The Effectiveness of Musa Acuminata (Banana) Peelings as a Whitening Ingredient in Mouthwash

By: De Mesa Heidy Elefante, Clarisse Jimenez, Rafael Pauco, Lady

ABSTRACT
Nowadays, the usage of mouthwashes for dental hygiene is usually accompanied by a risk especially if one uses a mouthwash made artificially with no natural ingredient whatsoever. Mouthwash is usually used not only as a mouth disinfectant, but also, something to help whiten teeth. Having whiter teeth and its maintenance is a culturally accepted social norm. By having whiter teeth, ones life may be better due to the different opportunities that could await him. The banana plant or Musa Acuminata is commonly found throughout South and Southeast Asia. Due to its availability within Philippine territory, experimental research can be easily performed.The peelings of Musa Acuminata or the Banana plant, is known to possess many different phytochemicals and antioxidants that produce a whitening effect when a biological surface is rubbed on it.

CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM RATIONALE

Background of the study: Having whiter teeth has always been something of a social norm in most cultures around the globe (Stark, 2006). The media has been propagating the importance of having whiter teeth in everything we do, from business interviews to aromantic rendezvous (Best, 2010). The usage of artificially manufactured mouthwash, with no natural ingredients, increases the risk of biochemical reactions in the body; furthermore, such usage may also lead to adverse effects on the dental cavity (Stellman, 1998).Musa Acuminata, commonly known as the Banana, has been used in herbal medicine routines all throughout the world for many years(Duke, 2008). It is native in tropical South Asia and Southeast Asia, making it easy to cultivate on Philippine soil.Its usage in herbal medicine is vast, not limiting itself to diarrhea treatment, diabetes treatment, wound healing, as an analgesic, as agastroprotectiveand as an emmenagogue (JAMA, 1937).Another therapeutic use of Musa Acuminata (Banana) is the usage of its peelings as a whitening agent, which is known to posses many phytochemicals.

 The effectiveness of Musa Acuminata (Banana) peelings as a whitening ingredient in mouthwash, when utilized well, may prove to be of significant help in maintaining white teeth, which in turn, contributes to a healthy and happy life. This study was delimited by the banana peeling itself and not the fruit with regards to the whitening properties it possesses. The whitening properties contained in the banana peelings will be extracted through a particular method and will be tested within Metro Manila using sample egg shells.

Definition of Terms
For a clearer understanding of the terms used in this study, below are their meanings: Adverse Effect any unwanted effect. Analgesic- a pain killer. Artificial manmade. Biochemical - characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. Cultivate - to foster the growth of. Diabetes- any of various abnormal conditions characterized by the secretion and excretion of excessive amounts of urine. Diarrhea - abnormally frequent intestinal evacuations with more or less fluid stools. Emmenagogue - an agent that promotes the menstrual discharge. Gastroprotective - that protects the gastric mucosa of aggressive or irritating agents.

Definition Of Terms
Herbal medicine - the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease. Mouthwash - a usually antiseptic liquid preparation for cleaning the mouth and teeth or freshening the breath. Musa Acuminata the scientific name of the banana plant. Norm something socially accepted. Peeling - a peeled-off piece or strip. Phytochemical - a chemical compound (as beta-carotene) occurring naturally in plants. Rendezvous - a meeting at an appointed place and time

CHAPTER 2 THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

2.1 Review of the Literature The Banana plant originates from the family of Musaceae. Such plants were originally from Southeast Asia and is now grown all over the tropical and sub-tropical continents. Banana plants are known to be the largest herbs in the world, since they are cultivated abundantly in many developing countries (Aurore et al., 2009). Musa Acuminataplants are best cultivated in a highly stable ad organic soil constituting a pH value between 5.5-7.7. These plants are known to require a significant amount of water in order for it to grow and produce more bananas.

 After one year of planting the banana plant, theflowers start to flourish, wherein the stem instigates the development of the flower. The stem is also known as pseudostem, which means that it is not real wood. After producing one cluster of banana fruits, thepseudostem will cease to function and will be replaced by a newone. Banana plantshave a height ranging from 2 meters to 8 meters. The period of fruit maturationis between 60 days to 90 days after the flowers are first seen. The banana fruit is enclosedina peeling, which is disposed of after the inner fleshy portion is consumed (Anhwange, et al., 2009).

