Blackstrap Molasses Research Articles

Metagenomic, organoleptic profiling, and nutritional properties of fermented kombucha tea substituted with recycled substrates.

Kombucha fermentation yields a diverse range of beneficial macro and micronutrients. In our study, we examined the metabolites, antioxidant activity, organoleptic characteristics, and nutritional attributes of traditionally prepared kombucha tea, using black tea and sugar (control) as substrates, and compared them with tea made from tea dust and blackstrap molasses (test). Kombucha tea crafted from functional raw materials exhibited enhanced sensory qualities and improved health-promoting properties. The levels of tannins, flavonoids, and phenols play a crucial role in determining the antioxidant activity of kombucha tea. Using the DPPH and FRAP methods, we investigated the antioxidant activity throughout the fermentation period, ranging from day 0 to day 12, under optimized conditions. The results consistently demonstrated an initial increase in antioxidant activity from day 0 to 6, followed by a decline from day 6 to 12. Notably, statistical analysis revealed that the antioxidant activity of the test sample was significantly better (p > 0.001) compared to the control sample. The nutritional content of the kombucha from day 6 of the test sample is higher than the control sample provided sugars (fructose 0.4 ± 0.1, glucose 0.7 ± 0.1, sucrose 1.4 ± 0.1) g/100 mL, minerals (calcium, 19.4 ± 0.15, iron 23.1 ± 0.25, and potassium 28.3 ± 0.25) mg/100 mL, vitamins (B1 0.58 ± 0.01, B2 0.30 ± 0.02, B3 0.33 ± 0.02, B6 0.75 ± 0.02, B9 0.19 ± 0.03, B12 0.9 ± 0.03, and C 1.38 ± 0.06) mg/100 mL, sodium 4.35 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, calories 14.85 ± 0.25 mg/100 mL, carbohydrates 3.135 ± 0.12, and acids (acetic acid 4.20 ± 0.02, glucuronic acid 1.78 ± 0.02) mg/100 mL on day 12. The predominant microbial species identified in both control and test samples included Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Gluconobacter oxydans, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Zygosaccharomyces bailli, each with varying dominance levels. These microorganisms play essential roles in metabolizing sugars, generating acids, and contributing to the distinctive flavor profile of kombucha. Sensory evaluations of the control and test samples were analyzed, and the overall preference was 88% for the test sample with tea dust and molasses. The sensory characteristics of the test sample included a fruity smell (41%), fizzy texture (66%), bright color (47%), and a fruity taste (67%), with overall acceptability (56%) rating it as excellent. Our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between raw materials, microbial composition, and the resulting composition of bioactive compounds.

Blackstrap molasses as a source of bioactive compounds for the green synthesis of nanoparticles

By-products from the sugar industry (e.g., blackstrap molasses) can be a source of bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolics) known to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactive molecules can be used in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles have gathered attention because of their novel physico-chemical properties and potential biological applications (e.g., biocides, fungicides, pesticides, targeted drug and gene delivery, biosensing, medical implants, and plant biostimulants). Gold, silver, iron, and copper nanoparticles are of particular interest as they can be easy to operate and are cost effective, and biocompatible, and their biological activities can be enhanced by surface modifications. In this study, the reducing potential of the phenolic compounds in molasses was investigated for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles without the external addition of reducing agents. The reddish color formation and peak appearance at 420 nm were indications of the successful synthesis of the silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles and reducing biomolecules were further characterized by microscopy (SEM, TEM, EDS) and spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques indicating nanoparticles of spherical shape and with particle sizes ranging from 15 nm–45 nm. Their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a biocidal effect, further confirmed by microscopy techniques. It appears that the nanoparticles are interacting with the cell surface of bacteria, penetrating the cell and also causing the disruption of intracellular organelles.

