Review of Related Literature & Studies in Siling Labuyo as an Antiseptic

G. Review of Related Literature

            This chapter provides the related literature to the study. This involves all the content and ideas of the sources taken by the researchers in the study.

            According to Stuart (2014), “Sili, genus capsicum, is known in several varieties: Capsicum annum (Sili); Capsicum annuum var. longum (Siling-haba); Capsicum annuum (Siling-bilog, Siling-lara); Capsicum fructescens (Siling-labuyo)”. Siling labuyo (capsicum frutescence) is a variety of cayenne pepper commonly found in Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines. Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) plant can be readily grown in most soil even in pots. It is known for many health benefits and one of it is its antibiotic properties. Crushed leaves of siling labuyo are applied to skin wounds and sores, believed to possess antibiotic properties. Capsicum frutescence is also observed to be rich in carbohydrates, potassium, and iron. Siling labuyo is widely used as folkloric herbal medicine. It is known for the following health benefits: fibromyalgia relieves heavy menstrual bleeding, relieves pain and inflammation, can increase blood flow, antibiotic properties, decongestant, sore throat, stomach problems, toothache, diabetes, fever, and typhus. (medicalhealthguide.com)

            Antiseptic is a substance that inhibits the growth or action of microorganisms especially in or on living tissue. (Merriam Dictionary)

            Furthermore, capsicum frutescens are known for the burning sensation it leaves off when eating. The chemical compound responsible for this effect are called capsaicin which can be found with high concentrations on the seeds and the white flesh that houses the seeds, known as placenta. The capsaicin is main active ingredient found on capsicum frutescens that is responsible for deterring against herbivores and microorganisms.

            However, capsaicin and other related compounds which are called capsinoids are considered a volatile, hydrophobic compound. According to hydrophobic molecules tend to aggregate when it comes into contact with water. Therefore, by inspection, oil and water do not mix. However, smaller hydrophobic materials have the ability to dissolve in water. Although hydrophobic materials that could be dissolve in water can only dissolve to a small extent. The process in which the hydrophobic solute dissolves in water is called hydrophobic effect.

            Regarding the decoction process, Justis (2016) suggests to start with cold water, use more herbs if to use fresh, grind herbs before brewing, and infuse the grinded herbs with water. This procedure was followed in making the antiseptic sprays with different concentrations.

            Additionally, other common antiseptic such as betadine are classified as alkaline around 7.5 pH level. Meanwhile, chilli peppers such as that are commonly found in tropical areas such as the Philippines are categorized as akanizing spices & seasonings, and recognized as one of the spices that has most alkaline. However, cooling and boiling boiling alkaline water can affect its anti-oxidative (ORP) value and its pH level as well. Although the decrease in the pH level is relatively small. Therefore, an alkaline solution is expected to be the outcome of boiling chilli peppers.

H. Review of Related Studies

            According to a previous study by George et al. (2010), capsaicin strongly inhibits the growth of B. subtilis as aqueous and ethanolic extracts of black pepper have been screened for antibacterial activities against Penicillin G resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, B. cereus and B. subtilis. Thus, Capsicum extracts do appear to have some valuable antimicrobial activity. This research study used an aqueous and ethanolic extraction of solute.

            In a research study conducted by Mariao, et. Al of Benguet State University (BSU), a multi-campus tertiary, in the Benguet capital town of La Trinidad, the researchers had come up with a conclusion that leaves of siling labuyo (capsicum frutescens) is an effective wound healer. The study revealed that it is more effectual on people 15-30 years old than those who are 40 to 55 years old because of the capacity of the younger ones to react from medication. The research study also exhibited that there is no difference in the level of effectiveness according to gender. “The medication is prepared by crushing the leaves and squeezing out the juices. The juices are then purified using a clean cloth and continuously applied on the wound until it is healed.” BSU researchers also noted that “The leaves must not have been sprayed with any kind of pesticides or insecticides. Leaves should also be freshly picked and washed to remove foreign objects before crushing.”

            Meanwhile according to (Kazembe and Makusha, 2012) in Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Faculty of Education, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe capsicum frutescens extracts has been proven to be an effective mosquito repellent for 2.5 hours. The study assessed methanol and ethanol fruit extracts of Capsicum annuum and C. frutescence for antibacterial activities selected bacteria. Both extracts were effective against Vibrio cholera, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium.

            According to (Bello, et.al, 2015) long pepper fruits is an important source for antimicrobial agents that can be used to prevent or cure infections caused by some bacteria, capsaicin strongly inhibits the growth of B. subtilis as aqueous and ethanolic extracts of black pepper have been screened for antibacterial activities against Penicillin G resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, B. cereus and B. subtilis. Thus, Capsicum extracts do appear to have some valuable antimicrobial activity but not totally proven.

            In addition, according to the research study of the Armed Forces Medical College, New Delhi by Wing Commander D.V.K. Rao, et. Al, albino rats as the subject of the study proved that Agnihotra ash has an antibacterial effect and also been observed that Agnihotra ash helps wound healing by way of better wound contraction and minimal scar tissue. Therefore, albino rats encompass the characteristics needed in this research experiment.

            In line with this, according to Melina (2010) albino rats are commonly used in scientific and experimental researchers since mice are inexpensive and easy to handle and another reason why rodents are used as models in medical testing is that the genetic, biological and behavioural characteristics closely resemble those of humans, and many symptoms of human conditions can be replicated in mice and rats.

            Moreover, Jenny Haliski, a representative for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare noted that “Rats and mice are mammals that share many processes with humans and are appropriate for use to answer many research questions.”

I. Definition of Terms

            Abrasion - wounds that are limited to the outer skin layer only like a scrape,                                                     bruise, discoloration, and swelling.

            Accredited – to say that something is good enough to be given official approval

            Akali –a substance that has a bitter taste and that forms a salt when mixed with an acid

            Alkaline – having the qualities of an alkali

            Alternative – something that can be chosen instead of something else

            Antioxidant – a substance that is added to food and other products to prevent harmful                                           chemical reactions in which oxygen is combined with other substances

            Antiseptic – substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms especially in the living                                 tissue

            Betadine – commercial antiseptic solution used to compare the produced antiseptic

            Capsicum frutescens – scientific name for siling labuyo or chili pepper

            Decoct ­– to extract the flavor of by boiling

            Hydrophobic - tending to repel or fail to mix with water

            Last consumer – person who consumes a product

            Simmer – to slowly boil a substance

            Solution – a mixture of two or more substance

PS. Continuation on the next Article.