LA CONSOLACION UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES

CATMON, CITY OF MALOLOS, BULACAN

BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

School Year 2019-2020

MEDICINES IN WEEDS: AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF

PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES IN

AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

Submitted by:
De Roma, Emmanuel Joseph G.
Esguerra, Dhave Kiezer L.
Lopez, Jan Noel N.
Reyes, Ayessa Angela R.
Simbulan, Angela Ann P.

STEM 8

Ms. Maricar S. Dimla

February 2020
 Introduction

Weeds are everywhere. They are known as plants that grow unwantedly on gardens

and they are also considered as plants out of nowhere. Some might say that they are invasive

pests but if it will be analyzed deeply, it can offer something more not just in soil covering,

but also in the field of pharmaceutical medicines.

Amaranthus spinosus or known as “Uray” in Filipino is a spiny weed commonly

found on tropical countries like Philippines and present in most continents. It is used in

dyeing cloths in Vietnam meanwhile a valued food in Africa. However, in rice producing

countries like Philippines and Thailand, it is regarded as noxious weeds as it competes with

nutrients with the crops (CAB International, 2015). It is also toxic for some animals like

sheep, cattle, and goats according to StuartXChange Philippines – a plant almanac.

According to Dr. Christophe PharmD (2016), in order to identify the medical

potential of a plant, it must first undergo phytochemical screening. The phytochemical

screening comes from the Greek word “phytos” which means plant is a chemistry process

in determining the natural components of a plant. It measures the amount of some essence

found commonly on medicines such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and etc. (Natural

Science Research Institute, 2017). In addition, to quantify the nutritional components that

can be found on a plant, proximate analysis must be conducted so it can determine the

quality and effectiveness of it as herbal drug.

Numerous studies have been undertaken to determine and identify the healing

properties of some bioactive substances in this world, commonly on fruits and vegetables.

On the global report of World Health Organization (2019), herbal medicines are significant
in developing countries as they commonly use it as an alternative medicine for each type

of diseases due to lack of access to modern health supplies. In the past years also, bacteria

have been evolved, forming pathogenic diseases that could be fatal or detrimental. In data

surveillance by Department of Health as of 2014, the natural death rate of Philippines has

of Philippines has increased to 15% from 4.7 to 5.4. This is the reason why the developing

country is urgent to have newly discovered medicines.

Due to these concerns, this emerge to the desire of the researchers to take an

assessment on Uray plants that are rarely evaluated because they are just weeds. This study

aims to determine the chemical compounds present on Uray weeds as well as the amount

of healing properties of it. At the end of this study, the researchers expected to identify the

health benefits of Uray weeds and also, to give an idea for the people in developing

pharmaceutical drugs to cure certain diseases.

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to look for the potential of Uray weeds as

medicines. Aside from the main objective, this study wants to address the following:

1. Are there phytochemical constituents present on Uray weeds?

2. What are the medicinal compounds can be found on Uray weeds?

3. What are the nutritional components that Uray weeds has?

4. How many nutritional components are there in a Uray weed?

5. What health benefits can attain on taking Uray weeds?

6. What are the diseases and illnesses can be prevented or cured by Uray weeds?
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study primarily focuses on determining chemical compounds present on Uray

weeds. The researchers also want to pinpoint the medicinal attributes and purposes of Uray

weeds. The study begins from December of 2019 up to February 2020 because time frame

of Amihan season is suitable for researchers in getting fresh samples from plants.

This study will conduct an experimental observation on the Biology Laboratory of

La Consolacion University Philippines for be able to determine the healing capabilities of

Uray weeds.

Significance of the Study

Upon the completion of the study, it will contribute to the following entities:

Students. This research will help them to learn and aware about phytochemical

screening as well as to know how to do the procedures on this type of screening. This study

will also give them an idea what are the health benefits that Uray weeds has.

Community. The rationale and findings of this study will lead them to be observant

and resourceful as weeds like Uray can consider as a medicinal plant. This research will

also provide benefits to the health within this community once the Uray weeds was proven

on its medical capabilities and use it as medicine.

