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IV. Research Plan

Statement of the Problem

This study will be conducted to test the capability of aloe gel (Aloe barbadensis), honey

(Honey) and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extracts in lightening scars. It will be then tested to

see if it can answer the following questions:

1) What are the properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel, honey (Honey) and guava

(Psidium guajava) leaf extracts that help lighten scars?

2) Is there any significant difference between the experimental product and the

commercial product in terms of:

2.1) Odor

2.2) Sensation after applying

2.3) Scar appearance after 2 weeks

Null Hypotheses

It will be hypothesized that:

1) Aloe gel, honey and guava leaf extract has no properties that can help lighten scars.

2) There is no significant difference between the experimental product and the


2.1) Odor


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Materials and Equipment

The materials to be used in the study are: one triple beam balance, one stirring rod, two

beakers, 3g aloe, 3g honey, 3g guava leaf extracts, 0.40g xanthan gum, 0.30g

ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid, 2.0g triethanolamine , 3.0g cetyl alcohol, 3.5g stearic acid, 3.3g

glycerylmonestearate, 3.5g mineral oil, and 1.2g isopropyl myristate.

General Procedure

In preparation of the raw materials, aloe leaves will be gathered, blanched, blended, and

filtered. Then the aloe will be weighed using a triple beam balance to satisfy the amount needed

(3g) in producing the product. Then three (3g) of natural honey will also be gathered by

weighing the honey using the triple beam balance. And lastly, 139g of guava leaves are to be

gathered, rinsed, blanched, blended, filtered, and weighed to attain the amount of three grams

(3g) needed for the formulation.50ml of water was added in the blending of the guava leaves.

In making the base cream, xanthan gum – an emulsifier, was to be dissolved in purified

water. Next, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – a preservative, was also to be added to

the mixture. And triethanolamine (TEA), which is used as a neutralizing and emulsifying agent

in cosmetic and pharmaceuticals industry for manufacturing of skin care products like creams,

ointments and shampoos was also to be added. Then, cetylalcohol- a moisturizer, stearic acid- a

lubricant, glycerol monostearate (GMS), mineral oil – another moisturizer, and isopropyl

myristate (IPM) which often used in pharmaceutical ointments and healing creams because of its

ability to soothe and soften skin will also be added in a separate container and heated to 80°C

with mixing. Next, the first mixture will be added to the second mixture. Then, the mixed raw

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materials were to be then, added to the base cream until it combines evenly. The cream that is

going to be produced is to be placed into a clean container until it cools down.

Potential Risk and Safety

The researcher or respondents might have minor skin allergies if chemicals used in the

study are not handled properly.

References

Frauenheilk, G. (2011). Topical egyptian bee honey and royal jelly following post surgical

removal of recurrent cesarean scar endometriosis. Thieme E-Journals, 71

Mars, B. (2006). Beauty by Nature. Summertown, TN: Healthy Living Publications

Tenney, D. (1997). Aloe Vera. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Publishing.

Aloe Vera.(n.d.).Retrieved on Feb 19, 2013 from http://doctorschar.com/archives/aloe-vera/

Guava.(n.d.).Retrieved on Aug13, 2013 from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/

healing-plants/images/ob1690.html

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V. Introduction

Background of the study

Scars have always been a nuisance in our life. Not only does it leave an unpleasant mark

on the body, it also affects the individual psychologically. A scar is any mark left on the skin

(Collins English Dictionary, 1819) or other tissue following the healing of a wound. When the

skin is wounded and there is a break in the body’s tissues, the body produces more of a protein

called collagen as part of the healing process. Collagen builds up where the tissue has been

damaged, helping to heal and strengthen the wound. Since the condition of the skin is a window

to one’s lifestyle, (Ferrel, Archbold &Cherne, 2004) proper, cheap, and effective cosmetics are

needed to restore an individual’s flawless skin.

Commercial products contain several properties that can help soften the scar and remove

unneeded skin. These products are needed to make the skin look flawless again though these

commercial products are expensive and a normal citizen cannot afford to waste money on such

cosmetics.

