REGIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL FOR REGION 1

Ma. Cristina East, Bangar, La Union

Surname Given Name M.I.

ESQUITA Summer M
Proponents OLIVAR Shairra Maureen M
ORDINARIO Loribeth Jeline M
Grade & Section 10-Einsteinium & 10-Erbium
Proposed Title
Research Title Noni Fruit Oil: An alternative Tomato Shelf Life Extender
(as directed by Panel)
Tomatoes are important components of the diets of both young and old.
They are useful in disease prevention such as prostate and breast cancer. They are
classified as vegetables and usually tender in nature with high moisture content.
The high moisture content in combination with enzymes and microbial actions
tend to increase their spoilage shortly after harvest. The growth of bacteria, yeast
and mould in foods and products results in costly wastage.

Thus, there is need for increased efforts to produce preservation because

vegetables harvested after one day may not be consumed in the fresh form
Background of the thereafter and there is a continued need to preserve these vegetables and their
Study nutrients. However, the use of food preservation methods are not always
adequate for vegetables. This is because that these techniques result in changes in
(include substantial organoleptic properties and reduce their nutritional values due to loss of vital
evidence/justification to nutrients. Also, the cumulative effect of addition of chemical preservatives to
prevent microbial growth has been found to have toxic effects on man. The
conduct the study) increasing need for fresh, chemical-additive free and safe food and products has
triggered the intense research on development of natural preservative from edible
medicinal plant extracts.

One of the best ways to identify natural food preservatives is to search for
plant extracts with proven antimicrobial activity against classes of standard
microorganisms.

The WHO in 1998 has estimated that 80% of the people in developing
countries use traditional medicine exclusively Morinda citrifolia commonly
known as "Indian mulberry or "noni" was first discovered as a medicinal plant in
 Southeast Asia. It is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects,
including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anticarcinogenic, analgesic,
hypotensive effects, and also proved to show immune enhancement in humans. A
previous study shows that the beneficial anti-microbial effects of M. citrifolia
may result from phenolic compounds abundantly present in the fruit which
includes L-asperuloside, acubin, scopoletin, alizarin, and other
anthraquinones. However, there are very few documented reports regarding the
use of its oil as fruit or vegetable preservative.

Thus, this research will aim at the use of a natural product to extend the
shelf life of tomatoes. Tomato will be dipped into different treatments as well as
water serving as control. The effectiveness of noni fruit oil will be evaluated
whether it could prolong the shelf life of tomatoes. If this research will
materialize, noni fruit will be a potent source of natural preservative which can
be used to substitute existing synthetics used in food industry.
Main: The use of noni fruit oil to extend the shelf life of tomatoes
Specific:
1. Can the application of noni fruit oil extend the shelf life of tomatoes?

2. Does noni fruit oil contain properties that can extend the shelf life of
Research Problem
tomatoes?

3. Is there a significant difference among the treatments as shelf life

extender in terms of”
a. Number of days to spoil?

Research Approach
Respondents
Research Attributes
Data Needed
Research Instruments
Ethical Considerations

Prepared by: ______________________ Date: ______________________

______________________ Date: ______________________

______________________ Date: ______________________

Proponent’s Signature
Endorsed for Approval Acceptance: ______________________________________________

Date: _______________________ Signature over Printed Name of Panelists

Score: ______________________