Uray Roots (Amaranthus Spinosus) and Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) as

an alternative antibacterial ointment.

Science Investigatory Project

Presented to
Alalum National High School

By:

Lopez Merned R.

Date
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes the background of the study, statement of the

problem, hypothesis, significance of the study, scope and delimitation and

definition of terms.

A. Background of the Study

Worldwide misuse and overuse of medicines, especially topical

antibacterial ointments, have resulted in antibiotic-resistant

microorganisms. This poses a significant risk to public health as it lowers

the effectiveness of available treatments and may lead to infections that

are more severe and difficult to treat. Furthermore, problems with the

healthcare system, the supply chain, and economic disparity can make

it difficult for people in many parts of the world to get essential medical

products, such as antibiotic ointments. People may find it more

challenging to obtain the drugs they require to treat bacterial infections

as a result of this lack of access. People may find it challenging to

successfully control the growth of germs, especially in the case of deep

or persistent wounds, even if antibacterial ointments are intended to

prevent or treat wound infections. Inadequate infection control strategies

may lead to prolonged healing times and potential repercussions.

The normal and abnormal wound healing is directly linked with

inflammatory process. Inflammation is a natural and protective

mechanism of the body for stimulation of tissue repair. Traditionally,

herbal medicinal plants have been for treating wounds, skin diseases,
 cuts and burns. Plants metabolites possess tissue regeneration and

healing properties. They contain a high concentration of polyphenols,

which have been shown to have extraordinary antioxidant activity,

and phytochemicals, which can be used to treat a wide range of skin

damages.

Hence, wound-healing medicinal plants may be preferable to

current pharmaceutical options given adequate scientific study.

Polyphenols, crude fibre, proteins and saccharides are all abundant in

the medicinal herb Amaranthus spinosus, which makes it an effective

treatment for a variety of conditions. It has been used historically to heal

wounds, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, treat depression, and even

cure malaria. The researchers want to work with amaranthus spinosus

as a primary component in making antibacterial ointment.

B. Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the

effectiveness of Uray roots (Amaranthus Spinosus) as primary

component of antibacterial ointment. Moreover, it aims to investigate the

following:

1. Which commercial antibacterial ointment was the most frequently

preferred by the respondents?

2. What are the advantages of the organic antibacterial ointment in terms

of:

2.1 odor

2.2 texture
 3. Is there a significance difference between the commercial and the organic

antibacterial ointment in terms of:

3.1 odor

3.2 texture

C. Hypothesis

There is no significant difference between the commercial and the

alternative ointment in terms of its odor and texture.

D. Significance of then Study

The researchers believed that the Uray roots (Amaranthus

Spinosus) and the Coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera) as an alternative

antibacterial ointment can improved safety profiles, reduced

environmental impact, and enhanced compatibility with the skin's natural

defenses. Specifically, the results of the study will be of great benefit to

the following:

Community. It will provide an easy way to treat small wounds,

scratches, and burns that promotes healthy wound healing and lowers

the risk of subsequent infections. In community healthcare settings, the

usage and availability of alternative antibacterial ointments can also

operate as a platform for health education and empowerment. These

ointments support community members' capacity to take charge of their

health and well-being by advancing knowledge about topical therapies

and appropriate wound care techniques.

Environment. This study will help to minimize environmental

contamination compared to traditional antibiotics. This reduction in

 environmental impact can contribute to the preservation of aquatic and

terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in areas where antibiotic pollution has

been identified as a concern.

Future researchers. This study can also be a reliable

research design for future research. Moreover, this research will also

guide future researchers and help them build on crucial knowledge

related to the same issue. It will also allow them to be better

researchers, and it could serve in the future as a future guide for further

studies.

E. Scope and Delimitation

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using uray roots

as a primary component for antibacterial ointment. Specifically, it will

investigate which commercial ointment was the most frequently

preferred by the respondents and the parameters of the antibacterial

ointment in terms of odor and texture. Furthermore, it will know the

difference between the commercial and the alternative antibacterial

ointment in terms of odor and texture.

Nevertheless, it will not focus on the effectiveness of using the

alternative antibacterial ointment in treating wound. It will not include

longevity of the product compare to the commercial one. And lastly this

study will not also include the possible impact of the alternative

antibacterial ointment in the environment.

F. Definition of Terms

Antibacterial. It is anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their

growth or their ability to reproduce.

Parameters. It is a set of facts or a fixed limit that establishes or limits

how something can or must happen or be done.