To address this problem, the researcher made a study focused on formulating an effective

and reasonably priced cream made from aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey (honey), and guava

(Psidium guajava) leaf extract. These active ingredients are all known to remove scars and are

very much available.

Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted to test the capability of aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey

(Honey), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract in removing scars. It sought to answer the

following specific questions:

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1) What are the properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel, honey (Honey), and guava

(Psidium guajava) leaf extract that help lighten scars?

2) Is there any significant difference between the experimental product and the


2.1) Odor



Significance of the Study

The study would be beneficial to the following:

Future Researchers

People these days are relying too much on modern medicines and are forgetting about the

wonderful properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey (Honey), guavas (Psidium guajava), etc.

People with scars

The product of this study would be of great help to people with scars.

Community

Surely, people in communities have scars and this study will help those people.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focused on the formulation of a scar-removing cream made using honey

(Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract. This study was conducted

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at Bansud National High School - Regional Science High School for Region IV-B MIMAROPA,

Pag-asa, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro from July 2013 to January 2014.

Related Literature

Scars

A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the

skin has healed. They can be removed using plastic surgery, pressure dressings, silicone gel

sheets, etc. Scars naturally heal over time because our body produces a protein called collagen.

Some of it breaks down at the site of the wound then the blood supply reduces and the scar

gradually becomes smoother, softer, and paler. The healing of scars can be improved by using

ointments and other related products.

Aloe gel

Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel has been known throughout the world for its amazing

benefits to the skin. When broken, it secretes a clear gel that can be applied topically to heal

wounds, lighten scars and to soothe skin (www.doctorschar.com). Various studies have been

conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe (Aloe barbadensis) vera plant and it was found out

that aloe (Aloe barbadensis) vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating

a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to

many more.

Honey

Honey (Honey) is used commonly as food enhancer. Honey is traditionally known as a

natural antibacterial. It is used (even in some allopathic medicine) as a skin healer (for example,

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helping to heal ulcers). Because of this skin healing action, it may be helpful for people with

acne. Honey also softens and moisturizes the skin which is a valuable component in making a

scar removing cream. The honey will soften the scar to promote faster fading of the scar.

Guava

Guava (Psidium guajava) fruit is a source of anti-oxidants that can help the skin away

from aging. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves also was efficacious to overcome the problem of

acne and blackheads on your skin. It also has a high concentration of vitamin C that will aid in

the removing of pesky scars.

Related Studies

According to a book entitled “Aloe Vera” by Tenney (1997), a group of researchers at the

University of Texas in Galveston reviewed many medical studies on aloe vera. Their conclusion

was that the aloe gel does promote healing of wounds, burns and frostbite. The aloe is able to

penetrate the skin layers to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the

injured area. In fact, most of the research done with aloe has found that it helps accelerate the

healing process of both burns and wounds.

Aloe vera can also be used to help prevent scarring and to heal minor scars. The

properties of aloe vera help to promote tissue healing as well as remove dead skin. It contains

substances called uronic acids that are natural detoxicants and may take part in the healing

process by stripping toxic materials of their harmful effects. Aloe’s enzyme action is able to

penetrate tissue and promote the healing and normal growth of the tissue.

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The study clearly states that aloe vera can be used to heal or prevent scars. It also states

that aloe vera promote tissue healing and dead skin removal which will prove to be very useful

in the researcher’s study.

A book entitled “Beauty by Nature” by Mars (2006) stated that “After the wound has

healed somewhat, applying products to promote healing, such as aloe vera, avocado oil,

calendula flowers, castor oil, cocoa butter, comfrey, honey, plantain, and shea butter, will help to

treat and prevent scars.”

This study proves that aloe vera and honey has properties that help lighten scars. This

improves the possibility that the product of this study can remove scars.

A study conducted by Frauenheilk (2011) aimed to show the effect of topical Egyptian

bee honey and royal jelly on wound healing and recurrence rate after removal of recurrent

caesarean section scar endometriosis, showed 7 complete external healing within less than 2

weeks. No one patient developed sepsis or wound dehiscence. No recurrence was observed over

2 year follow-up period. Four patients were subsequently delivered by caesarean section without

developing further recurrence over 6 months follow-up period.

