A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Avocado (Persea Americana) Pits

and Alugabti (Basella Alba) seeds Extract

as an Alternative ink

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of

Caraga Regional Science High School

San Juan, Surigao City

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the subject Research

Castulo, Morica C.

Caturla, Pauline Faith Eliza T.

Sitoy, Krystalline D.

Researchers

Mrs. Marygen S. Cuadra

Research Adviser

September 2022
 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

These days, Individuals utilize ink as an instrument of imagination for their day-by day

activities and craftsmanship. Individuals utilize ink to draw, do calligraphy, print, etc. It may

seem that inks have no limits, but they still have their limitations. The availability of ink is in

short supply and it seems to be an issue for numerous artists. Usually, inks are made out of

petroleum distillate dissolvable, linseed oil, a few shapes of natural shades, and soybean oil.

These sorts of materials are unsafe, particularly for the well-being of humans and the

environment as well. Colored inks can contain lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and titanium.

These metals can trigger hypersensitivity and potentially lead to disease. We are spending so

much money just to buy and avail ink. Ink is also a coloring material. But the dye sold in the

market is so expensive so this project intends to lessen our expenses in buying dye and ink.

Alugbati (Basella alba) seeds, also known as Indian Spinach, vine spinach, and Malabar

spinach, are a common leafy plant in the Philippines. It grows best in places with hot weather.

Alugbati has numerous advantages, including high levels of zinc, iron, calcium, bcomplex

vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. It's high in phytonutrients, which fight oxidative damage and

promote overall health. Saponins, which act as phytochemicals, are also found in Alugbati.

Defends against cancer and other diseases. The sap can be applied to acne areas to relieve

irritation, and it has a softening or soothing effect on the skin. Apart from their health benefits,

An Avocado (Persea Americana) Avocados are high in nutrients, good for the heart, and

improve vision. Its pit can also provide numerous advantages. Avocado pits are the seeds found

within avocados. The pits are typically garbage, and while they are highly biodegradable, there
may be a way to use them. Avocado pit extracts have been found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-

microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal by scientists. They're also high in antioxidants an

soluble fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol. In other words, that slimy brown avocado seed

we've all been tossing out is actually a nutritional powerhouse if you know how to prepare it. In

other words, that slimy brown avocado seed we've all been tossing out is actually a nutritional

powerhouse if used correctly. Historically, Avocado pits was used to make a pigment powder.

According to some studies, the avocado pit produces a pinkish-colored extract. The milky, bitter

liquid in avocado pits turns red when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air. The reason for

this is the high tannin content of Avocado fruits.

It is impossible to deny that almost all products in today's world are commercialized and

the majority of people sought out more natural and less expensive products. However, the

researchers of this study discovered two extracts that have the potential to solve that problem and

produce better ink for everyone to use They specifically intend to clarify the better ink that may

be used by the community. The purpose of this study is to investigate, find, and test the other

not-so-toxic components that can be a potential material for an alternative Ink. Alugbati seeds

produce a dark pink liquid that can be potentially used as an Alternative Ink. The researchers of

this study think that avocado pits have the potential to an alternative ink.
Statement of Problem

The researchers aim to determine which extract is more effective as an Alternative ink.

Specifically, this study seeks the answers to the following questions;

1. Is there a significance difference between Alugbati seeds and Avocado Pits as an alternative

ink, in terms of:

1.1 Odoe

1.2 Texture

1.3 Pigmentation

2. What concentration of alugbati seeds and avocado pits gives the best result as an alternative

ink in terms of volume and mixture?

1.1 20mL Alugbati seeds

1.2 20mL Alugbati seeds

1.3 20mL Alugbati seeds

2.1 20mL Avocado pits extract

2.2 20mL Avocado pits extract

2.3 20mlL Avocado pits extract

Hypothesis

Null (H0): There is no significant difference in Avocado (Persea Americana) Pits and

Alugabti (Basella Alba) extracts if used as an effective alternative ink.

