Coconut Oil Research Articles

Hermetia illucens larvae fat vs coconut oil to obtain free lauric acid-rich products by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract Lauric acid is present in various vegetable fats and has been shown to be beneficial for human health and well-being. The interest in the properties of this fatty acid has led to an increase in the production and consumption of oils rich in lauric acid, primarily coconut oil. Despite being less known, there is an atypical animal source of lauric acid that can be considered more sustainable and that has levels of this fatty acid comparable to coconut oil, as the case of the larvae of the edible insect black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is. Due to the fact that some of the bioactive properties of lauric acid are linked to its free form, and also to facilitate subsequent concentration processes, the release of the fatty acid from the triacylglycerols present in fats becomes necessary. In this study, chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis for transforming both lauric acid-rich fats into a product rich in free fatty acids (FFA) were investigated. Different variables were studied, such as reaction time and the amount of catalyst used, resulting in maximum conversions to FFA in the case of chemical hydrolysis in just 20 min for both fats. Furthermore, the efficiency of the lipase Eversa® Transform 2.0 in generating a lauric acid-rich product from both oils was demonstrated, but in this case, a longer time was needed. The products obtained through both types of hydrolysis contained high percentages of free lauric acid, also exhibiting high stability against oxidation. This makes H. illucens larvae fat a comparable and alternative source to coconut oil to produce lauric-acid rich products useful for different applications.

The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil on TNFα and Cytochrome P450 Aromatase Levels in Obese Female White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced with a High-Fat Diet

Background: The high level of various proinflammatory cytokines due to adipocyte hypertrophy such as TNFα in obesity increases cytochrome-P450-aromatase, further inducing increased estrogen production, hypersecretion of Luteinizing Hormone and decreased Follicle Stimulating Hormone, resulting in impaired folliculogenesis, and chronic anovulation. Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in Medium Chain Fatty Acid and phytochemicals as anti-inflammatory. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of VCO on reducing TNFα and cytochrome-P450-aromatase levels in obese female white rats. Methods: Post test only control group, 24 rats were divided into 3 groups, namely: negative control group (K-), positive control group (K+), and treatment group (P). The K+ and P groups were induced using a high-fat diet for 10 weeks, then the P group was given VCO in weeks 7-10. On the first day of week 11, blood was taken from the orbital vein of the eyes of all rats for TNFα levels. Both examinations used ELISA kits. Data analysis used Shapiro Wilks normality test. The value of p>0.05, followed by hypothesis testing using one-way annova and post hoc Bonferroni. Results: Mean TNFα in the K- group: 141.71±8.87, K+ group: 15.09±19.30, P group: 162,09±13,57. Mean cytochrome-P450-aromatase levels in the K- group: 9.00±0.77, K+ group: 12.22±1.69, P group: 10.58±0.97. The mean levels of one way ANOVA analysis showed that the administration of VCO can significantly reduce TNFα levels (p=0.001) and significantly reduce Cytochrome-P450-aromatase levels (p=0.001). Conclusion: VCO administration can reduce TNFα levels and cytochorme-P450-aromatase levels in obese female white rats. Keywords: TNFα, cytochrome-P450-aromatase, infertility, obesity

Performance Assessment of Quenchants on Mechanical Properties of Steel Grade A1046

The main aim of the study is to assess the performance of ghee oil, coconut oil and sea water quenchants on mechanical properties of A1045 steel. The procedures comprise the production of tensile steel specimens, heat-treat them into electrical oven at 850°C for one hour, quench them in ghee oil, coconut oil and sea water separately. The quenched samples were again tempered separately at the temperature of 400°C. Then all the specimens taken for the mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile, impact test and also to calculate the percentage of elongation, having completion of tests, microstructural analysis had conducted to view the structures contain in each specimen. The results obtained on these processes determine whether these oils can be used as local industrial quenchants. The facilities required for the research is include material testing laboratory, heat treatment workshop, machine shop and metallographic laboratory to mentioned but a few. The material selection is steel grade A1045, that have been normally utilize in metal industries for the production of machine parts and structural components