The Effect of Organic Biostimulants on Beneficial Soil Microorganism Activity

Organic biostimulants and organic fertilizers can improve soil health for various horticultural crops. The objectives of these experiments were to determine if biostimulants beneficially increase soil microorganism activity in soilless medium, and additionally measure the impact of synthetic and organic fertilizers with blackstrap molasses on plant nutrient uptake nutrient runoff. It was hypothesized that the addition of biostimulants will increase soil microbe activity. Evolution of soil carbon dioxide was measured by comparing different rates (0, 15, 30, and 45 mL/3.8 L of water) of blackstrap molasses using a randomized block design with 3 replications in nursery containers. Also, a second study using St. Augustinegrass and tomatoes fertilized with organic and synthetic fertilizers was evaluated with and without a biostimulant rate (30 mL/3.8 L of water). The plants were arranged in randomized complete block design with 6 replications. Soil biostimulants did significantly increase the microorganism activity at the 0.05 level. The highest rate of blackstrap molasses improved soil biological activity over a 4-week period. Additionally, fertilizer combined with molasses did show significant increases in soil microbiology for over 5 weeks for both tomatoes and St. Augustinegrass. Molasses increased soil microbial activity but not plant nutrition. Organic fertilizer though resulted in higher levels of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur in plant tissue. Further research is being conducted to measure the influence of biostimulants on the breakdown of composting plant matter. Organic fertilizer slightly increased soil water pH but reduced nutrient load pollution based on a 7-day nutrient effluent study. Total nutrients (nitrates, P, Ca, Mg, and S) runoff was significantly less than synthetic fertilizer. Organic fertilizer reduced nutrient dumping in waste effluent. Organic fertilizers can improve nutrient use efficiency.

Anaerobic biobutanol production from black strap molasses using Clostridium acetobutylicum MTCC11274: Media engineering and kinetic analysis

Microbial reduction of black strap molasses (BSM) by Clostridium acetobutylicum MTCC 11,274 was performed for the production of biobutanol. The optimum fermentation conditions were predicted using one factor at a time (OFAT) method. The identification of significant parameters was performed using Plackett-Burman Design (PBD). Furthermore the fermentation conditions were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The kinetics of substrate utilization and product formation were investigated. Initial pH, yeast extract concentration (g/L) and total reducing sugar concentration (g/L) were found as significant parameters affecting butanol production using C. acetobutylicum MTCC11274. The maximum butanol production under optimal condition was 10.27 + 0.82 g/L after 24 h. The waste black strap molasses obtained from sugar industry could be used as promising substrate for the production of next generation biofuel.

Making Biodegradable Seedling Pots from Textile and Paper Waste-Part A: Factors Affecting Tensile Strength.

This study investigates the efficacy of using discarded textile (cotton and polycotton) and paper waste (newspaper and corrugated cardboard) as substrates to form sheets with optimum tensile strength. The effect of alkali treatment (sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)), compressive loads (200 N and 500 N), and the use of binding agents (blackstrap molasses, sodium alginate, and cornstarch) were studied to optimize the tensile strength of homogeneous sheets. The alkali treatment using 5% NaOH for 5 h of soaking demonstrated the highest increase in tensile strength of 21% and 19% for cotton and newspaper, respectively. Increasing compressive load from 200 N to 500 N showed the highest increase in tensile strength of 37% and 42% for cotton and newspaper, respectively. Remarkably, among the binders, cornstarch at 20% concentration obtained an increase in tensile strength of 395%, 320%, 310%, and 185% for cotton, polycotton, corrugated cardboard, and newspaper sheets, respectively. The optimum results obtained from this study will be utilized to develop biodegradable seedling pots using discarded textile and paper waste.

Evaluating biological thatch control on Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. golf greens

