https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/2422 2026-04-13T19:13:15Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3764 Anthelmintic activity of wild chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens Linnaeus) fruit ethanolic extract against Ascaridia galli Callao, Uriel Vincent; Namocatcat, Richie; Marco, Althea Margarette This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic activity of wild chili pepper <i>(Capsicum frutescens L.)</i> fruit extract against <i>Ascaridia galli,</i> a common gastrointestinal parasite in native chickens. <i>C. frutescens,</i> known for its high capsaicin content, was hypothesized to offer a natural and cost-effective alternative to synthetic dewormers like levamisole. Using a randomized controlled trial, mortality rates of<i>A. galli</i> were assessed at four extract concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) and compared with 1mg/ml of levamisole (positive control) and a negative control (Normal Saline Solution). Results demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy, with the 100% extract achieving complete worm mortality significantly faster (1min and 43s) than levamisole (8mins and 27s). Lower concentrations of the extract showed progressively reduced activity. These findings highlight the potential of <i>C. frutescens</i> as a potent natural anthelmintic. However, practical challenges, such as scalability and the need for high fruit volumes, warrant further research, including in vivo trials and optimization of capsaicin formulations for sustainable poultry farming solutions. Abstract only 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3704 Insecticidal properties of miracle fruit (Crescentia cujete) leaves against mosquito larvae Cabanero, Fritz C.; Deriada, John Albert B.; Gil, Kevin Bryan Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern globally, with mosquitoes being the primary vector of dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and Yellow fever. In response to increasing resistance to synthetic larvicides and growing environmental concerns, there is an urgent need to explore alternative, eco-friendly mosquito control strategies. This study investigates the insecticidal properties of Miracle Fruit <i>(Cerescentia cujete)</i> leaves against mosquito larvae. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins, tannins, and flavonoids, which are known to possess larvicidal activity. Laboratory bioassays were done using 25% concentration (333.33 ppm) of leaf extracts to determine their efficacy in inducing larval mortality, with significant lethality observed at moderately high concentrations. The findings suggest that <i>C. cujete</i> possesses potent larvicidal properties and has the potential to be developed as a natural and sustainable larvicide. However, further research is recommended to isolate the specific active compounds and evaluate their environmental safety and applicability. Abstract only 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3703 Antioxidant potential of ethanolic extracts of mango (Magnifera indica) peels at different ripeness levels Dureza, Ace Jemel A.; Dumangon, Jeff Renzo D.; Tueres, Nolan Gershwin B. Mangoes are not only delicious and widely consumed tropical fruits, but they are also a rich source of antioxidant compounds, particularly vitamins C and A. These antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body’s cells from oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and aging-related conditions. Traditionally, research has focused on the fruit pulp, however, recent scientific interest has shifted toward mango peels which have been found to contain significant levels of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, all of which contribute to antioxidant activity. Their utilization presents a valuable opportunity for waste valorization, aligning with sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. Instead of contributing to landfill waste, these peels can be processed into functional food ingredients, nutraceuticals, or preservatives. In this study, the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts of mango peels from two selected mango varieties and in different stages of ripeness (unripe, partially ripe, and fully ripe) was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging assay which measures the ability of compounds to donate hydrogen atoms or electrons to neutralize DPPH radicals, reflecting their antioxidant potential. The results showed that the mango peel extracts exhibited notable antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging DPPH free radicals. Furthermore, differences in antioxidant capacity were observed across the different ripeness stages. Overall, the findings underscore the potential of mango peels as a valuable source of natural antioxidants and support their inclusion in strategies for sustainable fruit waste management. By tapping into the bioactive potential of mango peels, industries and researchers can contribute to both health and environmental conservation. Abstract only 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3702 Formulation and evaluation of liquid hand soap incorporating Plectranthus scutellarioides (Mayana) leaf ethanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus Cerbo, Yrrech Ledam; Javellana, Jan Dawn This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of liquid hand soap formulated with varying concentrations of <i>Plectranthus scutellarioides</i> (Mayana) leaf ethanolic extract against <i>Staphylococcus aureus. </i> The research focused on determining the potential of Mayana extract as a natural alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents in combating common skin pathogens. Specifically, it sought to assess whether different concentrations of the extract, when incorporated into a liquid soap formulation, could effectively inhibit the growth of <i>S. aureus</i> under laboratory conditions. To carry out the study, fresh Mayana leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and subjected to ethanol extraction using the maceration technique. The resulting crude extract was incorporated into a liquid soap base at varying concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 75%. A standardized bacterial strain of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> was prepared and inoculated onto Mueller-Hinton agar plates, where wells were filled with the different treatments including positive (ciprofloxacin), negative (distilled water and soap base), and extract-only controls. All treatments were replicated thrice and incubated for 24 hours to observe antibacterial activity. Data were analyzed by measuring the zones of inhibition (ZOI) around each well using a vernier caliper. The values obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA to assess the significance of differences among treatment groups. The statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference (p < 0.05) between the means, confirming the varying antibacterial effects of the different treatments. This provided a solid basis for determining the optimal extract concentration in the soap formulation. The 25% extract formulation exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity among the Mayana soap treatments, with a mean inhibition zone of 24.5 mm. This was notably higher than the zones produced by the 50% and 75% extract soaps, suggesting that higher concentrations may reduce diffusion efficiency due to increased viscosity. The pure extract alone also showed inhibitory effects (21 mm), while ciprofloxacin had the highest activity at 39.3 mm. The soap base and distilled water, on the other hand, exhibited no antibacterial activity, affirming that the inhibition observed was due solely to the presence of the Mayana extract. The findings support the antibacterial efficacy of <i>Plectranthus scutellarioides</i> extract, particularly at a 25% concentration when used in a liquid hand soap formulation. This concentration provides a balance between potency and formulation stability, making it a promising natural ingredient for topical antimicrobial products. Further studies are recommended to explore its safety, long-term stability, and effectiveness against other pathogens, paving the way for its potential commercial application in natural personal care products. Abstract only 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z