The Feasibility of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) as Cleaning Agent

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate malunggay leaves as cleaning agent. The malunggay leaves wre separated from the stalk, pounde using the mortar and pestle until the extract comes out. The pounded malunggay leaves wre mixed with baking soda and then water. The purpose of baking soda is to increase the effectivity of the product. The product was then placed in a container. Using the sponge, apply the mixture on stained areas (kitchen sink, refrigerator wall and tile wall). After applying the mixture on stained areas, rinse immediately. Observation was then done.

Chapter 1: Introduction

A. Background of the Study:

Cleaning agent refers to all compositions intended to be used in connection with and for increasing the effectiveness of cleaning activities. Cleaning agent includes but is not limited to hard surface cleaning compositions (kitchen, bathroom, floor, general household & glass cleaning compositions), detergents, dishwashing and food cleaning compositions, disinfectants and the like. The term cleaning as used herein refers to those activities which involve the removal of undesirable residues from surfaces and particularly includes activities such as chemical, mechanical and thermal cleaning activities as well as combinations thereof.

Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) is called a miracle vegetable because it is not only a food, it is also a medicine. It may therefore be a functional food. This plant tree is not only useful but it is the most nutritional vegetable and a herbal plant. its flowers, leaves, young pods and roots are being utilized. It is native to India but has spread to other tropical regions; in the Philippines, it grows repidly and with ease in nearly every backyard when desired. Its leaves contain different amino acids such as sitosterol and pectinesterase.

This study was conducted because the researcher wanted to know if the malunggay leaves can be an effective cleaning agent to household stains. Through this the researcher will determine the effect of malunggay leaves to common household stains. This is why the research study is conceived.

B. Statement of the Problem:

General Problem: This study is aimed to determine the effect of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves on common household stains.

Specifically it answers the following questions:
1. Can the malunggay leaves be an effective cleaning agent on common househod stains?
2. Is there any significant difference between the malunggay leaves and the commercial one?

3. Is the cleaning agent suitable in replacing the commercial one?

C. Hypothesis:

The malunggay leaves are effective as cleaning agent.

D. Significance of the Study:

This research study can contribute an idea to young minds in creating new alternative cleaning agents derived from any abundant plants. Research studies like this develops the value of resourcefulness and open-mindedness to young researchers and if landed to the right plant, this will serve as an everyday use to clean common household stains.

E. Scope and Limitation:

This research study entitled "The Feasibiltity of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) Leaves as Cleaning Agent" is limited only to the plant and part of the plant mentioned. This is only after the effects of pounded malunggay leaves on common household stains. Other related matter such as the longevity of the effects of malunggay leaves is no longer honored in this study.

F. Definition of Terms:

Cleaning Agent- is a substance, usually liquid, that are used to remove dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells and clutter in solid surfaces.

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

A cleaning agent conforming to the present invention may take any form that is suitable for the application intended and be applied by a way of a suitable cleaning procedure. Liquid cleaning agents can thus sometimes be treated as concentrates. The use of a clening agent conforming to the present invention is also possible in the form of creams, pastes, powders, pearls, tablets, etc. application as a solution, suspension, emulsion, spray, foam, on a moistened cloth, etc. as well as the extract exterior presentation depends above all in the appliocation intended. Mechanical cleaning activities include the use of forces exerted onto the residues, potentially including the use of tools such as sponges, scrapers ang the like and/or potentially including other means to deliver the forces such as ultrasonic waves, a beam of solid particles and the like.

Malunggay is known as Horseradish Tree in English. The odd name stemsfrom the fact that some Brits noticed the roots of this tree looked nearly identical to real horseradish and they used it on their beef as a substitute for the sharp original condiment - the two are not related at all. Besides the roots, the long ribbed pods or "fruit" are edible and often used in Indian curries; though the skinis discarded and only the pulp is sucked out in what is apparently a rather messy endeavor. The leaves are also edible and apparently incredibly nutritious. Today, malunggay is consumed in huge quantities every day across the archipelago. It is added to soups and provides excellent nutritional points for every little money. A huge bunch of the market today was just PhP 5 or 10 U.S. cents and that's just for reference as we normally just ask for some leaves from a neighbor, a house or two down the street. The leaves must be used almost immediately after picking. Just throw them into the soup at the last minute or they will overcook and even more slimy.

Resources: http://www.google.com/

http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/malunggay-horseradish-tree

Chapter 3: Methodology

A. Materials:

5 cups malunggay leaves

mortar and pestle

5 tsp. water

container

2 1/2 tsp. baking soda

sponge

B. Procedure:

Pound the malunggay leaves using mortar and pestle to get the extractfrom it. Mix the pounded malunggay leaves with baking soda and then water. After mixing, place the mixture un a container.

C. Testing:

Using the sponge, apply the mixture on stained areas (kitchen sink, refrigerator wall and tile walls). After cleaning/applying the mixtures on stained areas, rinse immediately. Observation was then done.

D. Observation:

The areas (kitchen sink, refrigerator wall and tile walls) was then observed if the product was effective, if it can remove the stains in those areas.

Chapter 4: Results and Discussions

This chapter shows the results and discussions of my research proposal entitled "The Feasibility of Malunggay Leaves as Cleaning Agent". It shows the ratings and comments of people who tried to use my product.

Trial 1:

Names Areas Comments

Kitchen Sink Refrigerator Wall Tile Wall

Aguelo 3 3 3 It needs improvement

Padilla 3 3 3 It is not effective

Garces 4 3 3 The product needs improvement

Mackno 5 4 5 The product is not effective

Trial 2:

Names Areas Comments

Kitchen Sink Refrigerator Wall Tile Wall

Aguelo 2 2 2 The product is better than the previous one

Padilla 3 2 3 The product is more effective

Garces 3 2 3 The product is better

Mackno 3 2 3 The cleaning agent is effective

Legend: 1-excellent 2-very good 3-good 4-fair 5-poor

The researcher made two trials to see if the product is effective or not. In the first trial, we can see that the product really needs improvement. In the second trial, we can see that the product has improved.

Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendation

Summary:

This research study conducted last October 2008 and fulfilled after January 2009. The first trial was obtained during the first week of october 2008 and the second trial revealed results on the latter part of January 2009. There were positive results showing that the researcher obtain satisfactory results and the researcher found out that the malunggay leaves wiht baking soda can help remove common household stains.

Conclusions:

1. Malunggay leaves with baking sopda can remove stains on common household stains.

2. The commercial is still better than the product.

3. There is no significant difference between the product and the commercial one.

Recommendation:

The study resulted into a smooth yet unsatisfactory results. The researcher recommend further extended studies on improving or creating other plant alternatives. Furthermore, additional readings and more informations about the study is highly appreciated.