Enhancing Chinese Steam Bun Characteristics with Chlorella vulgaris-Enriched Coconut Oil

Enhancing Chinese Steam Bun Characteristics with Chlorella vulgaris-Enriched Coconut Oil

Sustainable and efficient oil-water separation using bio tin oxide-based superhydrophobic membrane

IntroductionSuperhydrophobic materials are considered an ideal method for oil-water separation. However, existing oil-water separation methods have the problem of manufacturing complex and toxic chemical reagents. To address the limitation, we proposed a novel approach to sustainable and efficient oil-water separation using a superhydrophobic membrane based on the Bio Tin oxide nanoparticles (Bio-SnO2 NPs).MethodsThe study involves synthesizing Bio-SnO2 NPs from the sunflower leaf extract which was natural and non-toxic and modifying textile fabric with a superhydrophobic coating (S.T.F.). Characterization techniques including SEM, FTIR, and BET analysis are employed to assess the structural and textural properties of the modified membrane.Results and DiscussionThe textile fabric was modified with a superhydrophobic coating (S.T.F.), demonstrating enhanced wettability, oil absorption capacity, and oil-water separation performance. The Bio-SnO2 NPs exhibited crystalline structures with a length of 90 nm and a diameter of 20 nm, as confirmed by SEM analysis. FTIR results revealed characteristic peaks at 3410 cm-1 and 642 cm-1, indicating the presence of hydroxyl group and Sn-O bonds confirming the successful synthesis of Bio-SnO2 NPs. BET analysis showed a substantial specific surface area of 413 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.19 cm3/g, emphasizing the textural properties. The FTIR and SEM techniques were used to study the characteristics of the textile fabric before and after modification with the superhydrophobic coat. The S.T.F. exhibited remarkable superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 152° and a water sliding angle of 4°. Absorption capacities for coconut oil, diesel, and hexane were found to be 70.4 g/g, 63.5 g/g, and 49.6 g/g, respectively, with excellent cyclic stability. Separation efficiency for hexane, diesel, and coconut oil was found to be 99.5, 97.1%, and 96.3%, respectively, with excellent cyclic stability. Mechanical stability test revealed superhydrophobicity retention even after an abrasion length of 200 mm. The chemical stability test indicated that the superhydrophobicity was maintained in the pH range of 3-11. Moreover, the flux for hexane, diesel, and coconut oil was 9400 L m−2 h−1, 8800 L m−2 h−1, and 8100 L m−2 h−1, respectively, highlighting the membrane’s efficient oil-water separation capabilities. These results collectively position the developed S.T.F. as a promising and sustainable solution for diverse oil-water separation applications.

Medium-short chain fatty acids cannot spare the essential fatty acids of low marine diets in golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

Based on the essential fatty acids (EFA) precision nutrition, a blend oil (BO) of fish oil and terrestrial oils was developed, and applied successfully to the low marine diets of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). To evaluate whether medium- and short-chain fatty acids (MCFA and SCFA), efficient energy supplements for animals, can spare the dietary EFA, four iso-proteic (48%) and iso-lipidic (11%) low fishmeal (FM) diets (D1-D4, contained 6% FM) were formulated and fed T. ovatus juveniles (initial weight ∼8.50 g) for 9 weeks in sea cages. Control diets (D1) contained 8% BO, while the BO of diets D2-D4 were replaced 50% with coconut oil, coconut oil + sodium butyrate, and coconut oil + n-3 LC-PUFA enriched oil, respectively. The results showed that compared to the D1 group, the growth performance of D2 and D3 were significantly lower, while a comparable growth was detected in the D4 group. The muscle and hepatic n-3 PUFA levels in the D2 and D3 groups were significantly low, and these fatty acid contents were modified in the D4 group. Meanwhile, the muscle textural firmness of the D2-D4 groups was decreased. Regarding the health index of fish, compared to the D1 group, high serum triglyceride (TG) contents and low HDL/LDL ratio were detected in the D2-D4 groups, and high ACP, AST, and ALT activities were observed in these groups. Meanwhile, high HSI and low hepatic enzymatic activities of CAT and ALT were measured in the D2-D3 groups. Additionally, the mRNA levels of hepatic fatty acid synthesis-related genes (fas, acc, and pparγ) were significantly increased in D2-D4 groups, and the expression levels of lipid catabolism genes (cpt-1 and lpl) showed an upward trend. Moreover, the D2 group exhibited the lowest intestinal wall thickness, the mRNA levels of intestine anti-inflammatory cytokines (il-10) were up-regulated in the D2-D4 groups, and the highest mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il-8) were detected in the D2 group. In conclusion, the EFA deficiency leads to a decline in the growth and muscle quality of T. ovatus fed low marine diets, which cannot be mitigated by the addition of medium-short chain fatty acids. The results indicated that MCFA and SCFA cannot spare the EFA of low marine diets in T. ovatus.