The result is that the topical application of Egyptian bee honey and royal jelly seems of

positive value for the promotion of healing and reducing the rate of recurrence following

removal of endometriosis of caesarean section scar. Extending the study over longer follow-up

periods and on larger number of cases is required for firmer conclusions.

The study used Egyptian bee honey for the treatment of the caesarean section scar which

is a good thing for the researcher because Egyptian bee honey is still honey which supports the

hypothesis that honey can lighten or remove scars.

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VI. Methodology

Materials and Equipment

The materials used in the study are: one triple beam balance, one stirring rod, two

beakers, 3g aloe, 3g honey, 3g guava leaf extracts, 0.40g xanthan gum, 0.30g

ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid, 2.0g triethanolamine , 3.0g cetyl alcohol, 3.5g stearic acid, 3.3g

glycerylmonestearate, 3.5g mineral oil, and 1.2g isopropyl myristate.

General Procedure

In preparation of the raw materials, aloe leaves were gathered, blanched, blended, and

filtered. Then the aloe was weighed using a triple beam balance to satisfy the amount needed

(3g) in producing the product. Then three (3g) of natural honey were gathered by weighing the

honey using the triple beam balance. And lastly, 139g of guava leaves were gathered, rinsed,

blanched, blended, filtered, and weighed to attain the amount of three grams (3g) needed for the

formulation.50ml of water was added in the blending of the guava leaves.

In making the base cream, xanthan gum – an emulsifier, was dissolved in purified water.

Next, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – a preservative, was added to the mixture. And

triethanolamine (TEA), which is used as a neutralizing and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and

pharmaceuticals industry for manufacturing of skin care products like creams, ointments and

shampoos was also added. Then, cetylalcohol- a moisturizer, stearic acid- a lubricant, glycerol

monostearate (GMS), mineral oil – another moisturizer, and isopropyl myristate (IPM) which

often used in pharmaceutical ointments and healing creams because of its ability to soothe and

soften skin were also added in a separate container and heated to 80°C with mixing. Next, the

first mixture was added to the second mixture. Then, the mixed raw materials were then added to

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the base cream until it combines evenly. The cream that was produced was placed into a clean

container until it cooled down.

Testing Procedure

In testing the cream, the respondents were instructed to apply the experimental product

thinly for 1-3 times a day on the affected area for 2 weeks to see if the product is effective. The

respondents were then asked to evaluate the experimental product in terms of: odor, sensation

after applying, and scar appearance after 2 weeks using a 5-point Likert scale. The following

parameters are used:

For rating the odor:

5 – Very good odor (the product smells like perfume or the scent has a very good odor)

4 – Good odor (the product smells like fruits, veggies, flowers or any pleasant odor)

3 – Fair odor (the product smells like water or as if it has no odor)

2 – Bad odor (the product smells like alcohol, drug or even close to any foul odor)

1 – Very bad odor (the product smells like garbage, canal or any unpleasant odor)

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For rating the sensation after applying:

For rating the scar appearance after 2 weeks:

5 – Very Satisfactory (after applying the product, a cooling sensation is felt)

4 – Generally Satisfactory (after applying the product, a slight cooling sensation

can be felt)

3 – Satisfactory (after applying the product, no sensation can be felt)

2 – Unsatisfactory (after applying the product, a warm, discomforting sensation

occurs)

1 – Very Unsatisfactory (after applying the product, itchiness and burning

sensations can be felt)

5 – Very Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar to the point that is is barely

noticeable)

4 – Generally Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar with great results)

3 – Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar with legitimate results)

2 – Unsatisfactory (the product has effects but are barely noticeable)

1 – Very Unsatisfactory (the product did not have any effect on the scar)

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VII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1.Comparison of the commercial product and the experimental product in terms of

its odor.

RespondentsODOR

Experimental Product Commercial Product

1 4 3

2 4 3

3 4 4

4 5 4

5 4 3

6 4 2

7 3 3

8 4 3

9 5 4

10 4 3

11 5 5

12 3 3

13 4 5

14 5 5

15 4 4

Mean 4.13 3.6

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As can be gleaned from Table 1 above, the experimental product had an average rating of

4.13 while the commercial product was rated as 3.6 on the average.

