Physical and Chemical Attributes of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koldzumi) Nutritional Supplement

Researchers:

Sandoval, Rose Ann,

Nuñez, Myla

Villarta, Mary Ruth

Yabut, Theresa

Dimaano, Celina

Research Adviser: Mrs. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte

Various synthetic drugs are available to prevent and cure different kinds of ailments but not everyone can afford the expensive cost of those products. Numerous medicinal plants are obtainable; however, some of them remain unnoticed. Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koidzumi) started to make itself be known and some households have already grown this promising herbal plant. It has many established pharmacological properties and therapeutic benefits that can compare to sophisticated synthetic medicines and supplements in the market. It is also filled with substantial nutrients that promote fitness and help the body recover from sickness. Our world is in need of economical ways to avoid and treat various kinds of illnesses brought about by the body’s degeneration due to the modern style of living nowadays.  

The researchers concentrated on making an herbal nutritional supplement from Ashitaba leaves in the form of capsules and teas, and testing their physical and chemical attributes. The initial matter of which every health conscious reader should be aware of is that supplements, by their very nature, are above and beyond what people could get from a natural food diet; otherwise the natural food method is by far the best. Most people are taking supplements to have a pharmacological effect in their body whenever they are feeling something atypical. Others believe that nutritional supplements improve the body’s quality and longevity. These health benefits might be the reasons why people these days prefer resorting to herbal products such as supplements over buying commercial pharmaceutical drugs.

B. Statement of the Problem:

The researchers aimed to test the physical and chemical attributes of Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei koldzumi) nutritional supplement.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1.    In which form or structure will the Ashitaba leaves be more effectively used as a nutritional supplement?

2.    Is there a significant difference between the experimental (Ashitaba) and the control (commercial) products in terms of:

a.    Rate of dissolution

b.    Consistency in solvent

c.    Reaction to acid

d.    Reaction to base

B. Hypotheses:

1.         The nutritional supplement from Ashitaba leaves will be more effectively used in gel-capsule form.

2.         Ha: There is a significant difference between the experimental (Ashitaba) and the control (commercial) products in terms of the given parameters.

Ho: There is a significant difference between the experimental (Ashitaba) and the control (commercial) products in terms of the given parameters.