Alternative (H1): There is a significant difference in Avocado (Persea Americana)

Pitsand Alugabti (Basella Alba) seeds extracts if used as an effective alternative ink.

Significance of the study

The research data provides details, facts, and information on various aspects of the topic

such as the advantages, disadvantages, productivity, etc. of the Alugbati seeds leaves and

Avocado Pits extract to deliver the people a better perspective and selection of its product.

Moreover, the written outcomes will prove great benefits to the following:

STUDENTS. The provided results may shift a greater thought and preference of the students on

choosing inks. The data given will have the largest impact on the students since they use inks

almost every day.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS. The content presented may be used as reference data in

conducting new research or in testing the validity of other related findings. This study will also

serve as their cross-reference that will give them a better background or overview in ink.

ARTISTS. Artists can have much less expensive inks to put their creativity on paper. Artists will

benefit from this study since they use inks to draw.

Scope and limitations

The researchers define the scope and limitations of the study in terms of the following

parameters and ranges:

Focus. The study’s focus specifically ranges on the ink of permanent markers, Avocado Pits and

Alugbati seeds. This study only focuses on the efficacy of the Avocado pits and Alugbati seeds

extracts when used as an alternative ink and to find out which of the two set-ups is better. Similar

or related items may be included in the study.

Setting. The experimentation and whole of this study were conducted at one of the researchers'

residences.

Materials. The materials used in this study are limited only to the accessible and available

materials in Surigao City.

Respondents. The respondents of this study extend from the students in Caraga Regional

Science High School to the locals/citizens of Surigao City.

Review Related Literature

Ink can be a complex medium, composed of solvents, pigments, dyes, resins, lubricants,

solubilizers, surfactants, particulate matter, fluorescents, and other materials. The components of

inks serve many purposes; the ink's carrier, colorants, and other additives affect the flow and

thickness of the ink and its dry appearance. Over 90 percent of inks are printing inks, in which

color is imparted by pigments rather than the dyes used in writing inks. Long before, ink is

usually made from natural products such as berries, barks, and leaves extract. They have been
used for centuries to create numerous colors and when mixed with other substances can be ink,

dye, or paint. Tea leaves have been also used for centuries to make ink because of their various

shade that creates yellow, green, brown, or black ink. (Lopierre, Lopi).

Plants that contain tanning colors can be reliable for making ink. For centuries, galls

nestled from oak trees as the primary ingredient to make black ink. The rich tanning color of

dogwood and alder tee also results in natural inks. Gall sand barks achieve more intense, lasting

inks than most flower-based inks. According to Encyclopedia.com, ink is a combination of a

coloring agent, pigment, and a liquid containing oils, resins, and chemical solvents. Today,

synthetic materials are used in addition to these natural ingredients to improve the quality of ink

making; however, ink must have two basic components: the pigment coloring and the vehicle, a

liquid that allows the ink to be dispersed. In addition, according to the article found in the

Student’s Encyclopedia, “The ink should make a clear permanent mark that when dry does not

fade from exposure to light or run from exposure to moisture. It should flow freely and dry

quickly when written on a surface and it must contain nothing that might damage either the pen

or the paper.” Neumman’s and Schluttig’s definition of ink as cited in Lindquist clearly stated

the properties of ink that would help have a good quality ink. The ink must be clear, filterable

solution but not a suspension that should flow easily from the pen and should not spread on

paper. (Lindquist, Evan. Old Ink.n.d.)

The earliest black writing inks, developed before 2500BC, were suspensions of carbon,

usually lampblack, in water stabilized with a natural gum or materials like egg albumen. Modern

ink formulations are rather more complex. In addition to the pigment, they contain many other

ingredients at varying levels. Established by Nildo Olivera about the year 2012, it states that

Colored Ink for Computer printers out of Malabar nightshade extract. Alugbati berries can be
extracted to produce colored ink for the computer printer. Bensurto about the year 2008,

suggested that alugbati seed can be extracted as a fabric dye and it can be a potential source of

fabric dye. The dye can be produced from Alugbati berries. According to Riezen in the year

2011, propose Malabar Night Shade or Alugbati for Abscess and Furuncle (Naknakat Pigsa).