AbstractThatch is a layer of living and dead plant material (stems and roots) between turfgrass leaf tissue and the soil surface. If excessive, thatch can decrease turf playability, increase scalping and disease pressure, reduce pesticide efficacy and water infiltration, and harbor insects. In golf putting greens, disruptive mechanical practices such as vertical mowing, core cultivation, grooming, and topdressing are traditional agronomic methods for managing thatch/organic matter. Non‐disruptive biological thatch reducers have been used as an alternative. Field studies were conducted to evaluate two commercial biostimulant products, a liquid vermicompost extract marketed as Worm Power® Turf and a liquid humate derivative marketed as EarthMAX, and their ability to reduce thatch on a Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. ‘Diamond’ putting green; rooting depth and weight were also evaluated. EarthMAX® was applied at two rates/frequencies, EarthMAX (1) and EarthMAX (2). In addition, two industry standards were included: blackstrap molasses and sand topdressing. In Year 2, untreated resulted in ≥42% thicker thatch than EarthMAX (2) and blackstrap molasses, no other treatment was statistically different to untreated for both years. All treatments provided lower (≥48%) thatch thickness than the industry standard sand topdressing for both years. No treatment performed differently to the untreated for thatch weight. Blackstrap molasses provided greatest root weight for both years (≥133% and ≥184% than all other treatments); however, it also provided amongst the lowest root length. Inconsistent results make it difficult to recommend biostimulants for thatch reduction. Improvements amongst some treatments over untreated and sand topdressing indicate potential benefits of their use.

Evaluating biological thatch control in turfgrass

AbstractThatch is a layer of living and dead plant material between turfgrass leaf tissue and soil surface; it can decrease playability, increase scalping and disease pressure, reduce pesticide efficacy and water infiltration, plus harbor insects. In golf putting greens, disruptive mechanical practices such as vertical mowing, core cultivation, grooming, and topdressing are traditionally used for managing thatch; however, several biological products have been marketed as non‐disruptive thatch reducers. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate thatch reduction and rooting depth of two commercial humic acid based biostimulant products, Worm Power (WP) and EarthMAX (EM). Products were applied at labelled rates and timings. EM was applied at two rates, indicated as EM (1) and EM (2). Two industry standards were also included: blackstrap molasses and sand topdressing. For both years, blackstrap molasses, EM (1), and EM (2) reduced thatch thickness compared to untreated by 30, 24, and 18% respectively. However, no decrease in thatch weight by treatment was observed. In Year 1, EM (1), and sand topdressing provided an average of 16% greater root length than untreated. However, in Year 2, WP provided 16% greater root length than untreated. EM (1) provided 117% greater root mass than untreated control in Year 2. No treatment provided greater root mass in Year 1. Thatch depth reduction indicate these products may be beneficial, but, inconsistent results mean further research is required.

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Properties of Bread Supplemented with Iron Rich Black Strap Molasses

Quality Characteristics and Antioxidant Properties of Bread Supplemented with Iron Rich Black Strap Molasses

Role of lubricant with a plasticizer to change the glass transition temperature as a result improving the mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) PLLA

Poly (lactic acid) (PLLA) is the best important bioplastics derived from renewable resources like blackstrap molasses (sugar beet, date palm and sugar cane). PLLA is brittle and has a low elongation at break, which hinders its applications in the industry. One method to solve this problem is to improve its mechanical properties by adding plasticizers. The PLLA blends were prepared at first by solution blending as a solvent casting method and then melting using a hydraulic hot press. PLLA was blended with a plasticizer (GMS/TA) to obtain a higher ductile of PLLA. The addition of lubricant and plasticizer (GMS/TA) leads to reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point (Tm), and the cold crystallization temperature (Tcc) in PLLA blends. The mechanical properties of PLLA have been investigated. The results indicated compatibility between PLLA and additives. The elongation at the break of the PLLA blend is stretched 270% with a tensile strength of 16 MPa. The addition of lubricant with the plasticizer leads to sliding the chain of PLLA, which causes to increase the strain. The physical blending has been demonstrated to be an effective technique to obtain an environmentally friendly PLLA blend with good mechanical properties, therefore it can be used in the food packaging sector.

Natural sweetening plants: A global review

The present review deals with global survey of natural sweetening plants. Interest in natural sweeteners has received much interest through civilisations and has now grown immensely in recent times either because of the rejection of artificial food non-nutritive artificial sweeteners and the safety of some synthetic additives which are a serious health hazard about high sugar intake. Although many natural compounds are sweet in taste, none of them has actually replaced sucrose (table sugar) as of now except Stevia. The search for an ideal alternative(s) to natural sucrose remains open and challenging. Here, we review the different angiospermous families that produce natural sweeteners and briefly describe new or little know natural sweeteners and also comment on the central role of the sweet taste receptors on the tongue in stimulating chemosensory system, which in turn explains the structural diversity of sweet compounds. Natural sweeteners, in comparison to non-nutritive sweeteners, contain less calories and nutrients, are metabolised, and change as they pass through the body. They include agave nectar, brown rice syrup, date sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses and blackstrap molasses, sorghum syrup and Stevia.

