AMACC LEGAZPI CAMPUS
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Gumamela Flower as Antibacterial Dishwashing Liquid
Fria Joy Cipriano
fleuriah.cipriano@gmail.com
I. Introduction
Washing dishes is one of the major chores we
are facing in our daily lives. The hardest part of
washing dishes are the tough stains and grease that is
all over the common kitchen tools. This study
introduces as a substitute to other liquid soap that has
a high price in the market. It has a natural raw
material that can be found easily, which adds to its
convenience. It has an ability to remove grease in
kitchen utensils, to remove foul odor, and to reduce
fumes in kitchen sinks.
This research will be making use of an
organic substitute which is the Gumamela. The
Gumamela is an erect, much-branched, glabrous shrub,
1 to 4 meters high. The Gumamela is also the national
flower of Malaysia. It is called Bunga Raya in Malay,
bunga means flower, while raya means celebratory or
grand. An estimate of 300 species found worldwide.
The beauty it has makes it one of the most widely
cultivated flowers. They vary in brilliant hues of red,
orange, or purplish-reds, with short-lived but
continuing blooms. The red flowered variety has also
been acknowledged in medicine because of its
medicinal components.
The dishwashing liquid will be making use of
Gumamela flowers which are being ignored if not use
as ornamentals. This will help people not to waste the
Gumamela flowers and make it more useful and
essential.
Gumamela has an antibacterial and a stain-
removing agent in its flower extract, which is a good
tool in a dishwashing agent. With its antibacterial
components, it will prevent the spreading of germs
which is commonly stuck on the dishwashing
sponges. It will make use of crushed Gumamela
flower mixed with water with a scent additive to
produce a dishwashing liquid that is chemical free yet
effective in removing stain or grease present in
common kitchen tools at the most affordable price
compare to the commercial brand sold in the market.
Gumamela flowers, contains this certain
mucilage that levels up the effectiveness of it to
remove stains and grease present in common kitchen
tools. Mucilage is a gelatinous substance of various
plants (such as legumes or seaweeds) that contains
proteins and polysaccharides. The flower also contains
emollient and emmenagogue; they are used in all
types of inflammation, decoction given in bronchial
catarrh, cough, urinary infections. Fresh juice of the
flowers is used in the treatment of gonorrhea.
Ethanolic extract of the flower has significant
antipyretic activity on brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia
in rats. According to Pak J Pharm Sci, (2014),
Antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different
solvent extracts of locally grown Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis Linn was evaluated. The antioxidant activity
was assessed by estimation of total flavonoids
contents, total phenolic contents, DPPH free radical
scavenging activity and percentage inhibition of
linoleic acid oxidation capacity. Antibacterial study
against three human pathogens such as staphlococus
sp. Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli showed growth
inhibitory effect in the range of 12.75 ± 1.17 to 16.75
± 2.10 mm. These results showed that the Gumamela
flower indigenous to Kallar Kahar and its allied areas
bear promising medicinal values and could be used for
developing herbal medicines to target oxidative stress
and infectious diseases.
With all these information provided, the
researcher came up with the idea of making use of
these benefits from Gumamela and convert it to
something more useful which can be an aid to our
daily lives. An organic alternative like this might be
what our world needs because of the continuous
disruption of our ecological treasures that are taking
place due to harmful chemicals present in different
human demands.
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Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
This study shows how a simple organic
material can turn out into something useful as a
dishwashing liquid. This Dishwashing Liquid is eco-
friendly and possibly be cheaper than those chemical
dishwashing liquid.
Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to determine the
effectiveness of Gumamela petal as a dishwashing
liquid. Specifically, this study aims to seek answers to
the following questions:
 How will the dishwashing liquid be able to
eliminate the bacteria that are left on the
sponge after dishwashing?
 How would it cost lesser yet be more effective
than the commercial dishwashing liquids in
the market?
 How do the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and
anti-pyretic component of Gumamela
contribute on the effectiveness of the
dishwashing liquid?
 Is Gumamela’s petal extract effective as an
antibacterial dishwashing agent against tough
stains and oil in plates?
Objectives
The general objective of this study is to
determine the effectiveness of Gumamela flower as a
dishwashing liquid. The following are the things that
are needed to be aimed throughout and after the
conduct of the study:
 To study deeper the components of the
Gumamela flower which is said to have anti-
bacterial elements.
 To find out how the Gumamela petals
produces bubbles because this can also
contribute on the possibility of turning it to an
alternative dishwashing liquid.
 To find out its pros and cons in producing the
product.
 To find an effective chemical that could add
to the product’s longevity.
 To find a scent additive, this can make the
product more inviting to the senses of the
users.
 To widen the variety of uses of a simple
flower that is commonly just ignored by
people.
 To contribute on the study of organic products
for other researchers.
 To introduce a brand new, competitive and
unique substitute for the dishwashing liquid in
the current market
 To find out if Gumamela’s mucilage
components is an effective antibacterial agent
for dishwashing.
Significance of the Study
This study will be most useful and
significant to the following:
• People’s demand for inexpensive goods, for
the product will cost lesser than those of the
commercial products because the components
and additives that were used in this product can
easily be found anywhere which results to a
cheaper price. It’s affordable and easy to use.
This study will also develop the people’s
environmental awareness because they are
acknowledging a product with natural
components that won’t harm the environment.
• Society, their demand for expensive goods
such as dishwashing liquids will be met. The