When the commercial product and experimental product were compared using Wilcoxon

Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .0330 which is less than the .05 level of

significance. It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the commercial

product and experimental product in terms of odor. It implies that the experimental product is

better than the commercial one in terms of odor.

Based on the table, the experimental product’s odor is better than the commercial

product’s odor. The experimental product was made using ingredients that have pleasing aroma.

The honey (Honey) gave the product a sweet smell while the guava (Psidium guajava) and the

aloe (Aloe vera) gave the product a refreshing herbal scent.

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sensation after applying.

RespondentsSensation after applying


1 3 3

2 3 3

3 4 4

4 5 5

5 3 3

6 3 3

7 3 3

8 4 3

9 4 5

10 3 3

11 3 4

12 3 3

13 3 5

14 5 5

15 3 3

Mean 3.47 3.67

The table shows that the commercial product has a mean of 3.67 while the experimental

product has a mean of 3.47.

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Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .2733 which is greater than the .05 level

of significance. It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the commercial

product and experimental product in terms of sensation after applying.

Based on the table, the experimental product almost matched the commercial product in

terms of sensation after applying. The base cream used in formulating the experimental product

proved to have a satisfying and neutral feeling to the skin instead of a warm, discomforting,

feeling.

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scar appearance after 2 weeks.

RespondentsScar appearance after 2 weeks


1 4 5

2 3 5

3 4 5

4 3 3

5 3 3

6 4 4

7 5 5

8 5 5

9 3 5

10 4 5

11 5 5

12 3 3

13 4 4

14 4 5

15 5 4

Mean 3.93 4.4

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The table shows that the commercial product has a mean of 4.4 while the experimental

product has a mean of 3.73.


Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .0630 which is greater than the .05 level

of significance. It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between the

commercial product and experimental product in terms of scar appearance after 2 weeks.

The experimental product barely matched the effectiveness of the commercial product in

terms of scar appearance after 2 weeks. The experimental product was made using honey

(Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract - ingredients that have scar

lightening properties. According to a study by Tenney (1997), Aloe vera can be used to help

prevent scarring and to heal minor scars. Another study, conducted by Frauenheilk (2011),

shown the effect of topical Egyptian bee honey and royal jelly on wound healing and recurrence

rate after removal of recurrent caesarean section scar endometriosis, showed 7 complete external

healing within less than 2 weeks. And Mars (2006) stated in his study that “After the wound has

healed somewhat, applying products to promote healing, such as aloe vera, avocado oil,

calendula flowers, castor oil, cocoa butter, comfrey, honey, plantain, and shea butter, will help to

treat and prevent scars.” These studies proved that the ingredients can all be used to lighten or

remove scars.

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XIII. CONCLUSIONS

Based on the given results, the following conclusions were drawn:

1) Honey (Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract can

lighten scars due to their individual capabilities. Honey (Honey) has antiseptic,

antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Aloe (Aloe vera) has anti-bacterial

properties, contains several minerals and vitamins like Vitamin E, and stimulates

cell growth. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves has high vitamin C content which

helps in producing new collagen which plays an important part in the synthesis of

new skin cells.

2) The experimental product is better than the commercial product in terms of odor

because the experimental product was made using ingredients that have pleasing

aroma. The honey (Honey) gave the product a sweet smell while the guava

(Psidium guajava) and the aloe (Aloe vera) gave the product a refreshing herbal

scent. In terms of sensation after applying, the better one is the commercial

product because of the numerous artificial additives and chemicals that was added

to the commercial product. And in terms of scar appearance after two weeks, the

experimental product matched the effectiveness of the commercial product

because honey (Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf

extract has properties that lightens scars.

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IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the preceding conclusions, the researcher suggests the following

recommendations.

1) A more efficient test may be used to determine the effectiveness of the cream.

2) Other ingredients may be added to increase the effectiveness of the product.

3) Other extraction processes may be conducted to produce better extracts for the

cream.