Investigating the Wear Mechanism of TiAlN/TiN PVD-Coated WC Inserts in End Milling of Incoloy 925 Under Synergy of Bio-Degradable Fatty Acids and Nano-Metallic Solid Lubricant

Abstract Rapid tool wear in machining difficult-to-cut material is a significant challenge since it is related to tool cost, surface integrity of machined components, and power consumption. The reduction in tool wear may be accomplished by cutting fluids, especially in modern biodegradable fatty acids. Because of its high lubricity, coconut oil is the best choice for lubricating fatty acids. However, this oil has poor heat transfer properties. Hence, to further improve its properties, copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs), which have a high thermal conductivity to cost ratio compared to other nanoparticles in addition to anti-frictional and anti-wear properties (due to self-repairing properties caused by their low shear strength and easy deposition on contacting surfaces), have been dispersed in coconut oil, thus creating a nano-lubricant (nanofluid). It is found that synthesized nano-lubricants perform better in thermo-physics and tribology than pure coconut oil. Further, research has been carried out on the combined effects of coconut oil and 0.3 vol% Cu-NPs on Incoloy 925's end milling performance and tool wear mechanism (viz., coating delamination, adhesion, abrasion, and oxidation). It is found that tool wear-rate is reduced, which in turn increases tool life, due to effective cooling and lubrication when nanofluid-based minimum quantity lubrication (NMQL)-assisted machining is performed rather than dry and pure oil-based minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) conditions. Consequently, energy consumption in machining and surface quality of machined components are improved.

Customized 3D printing to build plant-based meats: Spirulina platensis protein-based Pickering emulsion gels as fat analogs

To expand the application of emulsion gels as fat replacers in food systems, they were applied as fat analogs for plant-based meats by single-channel and dual-channel 3D printing. Spirulina platensis protein, as sustainable food sources, exhibits excellent emulsifying ability and has been generated into nanoparticles to stabilize emulsions. Three novel fat analogs: spirulina platensis protein nanoparticle based Pickering emulsions gels (SPP); nanoparticles/xanthan gum-based emulsions gels (SPP-XG); nanoparticles/xanthan gum/sunflower wax-based emulsions gels (Bigel); and three conventional oils: coconut oil; palm oil; and oleogel were regarded as fat components. The fat and protein components blended for printing by single-channel 3D printing, resulting in a new type of plant-based meats with extremely high printing accuracy and exhibiting “print inflation”. It exhibited lower hardness, which was conducive to chew compared with control ones. The water mobility was weakened as showed in LF-NMR, meaning the improved water holding capacity of plant-based meats. Protein and oil matrix were loaded into two printing cartridges respectively for dual-channel 3D printing, Bigels and palm oil (PO) served as a comparison of oil types. The cooking loss and shrinkage of Bigel-based plant-based meats obtained by this method were at extremely low level with 4.81% ∼ 6.20% and 5.16% ∼ 7.72%, respectively. As the oil content increased to 60%, the PO-plant-based meats collapsed and lost their printing structure, while Bigel-plant-based meats exhibited better printing effects, which can be regarded as an ideal special fat for 3D printing to construct plant-based meats.