Phytochemicals. A chemical produced by plants.

Polyphenols. It is a type of antioxidant that is found in abundance in

extra virgin olive oil.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter includes the related literature and studies which the

researchers have pursued to shed light on the topic under study.

Antibacterial Ointment

Antibacterial ointments are commonly used to prevent or treat

infections in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. The ointment works by

inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin, thus reducing the risk of

infection. It is important to apply the ointment to clean, dry skin and cover

the affected area with a sterile bandage to promote healing and prevent

further contamination. (Mayo Clinic 2021)

Amaranthus Spinosus

Amaranthus spinosus is also used as antiinflammatory,

antimalarial, antibacterial, antidiuretic and antiviral agents. The plant has

several active constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides,

phenolic acids, steroids, amino acids, terpenoids, lipids, saponins,

betalains, B-sitosterol, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, rutin, catechuic tannins

and carotenoids. It also contains amaranthoside, a lignin glycoside,

amaricin, a coumaroyl adenosine along with stigmasterol glycoside,

betaine such as glycinebetaine and trigonelline. The leaves and roots

are applied as poultice to relief bruises, abscesses, burns, menorrhagia,

gonorrhoea and inflammatory swelling. (Harsha Vardhana S. 2011)

 Amaranthus spinosus is a traditional medicinal herb that belongs

to Amaranthaceae, it has been used in the treatment of inflammation,

depression, diabetes, wound, malaria and pain (Ilhem et al., 2016). A.

spinosus is very rich in proteins (12.6 to 18.0%), fat (5 to 8%),

saccharides (60 to 65%), and crude fiber (3 to 5%). The stem bark of this

medicinal herb possesses a rich source of phenolic acids (Hilou and

Nacoulma, 2006). Due to numerous traditional uses and

phytoconstituents present in them, this study aimed to evaluate the

possible wound healing, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of A.

spinosus in rats. Therefore, in this study, A. spinosus extract was

evaluated against infected and non-infected wound and its oxidative

stress reducing property for fast recovery of wounds.

Uray, also known as Amaranthus spinosus, is a plant that is widely

recognized for its potential health benefits. The roots of Amaranthus

spinosus have been of interest due to their various properties and

traditional uses in different cultures. While scientific research on the

specific properties of Amaranthus spinosus roots is limited, there is some

evidence to suggest potential medicinal and nutritional benefits.

(Wambugu S. 2019)

Amaranthus spinosus roots have been traditionally used in

different parts of the world for their medicinal properties. In some

cultures, the roots are used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery,

and inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the roots are also considered

to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which

may contribute to their traditional medicinal uses. (Mahomoodally MF.

2019)

From a nutritional perspective, the roots of Amaranthus spinosus

are a potential source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Studies

have shown that the roots contain significant levels of nutrients such as

calcium, iron, and vitamin C, which are essential for overall health and

well-being. While the research on the specific properties of Amaranthus

spinosus roots is ongoing, the traditional uses and preliminary studies

suggest that they may offer various health benefits. (Odesanmi OS.

2018)

Coconut Oil

Several studies have demonstrated that coconut oil may also aid

wound healing. It found that treating the wounds with virgin coconut oil

sped up healing, improved antioxidant status and increased levels of

collagen, an important protein that aids in wound healing. In addition to

improving wound healing, its antimicrobial properties may also prevent

infection, one of the major risk factors that can complicate the healing

process. (Rachael Ajmera. 2023)

The oil is composed predominantly of medium-chain fatty acids,

especially lauric acid, along with other fatty acids, such as oleic and

linoleic acids. CnO is known to be easily absorbed, with a high potential

for accelerating cell metabolism, moistening wounds, and decreasing

inflammatory signs. Coconut oil hydrolysis usually produces

monoglycerides, diglycerides, and free fatty acids (FFAs). A combination

of monoglycerides and FFAs and, principally, lauric acid and monolaurin

is known to have antibacterial and antifungal effects, and this makes

coconut oil a good candidate for use in wound-healing formulations.

(Khaled M. 2020)

Beeswax

Beeswax is the substance that forms the structure of a

honeycomb; the bees secrete wax to build the honeycombs where to

store honey. Thanks to its rich hydrophobic protective properties, the

beeswax is in fact present within cosmetics and body products. Exactly

as the honey which it contains, beeswax is also characterized by several

therapeutic properties of great interest to us; it is thought to be

particularly effective in healing bruises, inflammation and burns. (Filippo

Fratini. et al. 2016)

 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the research design, conceptual framework and

the materials and methods.