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X. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher sincerely appreciates and acknowledges the cooperation and assistance of

the following:

First, to the Almighty Lord. For all of his blessings including his gift of knowledge, his

guidance for the success of the study, and everything.

To Mrs. Joanne Familara and Mr. Ian Fajardosa, the research advisers. For the wise

recommendations to make this study better and possible.

To Mr. Arvin Gutierrez, the statistician, for the assistance on what statistical tests the

researcher must use.

To all the science teachers and students for their help and encouragement.

To my brother, Jose Marie M. Jaudian Jr., for his recommendations and suggestions that

made this study better.

To the researcher’s parents and to all who in a way, helped in the success of this study.

M.A.M.J.

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XI. REFERENCES

Frauenheilk, G. (2011). Topical egyptian bee honey and royal jelly following post surgical

removal of recurrent cesarean scar endometriosis. Thieme E-Journals, 71

Mars, B. (2006). Beauty by Nature. Summertown, TN: Healthy Living Publications

Tenney, D. (1997). Aloe Vera. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Publishing.

Aloe Vera. Retrieved on Feb 19, 2013 from http://doctorschar.com/archives/aloe-vera/

Guava. (n.d.). Retrieved on Aug 13, 2013 from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicine-ways/

healing-plants/images/ob1690.html

Scar. (n.d.) Retrieved on Oct 13, 2013 from

http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/scar

Ferrel, V., Archbold, E. & Cherne H. (2004). Natural Remedies Encyclopedia.4th edition. (pp. 244). United States of America: Harvestime Books.

Use Honey For Acne Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from http://www.acnebuzz.com/use-honey-for-acne-treatment/

Aloe Vera For Acne. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from http://theacnezone.com/aloe-

vera-for-acne/

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars with Home Remedies. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Acne-Scars-with-Home-Remedies

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XII. Appendix

Extracting the plants

Fig. 1 Weighing of guava leaves using the triple beam balance.

Fig. 2 Blanching of plants for easier blending.

Fig. 4 Extracting the plants using the juicer.

Fig. 3 Draining unnecessary water from plants.

Fig. 5 Each plant extract were filtered using a clean cloth and was put into a clean container.

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Making the cream

Fig. 8 Mixing the weighed ingredients to make base cream phases: 1 and 2

Fig. 7 Weighing the necessary ingredients using a triple beam balance

Fig. 6 Formulating base cream phases 1 and 2

Fig. 9 Combining phase 2 with phase 1.

Fig. 10 Stirring the mixture to combine phase and phase 2.

Fig. 11 Mixing guava leaf extract, aloe extract, and honey to the base cream.

Fig. 12 Waiting for the product to cool down.

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Analysis of the Raw Data

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test Sensation

variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product2 sum of positive ranks8 sum of negative ranks

4 n5.00 expected value2.74 standard deviation

-1.10 z.2733 p-value (two-tailed)

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test Odor

variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product

40.5 sum of positive ranks4.5 sum of negative ranks

9 n22.50 expected value8.44 standard deviation2.13 z

.0330 p-value (two-tailed)

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Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test Scar appearance after 2 weeks

variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product

3 sum of positive ranks

25 sum of negative ranks

7 n

14.00 expected value

5.92 standard deviation

-1.86 z

.0630 p-value (two-tailed)

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SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

Name: ________________________________________________ Date: __________

Address: ______________________________________________ Age: _______

Rating Sheet

Write the appropriate rating of the odor, sensation after applying, and scar appearance after 2 weeks of the ointments using the parameter below:

Odor: Sensation after applying: Scar Appearance after 2 Weeks5- Very Pleasant 5- Very Satisfactory 5- Very Satisfactory4- Pleasant 4- Generally Satisfactory 4- Generally Satisfactory3- Odorless 3- Satisfactory 3- Satisfactory2- Unpleasant 2- Unsatisfactory 2- Unsatisfactory1- Very Unpleasant 1- Very Unsatisfactory 1- Very Unsatisfactory

Experimental Product

Commercial Product

Odor

Sensation after applying

Scar appearance after 2 weeks

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