Chemical and sensory evaluations of energy bar made from purple sweet potatoes and tapioca flour with the addition of Sidempuan salak (Salacca sumatrana (Becc.)) fruit

Sidempuan salak is a local fruit originating from South Tapanuli, North Sumatra. This fruit has a unique taste of sweet, sour and slightly astringent. This fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into several products, such as flour, drinks and sweets. This study aimed to develop a food-based energy bar from Sidempuan salak fruit (Salacca sumatrana (Becc.)). Energy bar formulation was done by blending purple sweet potato flour, tapioca flour, glucose syrup, egg albumen, coconut oil, salt, and dried salak fruit powder at 0 g as the control, 100 g (bar 1), 150 g (bar 2) and 200 g (bar 3). The chemical characteristic analysis showed that the control energy bars (CEB) per 100 g consisted of 63.17 g of carbohydrates, 1.95 g of protein, 13.42 g of fat, 6.40 mg of vitamin C, 248.05 mg of potassium and 381.24 kcal. Energy bar salak 1 (EBS1) had 377.44 kcal with a composition of 68.34 g carbohydrates, 1.71 g protein, 10.81 g fat, 8.00 mg vitamin C and 347.05 mg potassium. Energy bar salak 2 (EBS2) contained 375.49 kcal with 71.48 g carbohydrate, 1.84 g protein, 9.12 g fat, 5.77 mg vitamin C and 368.42 mg potassium. Energy bar salak 3 (EBS3) showed 369.40 kcal with 74.54 g carbohydrates, 1.92 g protein, 7.07 g fat, 9.96 mg vitamin C and 410.24 mg potassium. Based on sensory evaluation, the untrained panellists indicated that ESB3 was the most preferred, even though EBS1 and EBS2 were also very much acceptable. In conclusion, energy bars containing salak (EBS1, EBS2, EBS3) were lower in calories than the control energy bars due to the lower addition of flour. From the data obtained, salak has a good potential to be used as an additional ingredient to develop energy bars.

Coconut-sourced MCT oil: its potential health benefits beyond traditional coconut oil

AbstractPlant dietary lipids remain one of the most intriguing and complex classes of biological molecules. Among them, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have garnered recognition for their unique physico-chemical properties and potential health benefits. Despite their classification as saturated fats, they stand apart from other saturated fatty acids due to their distinctive characteristics, positioning them as a valuable component in nutrition. While traditional dietary fats primarily contain long-chain triglycerides (LCTs), MCTs consist of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), naturally found in coconut and palm oils. The structural dissimilarity grants MCTs advantageous attributes, encompassing rapid digestion and absorption, providing a swift source of energy. Importantly, MCT oil derived from coconuts surpasses traditional coconut oil in efficiency and speed of energy conversion due to its higher concentration of readily metabolizable MCTs, making it a superior choice in human nutrition. This comprehensive study delves deeply into the potential of coconut-derived MCT oil, illuminating its chemical constituents, production from coconut oil, distinctive physical and chemical properties, and metabolic characteristics. Additionally, it highlights a range of potential biological activities of the oil, including its efficacy in managing gastrointestinal disorders and promising roles in anticancer, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects. The report also discusses the extensive applications of MCT oil across diverse industrial and technological sectors, as well as its utilization in structured lipids, oleogels, and as a carrier for capsaicin. Addressing safety concerns and providing dosage guidelines, this paper emphasizes MCT oil as an alternative to coconut oil in various applications, offering a holistic perspective on its benefits.

Production of Margarine Fat Containing Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols by Enzymatic Interesterification of Peony Seed Oil, Palm Stearin and Coconut Oil Blends.

This paper reports the preparation of margarine fat using Lipozyme TL IM as a catalyst and peony seed oil (PSO), palm stearin (PS) and coconut oil (CO) as raw materials. The results indicate that there were no significant changes in fatty acid composition before or after interesterification of the oil samples. However, the total amount of medium- and long-chain triglycerides (MLCTs) increased from 2.92% to 11.38% in sample E1 after interesterification, mainly including LaLaO, LaMO, LaPM, LaOO, LaPO and LaPP. Moreover, the slip melting point (SMP) of sample E1 decreased from 45.9 °C (B1) to 33.5 °C. The solid fat content (SFC) of all the samples at 20 °C was greater than 10%, indicating that they could effectively prevent oil exudation. After interesterification, the samples exhibited a β' crystal form and could be used to prepare functional margarine.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NANOEMULSION OF SMILAX CHINA FOR ANTI-PSORIASIS ACTIVITY