society is undergoing major crisis. This product
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Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
will be a great help as an alternative for it could
be a great replacement to the commercial
products with harmful additives.
• Environment serves as a great way to
promoting environment conservation and
prevents further ecological destruction because
of its natural components. This study also
opened doors to the reusing of Gumamela Petals
and adding more of its uses than its common use
as an ornamental plant.
Review of Related Literature and Studies
This chapter presents the related literature and
studies after the comprehensive and in-depth search
done by the researchers. In this chapter are the
following related literature and studies gathered by the
researcher.
Related Literature
Gumamela is not just a blossom of beauty but
a possible ingredient for good health.
A study conducted by Davao Medical School
Foundation revealed that Gumamela flower (Hibiscus
rosa-sinensisis) contains ingredients that maybe used
to prevent cancer, by inhibiting mutation of cancer
cells in human body.
Cancer is a result of genetic mutation when
our bodies exposed to carcinogens (cancer causing
substances). A single abnormal cell will grow, leading
to multiple mutations to form tumors. Tumor cells
eventually invade and destroy normal cells.
In the laboratory experiments (Modified
Ames Salmonella Assay), the researchers tested the
anti-mutagenic properties or the ability to control
mutation of gumamela flower extracts to the growth
of mutant salmonella bacteria. They compared effects
to Mytomycin C, a standard mutagen (positive control)
and mineral water as negative control.
Results showed that gumamela extracts
significantly decreased the growth (mutation) of
salmonella compare to Mytomycin C and mineral
water. In fact, the study highlighted that even with the
presence of mutagen (agent that promotes mutation),
gumamela extracts have successfully halted the
bacteria’s growth in most of the trials conducted.
According to the study, these effects maybe
attributed to the active ingredients in gumamela such
as flavanoids and proanthocyanins, the phytochemical
components that act as powerful antioxidants and free
radical scavengers. Proanthocyanins trap hydroxyl,
lipid peroxides and other damaging free radicals and
stimulate cells to produce detoxifying enzymes.
Meanwhile, flavanoid is one of the few free radical
scavengers that protect the body against fat and water
soluble free radicals.
With these findings, researchers claimed that
gumamela is a potential natural resource that can
prevent the development of cancer cell in human body.
The study was funded by the Philippine
Council for Health Research and Development of the
Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-
DOST) through its Regional Research Fund in Region
11.
About 300 species of Gumamela are found
worldwide. Its beauty makes it one of the most widely
cultivated of flowers, in brilliant huers of red, orange,
or purplish-reds, with short-lived but continuing
blooms.
Characteristics and Pharmacological Effects
• Considered emollient, emmenagogue, anodyne,
expectorant, refrigerant.
• Anti-infectious, anthelmintic, anti-
inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic.
• Hypotensive, antispasmodic.
• Prepared drug has sweet taste, neutral natured.
• The Hibiscus with five petals noted for its
medicinal properties, the flowers are considered
astringent. The roots contain a mucilage that is
soothing on the mucous membranes of the
digestive and respiratory tracts.
 AMACC LEGAZPI CAMPUS
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Related Studies
Studies have demonstrated anti-bacterial,
hypotensive, antispasmodic, and chemopreventive
activities from Gumamela. It has shown glucose
lowering in diabetic rats. Leaf extract has shown to
promote hair growth.
In dermatology, an abrasion is superficial
damage to the skin, generally not deeper than the
epidermis. It is more superficial than an excoriation,
although it can give mild bleeding. Mild abrasions do
not scar, but deep abrasions may lead to the
development of scarring tissue.
III. Methodology
This chapter presents the methods and tools used
in the process of producing a dishwashing liquid. This
study aims to produce dishwashing liquid from
Gumamela flower extract and determine its effects as a
dishwashing liquid. This method is based on
experience and evidence.
The materials needed are mortar and pestle, a
teaspoon, and a bottle. The ingredients used are
Gumamela Flower, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essential oil,
½ teaspoon of salt (lasts for 2-3 days) and 1 cup of
water.
In this study, the following processes were
conducted:
First, remove the Sepals from the Gumamela
flower. The sepals are located at the very top of the
stem of the flower. They are small, tender leaves. They
protect the flower while it is a bud. Then put these on a
mortar. Add water, and then use the pestle to grind the
leaves or petals until the extract comes out. Then add
½ teaspoon of salt, mix it using a teaspoon. Afterwards,
add the other components and mix well again. Pour all
the contents in a bottle and now, you have the finish
product of a gumamela that is used as dishwashing
liquid.
After creating the product, the researcher
developed and issued a letter to AMA’s higher office
to ask for permission to use the laboratory of AMA in
testing the product. Throughout the testing of the
product, the accuracy of the researcher’s hypothesis
was also tested and proven.
The data that were yielded by the laboratory tests
were tallied, tabulated, and subjected to statistical
treatment in order to ensure validity, reliability, and
interpretation.
III. Results and Analysis
Presentation, Analysis, Interpretation of Data
This chapter deals with the presentation,
analysis and interpretation of data, as to arrive at the
needed answer to the question leading to the solution
of the problem under consideration that was gathered
by the researcher. The various results were presented
in the succeeding tables with corresponding
discussions and explanations.
Table I. Amount of Salt for its Longevity
This study attempted to test the product’s
permanence by adding up the preservative (salt)
amount. The results of the study are shown below.
Amount of Salt No. of days the
dishwashing liquid
lasted
½ teaspoon 2-3
1 teaspoon 4
1 tbsp. 4
1 ½ tbsp. 4
The above table revealed that no matter how
much amount of salt was added into the gumamela
dishwashing liquid, it will only last for 2-4 days as a
 AMACC LEGAZPI CAMPUS
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