A randomized controlled double blinded trial to evaluate efficacy of oral administration of black strap molasses (sugarcane extract) in comparison with polyethylene glycol on pediatric functional constipation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs a significant health issue, Functional Constipation (FC) has a high prevalence of 0.7%–29% worldwide. In Persian ethnomedicine, several formulations of sugarcane extracts including faniz, shekar-e− sorkh and black strap molasses have been used to treat pediatric constipation. Aim of the studyTo evaluate efficacy and safety of oral intake of black strap molasses syrup (BSM) on FC in children. Materials and methodsA randomized controlled double blinded trial was performed on children aged 4–12 years diagnosed with FC according to ROMIII Constipation Measurement Questionnaire. Ninety-two patients were randomly divided in two groups of BSM or PEG syrups (40%) with a dose of 1 mL/kg body weight/day for 1 month. Symptoms were evaluated every two weeks. Possible serological side-effects and changes in children's body weight were investigated. BSM syrup constituents were determined by pharmacognostic methods. ResultsTreatment was successful with both interventions with no significant difference between the groups. Defecation per week was significantly improved in both groups. Symptoms including volitional stool retention, large diameter stool, painful or hard stool and large fecal mass in the rectum decreased significantly two and four weeks after intervention (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups except for the rate of large diameter stool. No side -effects were observed. The BSM naturally contained polyphenols (960 μg/mL), potassium (12430 μg/mL), iron (80 μg/mL) and calcium (3320 μg/mL). ConclusionBSM and PEG syrups had similar efficacy on FC. Compared with PEG, BSM syrup contained different natural micronutrients.

Agricultural by-product suitability for the production of chitinous composites and nanofibers utilising Trametes versicolor and Polyporus brumalis mycelial growth

Abstract Agricultural by-products can be upcycled into environmentally-sustainable, inexpensive chitinous materials and nanofibers derived from fungal mycelium for composites, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and water treatment applications. This study determined the suitability of common agricultural by-products as medium for fungal growth. Growth was measured by quantifying ergosterol, a unique fungal product, in solid and liquid media. The results reveal that fungi grew less on rice hull, sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw agricultural by-products than on commercial wheat grains. However, the liquid agricultural by-product blackstrap molasses facilitated very high biomass production, outperforming the commonly used laboratory nutrient malt extract. Hyphal fusion, sheet formation and hyphal diameter metrics of fungi growing on each substrate were evaluated by SEM to assess suitability for chitin nanofiber production. Utilising these materials offers a cheap, renewable, easily-isolated, and abundant alternative to problematic crustacean chitin that when implemented on a large scale could rapidly upcycle low-value agricultural by-products into high-value chitinous materials.

A comparative study between one-factor-at-a-time and minimum runs resolution-IV methods for enhancing the production of polysaccharide by Stenotrophomonas daejeonensis and Pseudomonas geniculate

Two bacterial strains were isolated from compost sample from Egypt and identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics using 16S rRNA sequence as Stenotrophomonas daejeonensis B14 and Pseudomonas geniculate Y8. Optimization of fermentation factors was performed by using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and minimum runs resolution-IV statistical (Min Run Res IV) approaches. OFAT technique achieved the maximum polysaccharide dry weight at 30.1 and 25.3 g/L from S. daejeonensis B14 and P. geniculate Y8, respectively on medium containing 25% (w/v) blackstrap molasses (BSM) and 1.5 g/L corn steep liquor (CSL). The optimum pH was 6.5 and 7.5 for P. geniculate Y8 and S. daejeonensis B14, respectively. This medium inoculated with 5% (v/v) of standard inoculum of each strain individually, then incubated at 30 °C using shake flasks at 200 rpm for 96 h of the incubation period, respectively. Whereas, Min Run Res IV approach was recording that 3, among 8 factors had a significant effect on biopolymer production by both strains being fermentation time (72 h), BSM concentration (250 g/L), and shaking speed (at 250 rpm). This method resulted in a 7.3 and 9.2% increase in polysaccharide yield from S. daejeonensis B14 and P. geniculate Y8, respectively as compared to OFAT. The biopolymer was partially characterized according to physiochemical properties as follows; white colour crystalline, soluble in hot water, low viscosity and its contents of ash, total carbohydrate, total reducing sugar and total protein are ranged from 5.5 to 7.8%, 44.7 to 42.4%, 14.1 to 13.5%, 1.5 to 2.4%, respectively.