Objective: The present investigation aimed to prepare a smilax china loaded nanoemulsion using tween 80 as a surfactant and propylene glycol as a co-surfactant. Formulation of such drugs in nanoparticulate drug delivery will be advantageous for reducing dosing frequency, longer residence time, improved permeation, and patient compliance. Methods: High-speed homogenization method. The smilax china oil was prepared by collecting the extract of smilax china leaves into the coconut oil and then used as a solvent. The authentication studies of smilax china and coconut oil were evaluated for their organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics. The quantitative estimation and pre-formulation study of quercetin was carried out which has major anti-psoriatic properties. Surfactant and co-surfactant were selected and the solubility studies of oil and Surfactants were done. The nanoemulsion was characterized by particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency (%). Results: This nanoemulsion provides the particle size and entrapment efficiency range between 80.52 to 89.78 nm and 68.66 to 70.16 % respectively. Batch SC1 showed the lowest particle size, PDI, and optimized drug entrapment effectiveness (%), indicating good particle size consistency within the remaining formulation batches. The optimized formulation SC 1 was found to be stable for 90 d. Conclusion: The formulated nanoemulsion showed significant antipsoriasis activity due to the presence of quercetin which has a rhetorical yield of 1.066 mg per 5 gm powder of smilax china leaves. Formulated smilax china-loaded nanoemulsion, has the potential as an effective antipsoriasis agent with a good spreading property with faster absorption which is beneficial for reducing drug concentration with maximum therapeutic effect.

Analysis of Vitamin C Content and Preferences for Modisco Pudding with the Addition of Crystal Guava Juice (Psidium guajava L Cultivar Kristal)

Background: Indonesia has made progress in achieving the target of reducing malnutrition cases, but 10.2% are still malnourished, according to data from The Global Nutrition Report 2020. Intake of micronutrients, one of which is vitamin C, affects the incidence of malnutrition cases. Vitamin C has the function of maintaining health through the immune system. One supplementary feeding program that can overcome cases of malnutrition is Modified Dietetic Skimmed Milk and Coconut Oil (Modisco). Modisco's reception is not very good, especially for toddlers, because it is in the form of liquid. Modisco pudding, with the addition of crystal guava juice, aims to improve the taste and increase the nutritional value of Vitamin C. Objective: The objective of the study is to analyze the content of Vitamin C in the preference test of Modisco pudding with the addition of crystal guava juice at 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% concentration. Methods: This study used a quasi experimental design involving 4 treatments and 3 replications. The research subjects were 25 panelists of elementary school students. Results: The results showed the levels of Vitamin C in various proportions to be significantly different (p ≤ 0,05). The results of the preference test showed significant differences in the color, aroma, taste, and texture of the modisco pudding with the addition of crystal guava juice (p ≤ 0,05). Conclusion: The results showed that with more addition of crystal guava juice, the level of vitamin C increased, but the level of preference decreased. The most preferred Modisco pudding was X1 (addition of 15%) with a vitamin C content of 14,4 mg.

Potency of papaya leaf as green catalyst in biodiesel synthesis for transesterification of coconut oil

Papaya leaf is a promising biomass to be developed into a green catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of papaya leaves by calcination at 700°C for 3 hours, and to assess the created papaya leaf ash as a catalyst in biodiesel transesterification. Characterization of papaya leaf ash was carried out using SEM-EDX and FTIR. The results confirmed that papaya leaf ash contains metal oxides such as K2O, MgO and CaO which function as active components that catalyse the reaction. Transesterification of coconut oil was carried out at fixed molar ratio of oil to methanol (OTM) of 1:12, reaction temperature of 55-65°C, and catalyst load of 2-4wt.%. The highest yield of biodiesel was 97.36% with a purity of 99.39%. It was obtained at reaction temperature of 60°C, 3% catalyst load, and 150 min reaction time. The quality of biodiesel obtained was correspondent to European standards (EU 14214). The results confirm that papaya leaf ash may be used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the manufacture of biodiesel.