Society. This study will help them to prevent and lessen the chance of having

diseases or illnesses as well as to give cure on existing illnesses or diseases as the Uray

weeds was evaluated as a medicine. The study may also contribute in developing

pharmaceutical drugs in decreasing the percentage of natural death rate in the country.
 Future Researchers. This research will serve as their basis for further research on

Uray weeds in developing medical drugs for it. This study will also give them inspiration

in conducting experimentation for the next years in formulating another potential

pharmaceutical drug from weeds.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT

PROCESS

OUTPUT

Sample:
⦿Uray weeds
(Amaranthus spinosa) Phytochemical Screening
Laboratory Materials: ⦿Test for Alkaloids
⦿Acetic Acid ⦿Test for Flavonoids
⦿Ethanol ⦿Test for Saponins Medicines in
Medicines in Weeds: An
⦿Sodium Hydroxide ⦿Test for Sterols Experimental Evaluation
Experimental
⦿Distilled Water ⦿Test for Tannins of Phytochemical
⦿Sulfuric Acid ⦿Test for Terpenes Attributes in
Attributes in Uray Plants
⦿Acetic Anhydride Proximate Analysis ⦿⦿Medical
Medical compounds
compounds in
⦿Lead Acetate ⦿ Quantification of that
Uraycan be found in Uray
weeds
⦿Chloroform nutritional components weeds
⦿Diseases and illnesses
⦿ Diseases
that and illnesses
can be cured by
that
Uraycan be cured or
weeds
prevented by Uray weeds

Figure 1. The conceptual model of phytochemical and proximate analysis in Uray weeds

To simulate the study, the researchers will gather the primary materials in

conducting the experiment such as the sample Uray weeds (scientific: Amaranthus

spinosus) and chemicals that are needed for phytochemical screening like acetic acid,

ethanol, sodium hydroxide, distilled water, sulfuric acid, acetic anhydride, lead acetate, and
chloroform. After gathering the essentials, the researchers will proceed to screen the sample

Uray weeds on evaluating its phytochemical components through various examinations like

test for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, tannins, and terpenes. Aside from

phytochemical screening, the researchers will also assess a proximate analysis on it with

the help of microbiologists and scientists at a laboratory test center to find out its nutritional

components so that it can determine the quality and effectiveness of Uray weeds as herbal

medicine. Lastly, the results that will be acquired from the various tests and analysis will

be interpreted by the researchers to enumerate its health benefits as well as the diseases and

illnesses that can be prevented or cured by Uray weeds.

Definition of Terms

For be able to fully understand the concept and ideas behind this study, the following

terms was defined based on how they are used on this study.

Phytochemical Screening – it is a primary screening used by biologists to determine the

natural active medicinal substances present in plants such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and

saponins by means of extraction.

Proximate Analysis – it refers to partitioning of a compound to find out the nutritive facts

in a plant such as moisture, ash, crude protein, crude lipid, natural fiber, and nitrogen-free

carbohydrates.

Weeds – plants that grows abruptly anywhere, wherein they commonly found by the people

wherever the place they would go. They are the enemies of plants in soil nutrients and

frequently regarded by the people as grasses and pests at the same time in the gardens and

farms.
 Methods

In this section, the research methodology utilized in the study will be discussed. The

research approach and research method used will be described. The technique and

instrument used in collecting data, including the procedures and statistical treatment of data

implemented in this study will also be reported.

Research Design

The researchers will utilize mixed approaches wherein both qualitative and

quantitative approach is incorporated in the study for deeper context understanding. The

qualitative approach will be employed by researchers on determining the existence of

phytochemical constituents on Uray weeds. Meanwhile, a quantitative approach will be

implemented during the proximate analysis to find out the amount and number of nutritional

components present on a Uray weed. A mixed approach research is a study integrating the

qualitative and quantitative designs in collecting and interpreting data for in-depth analysis

of a particular phenomenon (Wisdom, 2013).

Research Method

This primary goal of the study is to determine the bioactive medical substances

present on Uray weeds as well as its nutritional contents by conducting several tests and

experiments. The researchers will add certain chemicals on the sample during the

experimentation and undergo several procedures during the laboratory testing. Due to the

control of the researchers to obtain the goal study, the researchers decided to employ an

experimental research method because it was the most appropriate to use. An experimental

research is a study wherein the researchers influence or manipulate something to attain its

objectives (Del Siegle, 2018).

The research technique that the researchers will be used is observation because it

is applicable for the experiment to determine the presence of its phytochemical contents.

As counterpart of the observation method, an observation checklist will be utilized by the

researchers as their guide for the entire experiment. The instrument that will be used in

the study is from the protocol of Soforowa (1988), Trease and Evans (1983), and

Poongothai et.al. (2011) wherein the expected observations together with its

corresponding indications from various tests and methods are listed.

Collection of Samples

Matured Amaranthus spinosus or Uray weeds were collected in the crop fields

and farms of Pulilan, Bulacan. The leaves were thoroughly washed in a tap water and

dried under shade for approximately 3 to 5 days. The dried leaves are grounded and

pounded into fine powders that stored in a polythene bags for use. The powdered leaves

sample should be at least 400g.