The Effects of Increasing the Iron Content of Granola Bars by using Blackstrap Molasses as a Sweetener

To develop an acceptable vegan granola bar that would provide additional nutrients through the substitution of a typical sweetener with blackstrap molasses.

Efficacy Studies of Natural and Synthetic Iron Sources among Anemic Pregnant Women in Community of Faisalabad-Pakistan

In present study, different treatments enriched with natural and synthetic Iron sources along with control were developed and evaluated for proximate composition, mineral content, calorific values and sensory attributes fortnightly for sixty days and their efficacy was tested among anemic pregnant women for ninety days. Blood of 787 pregnant women was investigated for Hb status. Among them 38.50 % were found anemic (Hb < 11 g/dL) whose blood was further analyzed for complete blood count (CBC), serum Ferritin, serum Fe, total Fe binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to find IDA victims. Hence, 70.29 % pregnant females were identified as IDA sufferer. Finally, 200 volunteers were assorted randomly into 4 treatment groups. As regards product development, all treatments provided 50 % RDA (13.5 mg) of Fe except placebo (T0). The significant variations (P-value <0.05) in anthropometrics, energetics and dietary intakes were observed during the study. Hematological indices were improved significantly by T2 in 90 days as RBC count (4.60±0.027 M/uL), Hb (11.01±0.039 g/dL), Hct (33.57±0.091 %), MCV (75.00±0.117 fL), MCH (24.96±0.089 pg), MCHC (30.10±0.101 g/dL), Serum Fe (47.72±0.219 ug/dL), TIBC (373.42±1.154 ug/dL) and TS (10.20±0.093 %). However, serum Ferritin had maximum uplift (8.28±0.234 ng/mL) by T1. Liver function tests (LFTs) and renal function tests (RFTs) of volunteers showed safety of intervention. A significant positive correlation (P-value <0.05) was also found amongst indices of IDA. The outcomes of the current research work showed that natural iron sources like blackstrap molasses, dried apricots, dried dates and rape seeds are cost effective and healthful foods having high bio-available Fe as compared to synthetic Iron sources (Ferrous sulphate) in combating IDA among pregnant women.

Multi-response optimization of rhamnolipid production using grey rational analysis in Taguchi method

The present paper envisages the multi-response optimization of certain process parameters like total sugars concentration, C/N ratio and incubation time on rhamnolipid yield, surface tension reduction, biomass formation and substrate utilization, in rhamnolipid production by a Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant strain grown on clarified blackstrap molasses, under L9 orthogonal array in Taguchi design. The results have been analyzed by using grey relational analysis for the identification of an optimum level of process parameters. The validity of the results was checked though confirmation experiment, under grey relational analysis. Subsequently, the rhamnolipid yield improved from 1.45 to 1.50g/L, substrate utilization reduced from 26 to 14% (w/v) and lesser biomass was formed. Moreover, the volumetric productivity of the process improved from 0.0086 to 0.0208g/L/h by 142%. Furthermore, using analysis of variance method, significant contributions of process parameters were determined.

Production, Characterization and Physico-mechanical Properties of Bacterial Cellulose from Industrial Wastes

In the current study, two different alternative media including black strap molasses (BSM) and molasses from condensation unit of brewery industry (MB) were evaluated for production of bacterial cellulose (BC) in comparison to chemically defined Hestrin–Schramm (HS) medium as a control under static and shaking conditions. In static culture, the BC production was 2.90, 1.74, 2.41 g/l for BSM, MB and HS media, respectively after 9 days of cultivation. The production slightly increased to 3.05, 1.78, 2.49 g/l for BSM, MB and HS media, respectively under shaking conditions after 9 days. The chemical structure of BC samples was confirmed through FTIR and XRD analysis. FE-SEM analysis revealed slightly loose fibril arrangement in BSM–BC and MB–BC compared to HS–BC. Water holding capacity was in order of BSM–BC > MB–BC > HS–BC. The mechanical and thermal properties of BSM–BC and MB–BC were slightly lower than the HS–BC.