Effects of temperature and concentration of nanoparticles on rheological behavior of hexagonal boron nitride/coconut oil nanofluid

In this work, a nano-lubricant composed of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles suspended in pure coconut oil was developed using a two-step method that involved ultrasonic assistance. The synthesis was carried out at varying solid volume concentrations, ranging from 0.2% to 1.2%. X-ray diffraction and Transmission electron microscope techniques were utilized to conduct investigations into the structure and morphology of nanoparticles. These examinations reveal that the nanoparticles exhibit a hexagonal arrangement, with an average diameter measuring 40 nm. The viscosity of pure coconut oil/ hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanofluids was evaluated at temperatures ranging from 303 to 403 K. utilizing shear rates varying from 10 to 50 s−1. With the use of a rotational Anton Paar rheometer, the shear dynamic viscosity of the nanofluids was determined. The study focused on examining how the viscosity of pure coconut oil/ hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanofluids is influenced by variations in solid volume concentration and temperature. The results revealed that as the temperature increased, the viscosity of the nanofluids decreased. Conversely, when the quantity of nanoparticles was raised in the base fluid, the nanofluids demonstrated an increase in viscosity values. This study found that at a shear rate of 10 s−1, the nanofluid with a 1.0% solid volume concentration exhibits a viscosity 58% higher at 303 K compared to 403 K. Additionally, it was observed that when the concentration of nanoparticles increased from 0% to 1%, and the shear rate decreased from 50 to 10 s−1, the viscosity of the nanofluid increased by 32% at 303 K temperature. Furthermore, this study shows a significant impact of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles in pure coconut oil as the prepared nanofluids with different nanoparticle concentrations demonstrated a relative viscosity higher than one.

Lipid Quality Assessment of Virgin Coconut Oil Produced with Different Blanching Methods

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is prone to oxidation due to the natural enzymes present in the coconut. Blanching has been studied to inactivate lipase and peroxidase enzymes that create deterioration in the product. Adding citric acid in hot water during blanching resulted in a higher quality product due to complexing agent properties to chelate metal substances and lowering the pH to reduce the enzymatic activities of the products. This research aims to analyze the effect of different blanching methods on VCO's lipid quality, antioxidant properties, and total phenolic content. Fresh coconut was subjected to water blanching at 95ºC for 5 minutes and 80ºC for 10 minutes with and without 0.05% citric acid addition. After that, VCO was produced using the chilling thawing method, which combines centrifugation and low-temperature incubation. VCO was analyzed in the free fatty acid (FFA), iodine value (IV), peroxide value (PV), TBARS value, the antioxidant activities by ABTS and DPPH, and total phenolic content (TPC). The results showed that water blanching with 0.05% citric acid at 80ºC for 10 minutes obtained better lipid quality compared to control with high IV (6.612±0.085 g iodine/g sample), low FFA (0.0241±0.0023 mg KOH/g sample), and low TBARS value (2.76±0.23 mg MDA/g sample). However, there is a contrary result between antioxidant activities and TPC that might reveal exciting findings. Despite a decrease in the antioxidant activities (DPPH: 39.93±3.11%RSA, ABTS: 9.80±0.91%RSA), the TPC value was increased (9.16±1.56 mg GAE/g sample). Therefore, hot water blanching with 0.05% citric acid addition can be conducted as a pre-treatment in the production of VCO to maintain the lipid quality, even though there is a contradiction in the TPC and antioxidant results.