A. Research Design

Get the extraction Boiled the extract

Gather all the of the uray roots amaranthus with
materials needed using the mortar coconut oil
and pestle

Boiled the extract Using cheesecloth

Put it in a small
amaranthus and filter the the boiled
container
coconut oil with amaranthus
beeswax

B. Materials and Method

Materials:

The materials needed to conduct this study are;

• Uray roots

• Mortar and pestle

• Coconut oil

• Beeswax

• Casserole

• Cheesecloth
 • Small container

• Knife

Procedure:

The following are the procedure to make the product. First, gather all the

materials needed. Then get the extract of the uray roots using mortar ang pestle

and boiled it with coconut oil. Next filter the boiled uray root extract with coconut

oil using cheesecloth and boiled it again with beeswax. Last put it on a small

container.

C. Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

• Uray roots • Gathering • Alternative

• Coconut oil • Boiling antibacterial
• Filtering ointment
• beeswax
• Boiling

The first box contains the input which is the uray roots, coconut oil and

beeswax. The second box contains the processes of the experiment which is

gathering, boiling and filtering. And the last box contains the output which are

the alternative antibacterial ointment.

 Chapter IV

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results and discussions of the study.

Table 1

The preferred Antibacterial Ointment of the Respondents

Bactroban IIIII IIIII II

Mupirocin IIIII III
Triple Antibiotic Ointment IIIII IIIII

The table shows which commercial products are the most preferred by

the respondents. The Bactroban is preferred by the 12 respondents, the

mupirocin has 8 numbers of respondents and the Triple antibiotic ointment has

10 numbers of respondents in a total of 30 respondents.

Table 2

The Advantages of the Alternative Antibacterial Ointment in terms

of its Odor and Texture

Odor Texture
In terms of its odor the advantages of In terms of its texture, the made

the made products are that the product is not that sticky and will not

ointment smells pleasant and easily irritate the skin of the users of

relaxing because of the coconut oil this product.

 that is one of the ingredients in

making the antibacterial ointment.

The table 2 shows that the advantages of the Alternative

Antibacterial ointment in terms of its odor is that it's more pleasant because of
the coconut oil. While in terms of its texture, the made product is not sticky in
the skin.

Table 3
Significance Difference Between the Made Product and
Commercial in terms of its Odor and Texture

Computed P Decision Interpretation

T-test Value

Odor 5.21 2.045 Rejected There is a significant difference

between the made product and

the commercial in terms of its

odor.

Texture -0.52 2.045 Accepted There is no significant difference

between the made product and

the commercial in terms of its

texture.

Table 3 shows the T-test for the odor of the made product. Based on the

computation, the value of T is greater than the P value, indicating that it is

rejected. The computation reveals that the alternative antibacterial ointment is

rejected in terms of its odor. However, the T-test computation for the texture of

the made product is less than the P value, indicating that it is accepted. The

computation reveals that the alternative antibacterial ointment is accepted in

terms of its texture.

 Chapter V

Findings, Conclusion and Recommendation

This chapter include the findings, conclusion and recommendation.

Findings

The study revealed the following findings:

1. The prepared commercial antibacterial ointment by the respondents

is Bactroban.

2. The advantages of the antibacterial ointment regarding the odor are

that it's more pleasant because of the coconut oil that is being used.

While the texture is more soothing for the skin because of the oil.

3. Based on the computation t test of the odor because the T value is

less than the value of P means the texture is accepted. And the T value

of the texture is greater than the P means the odor is not accepted.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, the following are concluded:

1. The Bactroban is the prepared commercial antibacterial ointment by the

respondents.
 2. The made antibacterial ointment has more soothing and pleasant

fragrance and texture because of the oil and the uray roots that is being

used.

3. There is a significant difference between the ingredients used in terms

of its odor. On the other hand, there is no significant difference between

the ingredients used in terms of its .

Recommendation

With the above finding of the researcher, the following are hereby

recommended:

1. The future researcher should at least find an antibacterial ointment that

can easily buy at the market.

2. They should try to use the leaves of the Uray so they can observe on

which of them will give the best result regarding the texture and odor of

the alternative.