result of the conducted test. This data reflected that the

amount of preservatives does not affect the days that
the product will last long.
Table II. Effectiveness of Gumamela Flower
against Bacteria on Plates
This chart below presents the effectiveness of
Gumamela Flower against bacteria on the plate
The above table showed that the amount of
bacteria decreases as the no. of flowers added
increases. This shows that the Gumamela flower could
possibly help in reducing the risk of leaving bacteria
behind on the sponges that we use for our utensils.
IV. Illustration of the effectiveness of the
Gumamela flower against tough stains on Plates

No. of Flowers Bacterias Visible Stains Visible A. Before washing the plate with the Gumamela
on Plate on Plate dishwashing liquid:

3 flowers Many Less

4 flowers Many Less

7 flowers Less Lesser

9 flowers Lesser None

The table above revealed that as the number of flowers

increases, the number of bacteria decreases, and the
amount of stain also decreases on the tested plates. The
effectiveness of mucilage in Gumamela is effective
against bacteria and tough stains.
Table III. Effectiveness of GumamelaFlower in
Eliminating Bacteria left on the sponge Illustration 1.Tough stains on Chinaware/Glassware

This chart below presents the effectiveness of

Gumamela flower against bacteria on the sponge.

No. of flowers Bacteria visible on

sponge
2 Many
4 Many
6 Less
8 Lesser
 AMACC LEGAZPI CAMPUS
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

Illustration 2. Tough stains on Plasticware

Result of Illustration II
B. After washing the plate with the Gumamela
dishwashing liquid: IV. Discussion
Summary of Findings
This study deals with the production of
dishwashing liquid from the Gumamela Petal extract.
There were two tests conducted for the proof of the
product’s effectiveness.
The first test conducted, was for its longevity.
The given table revealed that no matter how much
amount of salt was added into the gumamela
dishwashing liquid, it will only last for 2-4 days as a
result of the conducted test. This data reflected
concludes that the researcher must find an alternative
preservative for a much more effective product. Salt
won’t last long, it would only be a temporary
preservative for a temporary use for the product which
makes it limited.
The second and third test conducted, proves
that the effectiveness of Gumamela against bacteria on
the plate and the sponge. The second and third table
The result of Illustration I showed that as the number of flower increases, the
visible bacteria on the plate also decreases. Thus,
proves that the effectiveness of mucilage in Gumamela
is effective against bacteria.
 AMACC LEGAZPI CAMPUS
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

The second table also showed that the Ornamentals(September 9,2016).Benefits of

Gumamela is indeed effective in removing tough Gumamela.Retrieved December 29,2016,from
stains on plates with 9 flowers added to the product. http://www.Ornamentals.com/articles/benefits-of-
As showed on the illustration, the before and after has gumamelapetals.html
definitely showed some changes.
Smith,a.(1942).The science of ornamental plants.P.O.
The results showed that the Gumamela Box 962, Davao City,Philippines.
dishwashing liquid wasn't able to last for an average of
at least a week while commercial branded dishwashing
liquid was able to go for twice as long. Therefore, the
researcher must find a much more effective
preservative for the product. But, the results also
showed that Gumamela Petals is an effective
antibacterial agent for dishwashing liquid.
Conclusion
From the given data, the results conclude that
the effectiveness of Gumamela Petals as an
antibacterial dishwashing liquid is factual.
Recommendation
It is advised to undergo thorough mashing of
the Gumamela in order to squeeze out its extract. The
sticky mucilage must be squeezed out thoroughly
because this is the component that elevates the
effectiveness of the product. Find a more effective
chemical/additive that could elongate the product’s
longevity. It is also recommended to use a more
strategic way in analyzing the type of bacterium
present on the plate in order to conduct a broader study
of the product. Finding a good scent additive is also
recommended in order for the product to lure the
customers and remove the odors left by the food stains.

VI. References
Medicinal.net. (June 2016).Medicinal properties of the
banana plant.Retrieved February 29,2016,from
http://www.medicinal.net/patient/lifestyleandwellness/
medicinal-properties-of-the-banana-plant.html
Organic facts.(n.d.).Health benefits of
Gumamela.Retrieved January 12 ,20167,from
http://www.organic.net/health-benefits/gumamela
/health-benefits-of-banana.html