Virgin coconut oil mitigates the hepatotoxic effect of atrazine and diabetes on liver enzymes in male Wistar rats

To assess the hepatoprotective action of Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO) in atrazine administered rats. Adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g body weight were separated into two major experimental groups. 35 rats in the test group were divided into five sub-groups of 7rats: Subgroup (SG)1,2 and 3 received 10 ml/kg body weight of distilled water, 10 ml/kg VCO and 123 mg/kg Atrazine (ATZ) respectively, SG 4 was diabetic control group and SG 5 was diabetic group treated with 10 ml/kg of VCO for 2weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis. 35 rats for the recovery group were also divided into 5 subgroups of 7 rats; SG1 and 2 received 10 ml/kg body weight of distilled water and 10 ml/kg of VCO, SG 3, 4 and 5 received 123 mg/kg of ATZ for 2 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, SG 1,2,3 continued the initial treatment while the rats in SG4 and SG5 were fed with 10 ml/kg of VCO and10 ml/kg of distilled water respectively. After 2 weeks, all the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis. We observed a significant increase in the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of the diabetes control and diabetes treated with VCO groups compared to the normal control. In the groups administered with atrazine, the result showed elevations in serum AST and ALT. With VCO,a significant decrease in ALT levels when compared to the ATZ continued group was observed, further potentiating the hepatoprotective ability of VCO.

The Potential of Radish Leaves (Raphanus sativus) Extract as Shoe Polish

The research titled "The Potential of Radish Leaves (Raphanus sativus) Extract as Shoe Polish" aims to investigate the feasibility of utilizing radish leaf extract as an alternative shoe polish. Conventional shoe polishes available in the market often contain hazardous chemicals that pose potential risks to human health and the environment. This study focuses on extracting radish leaves to formulate a natural shoe polish that is both safe for users and environmentally friendly. The study evaluates the physical attributes of the radish leaf shoe polish before application, such as melting point and pH, as well as post-application aspects including odor, texture, consistency, and color. Furthermore, the research assesses the effectiveness of the shoe polish in terms of glossiness, water repellency, and dust resistance. By combining radish leaves, coconut oil, soy wax, Gumamela, and calamansi, the researchers have successfully developed a shoe care product that not only enhances the appearance of leather shoes but also prioritizes environmental well-being. The outcomes of this research have the potential to contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly shoe polishes that offer efficient performance while minimizing the reliance on harmful chemicals.

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Hair Dye Formulation

Background and objectives: Hair care products including hair dye play an important role in the maintenance and enhancement of appearance and overall wellbeing of the hair. Most of the hair dye available in the market contains harmful chemicals that may cause allergic reactions or irritation of the scalp. The objective of this study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of hair dye as creams and gels with different shades by using herbs. Methodology: The collected plants were authenticated, and shade dried. Then, extractions were done using water, ethanol, and methanol. Preliminary testing was conducted to obtain burgundy, brown and black by manipulating the ratios. Later, almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax and Carbopol-934 gel were added to ease the penetration. Finally, accelerated stability studies were done to check the physical and microbial stability of the product. Results: Eight different shades of hair dye were formulated in gel and cream form. Among them gel formulation F5 and F6 as well as the cream formulations F1, F2, F3, F4, F7 and F8 demonstrated good staining and better colour intensity. The accelerated stability studies of F1 to F8 revealed that there is no change in the physical evaluation and no evidence of microbial contamination. Conclusion: The output of this research is suitable for all races and age group because it is not a permanent hair dye that might have a restriction for some groups of races. As such, this hair dye is fully formulated with natural sources by considering in the reduction of severe side effects to the consumers.

Effect of coconut and sesame oils on gingivitis

The effectiveness of Oil Pulling Therapy (OPT) with coconut (CO) and sesame oil (SO) on gingivitis patients is of interest. Forty patients were randomly distributed into group A and B for CO and SO respectively. Participants of group A were explained in detail about the OPT with CO and group B with SO along with their routine oral hygiene practice for 30 days. The mean plaque index of CO and SO reduced from 1.5 to 1.32 and 1.65 to 1.36 (p>0.05) respectively after 30 days. The mean gingival index of CO and SO declined from 1.12 to 0.9 and 1.1 to 0.81 respectively after 30 days (p>0.05) compared to initial scores. The mean no. of colonies in the case of CO and SO declined from 35.8 × 103 to 32.4 × 103 and 6.8 × 103 to 34.6 × 103 after 30 days (p>0.05). OPT reduced plaque and gingivitis, according to the results of one month. Hence, we must increase awareness about oil pulling, as this home therapy can prevent gingival diseases in countries with limited resources like ours.