is-shoe-polish-good-for-

leather/

Megan, M. (2020). The characteristics of Gumamela. Home Guides | SF Gate.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/characteristics-gumamela-93761.html

Nakaya, R. (2022). David Attenborough tests an extraordinary waterproof plant. The

Kid Should See This. https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/waterproof-taro-

plant-water-pooling-bromeliads-

video?fbclid=IwAR0Iak2bFZLs_NqmnNRjisoSL8mVmQZJt2p1EfR7kOCAObn

j_1IiAl5XRQU#:~:text=The%20tropical%20taro%20plant's,carries%20away%

20dirt%20and%20bacteria

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary

for CID 6212, Chloroform.

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Chloroform.

Okonkwo, C.A.C. (2012). Taro. Genetic Improvement of Vegetable Crops.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080408262500527#

Preiato, D. (2020). Taro leaves: Nutrition, benefits, and uses. Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/taroleaves?fbclid=IwAR0But8g_VOVq0iL

a_NBrfS-x58tbi0mdQh3hpvvVjV3iaCG-x0_XoFkJ-Y
Thulaja, N R. (2020). Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis). Infopedia.

https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_211_2005-01

09.html?fbclid=IwAR1rXa1GnJQpqDQJT3BgL0J45fyZ5Eo6W-xQ4S-

JhomkCL_m7udNScvr4YU

Wikipedia contributors. (2022). Shoe polish. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shoe_polish&oldid=1119263410
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the background information about gumamela petals, taro

leaves, alternative shoe polish, and related studies reviewed by the researchers.

Shoe Polish

Shoe polish is a product that was used to preserve and restore the appearance

of leather shoes or boots. Although this product is applied using a rag, cloth, and boot,

there are techniques that can be used such as spit-polishing or sweating. Despite the

shoe polish being limited or entirely intended for leather shoes, certain brands of shoe

polish allow it to be applied to non-porous materials like vinyl. Dubbin, a waxy product,

was used in the early 18th century but did not impart the shine that it is today, in the

19th century, many brands rose and were referred to as shoe polish or boot polish.

According to the history of shoe polish, during the year 1906, this product was not well

known. While sales were not especially high, a few brands, like Nugget, were available

in England during the 1800s.

By the end of the 19th century, boots and leather shoes became affordable for

almost everyone, and with the outbreak of World War I that occurred in 1914, this

made shoe polish became a need. The high demand for polished army boots, led to a

need in the market for a product that would allow boots to be polished quickly,

efficiently, and easily (Mcgill, 2007). With different ways to manufacture shoe polish,

it improved and evolved into the commercial product that people use nowadays.
Gumamela

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis is known by many names, one of them is

the shoe flower. This flower is used as an ornamental plant because of its

characteristics. The flowers grow from about 4 to 8 inches wide, but they can reach up

to 10 inches in width. Gumamela in tropical climates; will stay green year-round, while

in colder climates, it will freeze to the ground (Megan, 2019). Other than the gumamela

being used as a shoe shine and ornamental plant, it was also used as medicine

because of its nutrients (Philippine-herbal medicine, 2019) the leaves of a young

gumamela were also used as a substitute for spinach. Despite the roots being edible,

the petals and stems can also be eaten with healthy benefits (SFGate, 2019).

Gumamela (Hibiscus) is known for its characteristics and appearance, people tend to

forget the many benefits it can give.

Taro

Taro leaves are generally known for their edible, starchy root, they are also

served in some dishes. Although this is served, if the leaves aren’t clean and are eaten

raw, it is toxic. This leaf contains oxalates that can be poisonous if eaten in large

amounts (Preiato, 2020). Other than Taro leaves being edible, this leaf is one of the

few plants that can repel water. The hydrophobic effect that happens in plants such

as Taro is because they are covered with microscopic structures that resist liquids,

each leaf sends the water rolling off, which carries away dirt and bacteria

(Attenborough, 2022).
Chloroform

Chloroform (CHCl3) is a colorless, volatile liquid with an ether-like odor. In the

past, it played a huge role in anesthetics during surgery, this chemical is now primarily

used as a solvent in the production of the refrigerant freon. Acute chloroform toxicity

may result in impaired liver function, cardiac arrhythmia, nausea, and central nervous

system dysfunction (Pubchem, 2022). Chloroform today is now used to make other

chemicals; this chemical is essential to extract the Taro leaves’ hydrophobic

properties. By immersing 375 grams of taro leaves into chloroform and separating the

solution using cheesecloth, Taro's hydrophobic properties were obtained (Evangelista

et al., 2018).

Shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproof, and longevity

Shine is a key aesthetic quality and one of the fundamental components of the

concept of beauty, yet it is neither essential nor sufficient. By rubbing or applying a

chemical treatment to a surface, polishing produces a smooth, shiny finish that leaves

a spotless surface with a sizable amount of specular reflection.

Making an item or structure waterproof or water-resistant, or repelling the

intrusion of water under predetermined conditions, allows it to remain mostly

unaffected by water.

The duration of the shoe polish in the shoes is its longevity.

Shoe polish in rubber and leather shoes

Shoe polish is a popular product that is used to clean and protect shoes. A pair

of shoes might last some people only a year—but with proper care, a high-quality pair

of shoes can last many years. Shoe polish can help to restore the color of your shoes.

Another reason why shoe polish is good for leather and rubber is that it contains wax

that helps to protect the shoes from water damage. Shoe polish can also give your

leather shoes and rubber shoes a high gloss shine. Furthermore, the Gumamela and

Taro shoe polish can be afforded easily, without spending much money our shoes

would have a good appearance.

Synthesis

This chapter contains different literature and studies related to the study entitled

“Gumamela petals (Hibiscus) and Taro leaves (Colocasia Esculenta) as an alternative

shoe polish”. Also, it contains information regarding the effectiveness of gumamela

shoe polish in rubber and leather shoes and its effectiveness in terms of shine,

waterproofing, and longevity.

Furthermore, this includes the conceptual advantages of the production and

consumption of the gumamela and taro shoe polish in different aspects, the effects or

role of the materials and components in the production of gumamela and taro shoe

polish, and the methods of the production of Gumamela and Taro Shoe polish can

help restore the color of your shoes. Shoe polish is beneficial for leather and rubber

because it contains wax, which helps shield the footwear from water damage. Your

rubber and leather shoes can both get a glossy sheen from shoe polish. In addition,
Gumamela and Taro shoe polish are inexpensive, so we may maintain the appearance

of our shoes without spending a lot of money.

To summarize, as the presented related studies show, focusing only on the

Effectiveness of Gumamela and Taro shoe polish in terms of shine, waterproof, and

longevity. This study aimed to experiment with the effectiveness of gumamela and taro

as alternative shoe polish.

 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter will discuss the variables, equipment, and procedures that will be

used in the entire experimentation

Research Design

The researchers decided to use an experimental research design to determine

the effectiveness of Gumamela petals and Taro leaves as an alternative for shoe

polish. It will also help to collect detailed and factual information to be able to explain

the effectiveness of Gumamela petals and Taro leaves.

Research Instrument

The research instrument that will be applied is measurement and observation,

which involves monitoring the progress of data that is gathered during an investigation.

In order to understand how or why something occurs in a natural concept, observation

is extremely helpful. It can also be a particularly effective method of data gathering

when self-reported data is available. The level of measurement determines the type

of statistical analysis that can be concluded and, therefore, the type of conclusions

that can be drawn from the research.

Materials/Equipment:

The materials and equipment that were utilized in the study are the following:

• Gumamela petals

• Taro leaves

• Chloroform

• Beeswax
 • Olive oil

• Pan

• Normal oil base black or brown color

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will collect gumamela and taro at Pasong Kawayan II General

Trias Cavite. Taro leaves hydrophobic effect will get by submerging into chloroform for

10 minutes. It uses its hydrophobic effect to have the shoe polish waterproof property.

Gumamela extract will get by doing the hot process method. The gumamela and taro

extract will combine along with olive oil, and beeswax. Then the Gumamela and Taro

shoe shine will be created.

Statistical Treatment

The data was analyzed using the independent t-test as the statistical treatment.

The independent t-test will determine the significant differences between the two

group.