Phytochemical Screening

The natural bioactive medical compounds present on a plant sample will be

determined as the researchers follow the chemical procedures conducted by Soforowa

(1988), Trease and Evans (1983), and Poongothai et.al. (2011). Each test has three

replicas to be prepared in conducting this screening. The said screening is in standard

methods with minor modifications and will be recorded as present (+) or absent (-).
Test for Alkaloids

The 10% in 20ml acetic acid (HCH3CO2) will be mixed together with ethanol

(C2H5OH) and 5ml extract of the sample. The mixture will be placed in a hot water bath for

about 2 hours to reach its 25% volume. The formation of white cream precipitate is the sign

of alkaloid presence.

Test for Flavonoids

A 10ml of sample extract will be added by ten drops of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

The appearance of an intense yellow coloration will be determined as positive for flavonoid

presence.

Test for Saponins

A 5ml plant extract will be diluted by a 20ml distilled water (dH2O). The solution

will be stirred for about 15 minutes. The presence of at least 1cm layer of foam will be

considered its presence for saponins.

Test for Sterols

A 2ml acetic anhydride (C4H6O3) will be added to the mixture of 5ml plant extract

and 2ml sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The existence of green, blue, or violet precipitate indicates

the presence of sterols in the sample.

Test for Tannins

Five drops of lead acetate (C4H6O4Pb) will be blend to a 5ml extract of the sample.

The yellow coloration will be shown as proof for tannins presence of the sample.
Test for Terpenes

In a test tube with 5ml sample extract, 2ml chloroform (CHCl3) will be putted in it.

In forming a layer, add 3ml sulfuric acid (H2SO4) carefully. Observe the appearance of

reddish-brown color to identify the presence if terpenes in the sample.

Proximate Analysis

The nutritional composition that will be found out in the plant sample will be

evaluated into six different categories: protein, lipids, carbohydrates, moisture, fiber, and

ash. The quantification of data result is in the form of percentage (%) wherein the Lipa

Quality Control Center Inc. followed the official methods of analysis suggested by AOAC

International (1980).
References

CAB International (2015, January 12). Amaranthus spinosus (spiny amaranth). Retrieved

from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/4653

Del Siegle, E. (2018, July 25). Educational Basics Experimental Research. Retrieved from

https://researchbasics.education.uconn.edu/experimental-_research/#

Department of Health (2014). Philippine Health Picture. Retrieved from

https://www.doh.gov.ph/statistics

Laboratory Manual of the Unesco (1986, May 31). Sponsored workshop on the -

phytochemical, microbiological, and pharmacological screening of medicinal

plants. Department of Chemistry, U.P. Diliman: Manila, Philippines

Natural Science Research Institute (2017). Phytochemical Screening. Retrieved from

http://nsri.upd.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AR2017.pdf

PharmD, C. (2016). Lead Compounds from Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Cancer.

ScienceDirect Journals, 58(8), 97-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-398371-

8.00002-7

Poongthai, A., Sreena, K.O., Sreejith, K., Uthiralingam, M., & Annapoorani, S. (2011)

Preliminary phytochemical screening of FicusracemosaLinn. bark. International

Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences, 2(2), 431-434.

Shrestha, A. & Tiwari, R.D. (2009). Antifungal activity of crude extracts of some medicinal

plants against Fusarium solani(Mart.) Sacc. Ecoprint, 16(1), 75-78.

https://doi.org/10.3126/eco.v16i0.3476
Sofowara, A. (1988). The state of medicinal plants research in Nigeria: book review.

Economic Botany, 4292(32), 241-241. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80348

StuartXChange Philippines (n.d.). Uray Amaranthus spinosus Linn. Retrieved from

http://stuartxchange.net/Uray.html

Trease, G.E. & Evan, W.C. (1983). "Pharmacognosy". Textbook of pharmacognosy, 12th

(Ed) Balliers Tindall, London, 343-384. Retrieved from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326571191_A_Textbook_of_Pharmacog

nosy

Wisdom, J. (2013, March 7). Mixed Methods: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative

Data Collection and Analysis. Retrieved from https://pcmh.ahrq.gov/page/mixed-

methods-integrating-quantitative-and-qualitative-data-collection-and-analysis

World Health Organization (2019). WHO Global Report on Traditional and

Complementary Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/traditional-

complementary-integrative-medicine/WhoGlobalReportOnTraditionalAnd

ComplementaryMedicine2019.pdf