3. To test the type of wound can the alternative antibacterial ointment can

cure.
 Bibliography

Amgad A. Awad El-Giedand Abdelkareem M. Abdelkareem (2015)

Investigation of cream and ointment on antimicrobial activity of Mangiferaindica

extract. Retrieved on September 07, 2023 from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4397619/

Faizal C. Peedikayil(2016) Comparison of antibacterial efficacy of

coconut oil and chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans. Retrieved on

September 07, 2023 from:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5109859/

Harsha Vardhana S (2011) IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF

AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS ROOT EXTRACTS. Retrieved on September 07,

2023 from: http://www.pharmacophorejournal.com/

Yadav Abhishek and Samanta Krishanu (2021) Formulation and

evaluation of herbal ointment using Emblica officinalis extract. Retrieved on

September 08, 2023 from: https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/WJARR-2021-

0040.pdf

SYLVIA (2022) HEALTH BENEFITS OF PIGWEED Retrieved on September

08, 2023 from:

https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/pigweed/?fbclid=IwAR3NH56RDI98b4ld

zv--f3FK3KjfOlyrKBbsw2GgVBkGc973NIUq4FwkHA
 Appendices

This part presents the procedure, survey and the computed t-test.

Procedure

Gather all the materials needed

Get the extract of Uray roots

Boiled the extract and roots with Coconut Oil

 Melt the Beeswax

Mix the boiled Uray roots with the beeswax

The Finish Product

Survey
The Computed T-test

Table 1

Significance Difference Between the Made Product and Commercial in

terms of its Odor

x x-x̅ (x-x̅)2 y y-y̅ (y-y̅)2

4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694

4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028

4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 2 -1.17 1.361
4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
3 -0.77 0.593 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 3 -0.17 0.028
4 0.23 0.053 4 0.83 0.694
∑= 3.77 ∑= 5.37 ∑= 3.17 ∑= 6.17
 ∑(𝑥−𝑥)2 5.37 5.37
1.) 𝑆𝑥 = √ 𝑛−1
𝑆𝑥 = √30−1 𝑆𝑥 = √ 29 = 0.4302

∑(𝑦−𝑦)2 6.17 6.17

2.) 𝑆𝑦 = √ 𝑛−1
𝑆𝑦 = √30−1 𝑆𝑦 = √ 29 = 0.4611

𝑥−𝑦 3.77−3.17 0.6

3.) 𝑡= 2 2
𝑡= 2 2
𝑡= 0.19 0.21
√𝑆𝑥 +𝑆𝑦 √(0.4302) +(0.4611) √ + 30
𝑛 𝑛 30 30 30

0.6 0.6 0.6

𝑡= 𝑡= = 0.11 = 5.21
√ 0.006+0.007 √0.013

4.) = 5.21 > 2.045 – Rejected

Table 1 shows of the T-test for the odor of the made product. Based

on the computation, the value of T is greater than the P value,

indicating that it is rejected. The computation reveals that the

alternative antibacterial ointment is rejected in terms of its odor.

 Table 2

Significance Difference Between the Made Product and Commercial in

terms of its Texture

x x-x̅ (x-x̅)2 y y-y̅ (y-y̅)2

4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401

3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134

4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
3 -0.57 0.321 3 -0.63 0.401
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 3 -0.63 0.401
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 3 -0.63 0.401
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 3 -0.63 0.401
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 4 0.37 0.134
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
4 0.43 0.188 3 -0.63 0.401
3 -0.57 0.321 4 0.37 0.134
∑= 3.57 ∑= 7.37 ∑= 3.63 ∑= 6.97
 ∑(𝑥−𝑥)2 7.37 7.37
1.) 𝑥=√ 𝑛−1
𝑆𝑥 = √30−1 𝑆𝑥 = √ 29 = 0.5040

∑(𝑦−𝑦)2 6.97 6.97

2.) 𝑆𝑦 = √ 𝑛−1
𝑆𝑦 = √30−1 𝑆𝑦 = √ 29 = 0.4902

𝑥−𝑦 3.57−3.63 −0.06

3.) 𝑡= 2 2
𝑡= 2 2
𝑡= 0.25 0.24
√𝑆𝑥 +𝑆𝑦 √(0.5040) +(0.4902) √ +
𝑛 𝑛 30 30 30 30

−0.06 −0.06 −0.06

𝑡= 𝑡= = = - 0.52
√0.008+0.008 √0.016 0.13

4.) = -0.52 > 2.045 – Accepted

Table 2 shows of the T-test for the texture of the made product. Based on the

computation, the value of T is less than the P value, indicating that it is

accepted. The computation reveals that the alternative antibacterial ointment is

accepted in terms of its texture.