By watching the Native-Americans, the conquistadors discovered that avocado seeds

produced a milky liquid that turned red when exposed to air. They then used this as a natural ink,

and some documents written with it are preserved to this day. Many of these works reside in the

archives of Popayán in Columbia. The ink was also used to mark cotton and as a textile dye. In

fact, in the dyeing process you will often hear people speak about "mordants". A mordant is a

plant or metal based fixative that is used to extend the colour and wash fastness of natural dyes.

One of the magical things about avocado stones is that they contain tannin that acts as a mordant

that binds wonderfully to cotton fibres. The depth of the shares you can achieve depend on how

many pits you use and how long you leave the solution to steep. (Katja)

Definition of Terms

Alugbati seeds: the small, oval-shaped seeds of the Malabar spinach plant, also known as

Basella alba or Basella rubra.

Avocado pits: a large pit inside an avocado

Baking powder: a dry chemical leavening agent, a mixture of a carbonate or bicarbonate and a

weak acid.
Gum arabic powder: is an off-white premium quality refined powder. It is used as a stabilizer,

to increase the viscosity of liquids, to inhibit crystallization of sugar and in cake baking.

Ink: is a gel, sol, or solution that contains at least one colorant, such as a dye or pigment, and is

used to color a surface to produce an image, text, or design.

Mesh strainer: is a device for separating wanted elements from unwanted material or for

controlling the particle size distribution of a sample, using a screen such as a woven mesh or net

or perforated sheet material.

Mortar and pestle: are a set of two simple tools used from the Stone Age to the present day to

prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them into a fine paste or powder in

the kitchen, laboratory, and pharmacy.

Salt: is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound

belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in the form of a natural crystalline mineral is known as

rock salt or halite.

Stainless steel pot: is extremely durable and can be used for searing, sautéing, frying, and more.

It is a wide pot with a flat bottom, straight sides, a wide opening to the full diameter of the pot,

two handles on the sides, and a lid with a handle on top.

Vinegar: is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and trace compounds that may include flavorings.
 CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY

A. Research Design

This research is designed to determine which plant extract, Avocado pits and Alugbati

seeds, is more effective when used as an alternative ink.

The results of the Avocado pits extract ink during the experimentation will be compared

to the results of the Alugbati seeds extract ink. In this study, the researchers aim to find the

physical components of the ink after the experimentation including its color and texture.

This study is designed to aid people by providing them with cheaper and better ink for

permanent markers rather than buying expensive ink. This study can help people who cannot

acquire ink by helping them create their own alternative ink. This study mainly focuses to help

people find out which of the two extracts is more effective as an alternative ink.

Furthermore, by targeting such goals, this study is also designed to use methods that will

assess the opinions of people to achieve the aforementioned objectives, specifically by surveys or

questionnaires.
B. Schematic Diagra
C. General Procedure

a. Gathering and Preparation of Raw Materials

The researchers collected avocados near one of the researcher’s houses. The researchers

then ate the avocado and took the pit out. Then, the Avocado pits were chopped at one of the

researcher's house as there were adequate pits to be used in the experiment. The Alugbati seeds

were collected from the school ground. Miscellaneous items were prepared in one of the

researcher's house, for instance, water, cups, strainer, knives, containers, and many more were

prepared in one of the researcher’s house. The materials were carefully set up and prepared

before the experiment to achieve reliable results.

b. Extraction

After the researchers had gathered all the materials, they first cleaned the Avocado pits and