INFLUENCE OF ADULT NUTRITION ON THE FITNESS OF THE EGG PARASITOID TRICHOGRAMMA EVANESCENS (Westwood)

Experiments were conducted to determine the best nutritive source to be used for improving the quality of Trichogramma evanescens (Westwood) reared on eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olive). Various nutritive solutions were tested: pure sugar cane honey (Blackstrap Molasses), pure bee honey, 10% sucrose solution, 10% yeast extract solution, a mixture of sugar cane honey with yeast extract solution and water. Longevity, fecundity, percentage of parasitoid emergence, sex ratio (female percentage) and general productivity were investigated. Trichogrammatids fed on pure sugar cane honey parasitoized the highest number of eggs (58.2 eggs/ female), lived the longest life span (5.35days) and produced the highest percentage of emerged adults (96.86%) with more female offspring (78.17%). Unfed females parasitoized the lowest Sitotroga eggs (30.55 eggs/ female) and lived the shortest life span (1.8 days). The least percentage of emerged progeny was produced when parents were fed on mixture of sugar cane honey and yeast (87.77%), whilst females fed on yeast only produced the lowest rate of female offspring (61.82%). Generally, the highest productivity of T. evanescens reached 44.07 females/ female by feeding adults on pure sugar cane honey, while reduced drastically to 19.60 females/ female when adults were unfed.

A simulation model to approximate penetration of a non-Newtonian fluid into a porous media during slot die coating

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been developed to predict the penetration depth of a non-Newtonian fluid as it is directly coated onto porous media by a slot die coating process. The model couples 1-D modified Blake–Kozeny equations and Navier–Stokes equations. Experiments of coating a non-Newtonian solution (black strap molasses) onto carbon paper (Toray 090) are conducted and the penetration depths are measured to validate the model. Preliminary results show that predicted and measured penetration depths follow the same trend; that is, as the coating speed increases the penetration depth decreases. However, the simulated penetration depths are found to be one to two times higher than measured values at low coating speeds. Even so, the results are considered reasonable, due to imposed simplifications and approximations of the CFD model and errors associated with the experiments and measurements.

PERFORMANCE OF A LOCAL PROPOSED ECONOMICAL ADDITIVE ON THE CEMENT MORTAR PROPERTIES AFFECTED BY AGGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Admixtures have long been recognized as an important components of concrete used to improve its performance. The original use of admixtures in cementitious mixtures is not well documented. It is known that cement mixed with organic matter was applied as a surface coat for water resistance or tinting purposes. It would be a logical step to use such materials, which imparted desired qualities to the surface, as integral parts of the mixture. The use of natural admixtures in concrete was a logical progression. Materials used as admixtures included milk and lard by the Romans; eggs during the middle ages in Europe; polished glutinous rice paste, lacquer, Tung oil, blackstrap molasses, and extracts from elm soaked in water and boiled bananas by the Chinese; and in Mesoamerica and Peru, cactus juice and latex from rubber plants. The Mayans also used bark extracts and other substances as set retarders to keep stucco workable for a long period of time. (ACI Education Bulletin E4-03) Chemical admixtures confer certain beneficial effects on concrete, including reduced water requirement, increased workabi1ity, control led setting and hardening, improved strength and better durability. Many approaches have been adopted to investigate the role of chemical admixtures. One approach is to determine the state of the admixture in concrete at different times of curing. The admixture may remain in a free state as a solid or in solution, or interact at the surface or chemically combine with the constituents of cement or cement paste. The type and extent of the interaction may influence the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of cement paste. In this paper an attempt is made to discuss experimentally the performance of a local proposed economical additive on cement mortar affected by aggressive environmental conditions.