Alugbati seeds. For the extraction of the Avocado pits, the researchers chopped 2 of the Avocado

seeds in each setup into smaller pieces. Then, the chopped Avocado pits were placed in a steel

pot. The researchers then added the corresponding number of cups of water from each setup and

boiled the pits for 20-40 minutes. While for the extraction of the Alugbati seeds, the researchers

extract the juice of the Alugbati seeds using a mortar and pestle.

c. Measurement

The researchers gathered 6 setups; 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.11, 2.2, and 2.3 They chopped the avocado pit

carefully measured the total volume of the avocado pit and first to precisely balance the amount

per set up by using a measuring and dividing equally among the 3 setups. For Setup 1.1 and 2.1,

30mL of pure Alugbati seeds extract and 20mL of pure avocado pits extract was poured onto

each plastic cups. For Setup 1.2 and 2.2, 20mLof Alugbati seeds extract and 20mL of Avocado
pits extract with 25% (5 mL) water was poured onto each plastic cups. For Setup 1.3 and 2.3 20

grams of alugbati seeds and 20mL of avocado pits extract with 50% (10mL) of water was poured

onto each plastic cups. The researchers measured all setups, they labeled the setups with their

respective setup name

d. Application of Setups

Once all the setups were ready, the researchers dipped the tip of the brush in each setup and

wrote down the words "Avocado" for the Avocado alternative ink and "Alugbati" for the

Alugbati alternative ink on the paper. They interviewed and asked some artist of Caraga

Regional High School some questions such as which setup did they prefer and their opinions

about it.

Statistical Analysis
 CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

INTERPRETING TABLES AND GRAPHS

TABLE 1: RATINGS OF THE TEN RESPONDENTS FOR ALL SETUPS

(Ratings based on a numerical scale of 1 - 10):

ALUGBATI SEEDS AVOCADO PITS

w/ 5mL w/ 10 mL w/ 5mL w/ 10 mL
Pure Pure
water water water water
7 5 5 7 5 3
6 5 5 5 5 5
4 6 5 4 4 4
5 6 5 4 4 4
7 6 4 7 7 9
ODOR
6 6 5 5 5 8
4 4 4 6 5 5
5 5 6 7 7 7
4 4 3 3 3 3
3 5 4 3 5 4
9 9 8 5 9 5
9 6 7 4 6 5
8 9 10 3 3 3
9 9 9 4 3 3
8 10 8 5 6 5
TEXTURE
7 9 7 7 8 6
9 9 9 8 8 8
10 10 9 8 8 9
10 10 9 7 7 7
10 9 8 7 6 5
PIGMENTATION 10 6 5 5 4 4
10 5 6 3 4 4
10 5 9 3 3 3
10 8 6 3 3 3
9 8 7 2 2 3
7 8 8 5 4 4
9 6 6 6 6 5
9 10 9 6 5 4
10 9 8 7 5 3
 10 8 7 3 2 1

ALUGBATI SEEDS AVOCADO PITS

w/ 5mL w/ 10mL w/ 5mL w/ 10mL
PURE PURE
of water of water of water of water
ODOR 5.1 5.2 4.6 5.1 5 5.2

TEXTURE 8.9 8.1 8.4 5.8 6.4 5.6

PIGMENTATION 9.4 7 7.1 4.3 3.8 3.4

OVERALL 7.8 6.76 6.7 5.067 5.067 4.73

TABLE 4: Total Score of Ratings in Average from the Three Respondents

Graph 1: Average Total of Ratings from the Ten Re-

spondents
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Alugbati Seeds Avocado Pits

Pure w/ 5mL of water w/ 10mL of water

FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

The researchers have found that using too much water with a small amount of extract would

result in a wet substance with little to no color. Based on their findings, Pure Alugbati extract
(setup 1.1) was the optimal setup for producing concentrated ink. Overall, the researchers'

findings suggest that the amount of water used in the extraction process can significantly impact

the quality and concentration of the resulting ink.