 The mainpurpose for growing the banana plant is its fruits. These fruits are commonly found throughout the country. It has been said that banana fruit has many therapeutic effects. It is known to aid in the prevention ofanemia, heartburn, ulcers, and much more. The Banana is also considered to be a good source of natural antioxidantswhich fight against heart disease and prevent cancer (Someya, et al., 2002).

 Banana peelings are used as an herbal remedy for several skin problems including bur re not limited to skin allergies, skin tone problems and minor wound healing. Other specific skin problems that the banana peelings have an inkling of treating include: mosquito bites, bruising, wart treatment and wrinkle management; furthermore, banana peeling usage helps the skin to look more rejuvenated.

 The peelings of Musa Acuminata (Banana) have been known to possess whitening properties. (Carmona, 2012). Studies have shown that different phytochemicals and antioxidants found within the banana peelings contribute to their whitening effect. (Anhwange, et al., 2009). A high content of potassium, aids in the natural whitening process of teeth. (Haywood, 2012). The banana is known to constitute high levels of potassium. (Tazoe et al., 2007).

 The applications for banana peelings strictly depend on its chemical constituents. Banana peeling are known to be an abundant source in dietary fiber, amino acids that help the body function properly, polyunsaturated fatty acids and potassium. Banana peelings are also known to contain phytochemicals, which are primarlyantioxidants. (Someya et al., 2002) Banana peels are known to be rich in polymers such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectins that give way to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. (Bankar et al.,2010).With that said, the banana peeling is showing signs of antibacterial properties.

Statement of the Problem

Statement of the Problem: This study is aimed at providing vital information to the public with regards to the effectiveness of Banana peelings as a whitening ingredient in mouthwash, by answering the following questions: Is it safe to use Banana peelings as fruit based component in mouthwash? What are the methods involved in transforming raw banana peelings into mouthwash? Will teeth actually whiten when taking the banana based mouthwash?

Hypothesis
The Banana peelings will exhibit whitening properties and will be an ideal ingredient in the formulation of mouthwash.

Significance of the Study

The researchers intend to test the effectiveness of a fruitbased teeth-whitening ingredient that comes from banana peelings which are abundant in the Philippines that can be a key ingredient in manufacturing an effective and safe teeth whitening mouthwash.

CHAPTER 3 THE RESEARCH METHODS

The Banana plant originates from the family of Musaceae. Such plants were originally from Southeast Asia and is now grown all over the tropical and sub-tropical continents. Banana plants are known to be the largest herbs in the world, since they are cultivated abundantly in many developing countries (Aurore et al., 2009). Musa Acuminataplants are best cultivated in a highly stable ad organic soil constituting a pH value between 5.5-7.7. These plants are known to require a significant amount of water in order for it to grow and produce more bananas.

 After one year of planting the banana plant, theflowers start to flourish, wherein the stem instigates the development of the flower. The stem is also known as pseudostem, which means that it is not real wood. After producing one cluster of banana fruits, thepseudostem will cease to function and will be replaced by a newone. Banana plantshave a height ranging from 2 meters to 8 meters. The period of fruit maturationis between 60 days to 90 days after the flowers are first seen. The banana fruit is enclosedina peeling, which is disposed of after the inner fleshy portion is consumed (Anhwange, et al., 2009).

 The mainpurpose for growing the banana plant is its fruits. These fruits are commonly found throughout the country. It has been said that banana fruit has many therapeutic effects. It is known to aid in the prevention ofanemia, heartburn, ulcers, and much more. The Banana is also considered to be a good source of natural antioxidantswhich fight against heart disease and prevent cancer (Someya, et al., 2002).

 Banana peelings are used as an herbal remedy for several skin problems including bur re not limited to skin allergies, skin tone problems and minor wound healing. Other specific skin problems that the banana peelings have an inkling of treating include: mosquito bites, bruising, wart treatment and wrinkle management; furthermore, banana peeling usage helps the skin to look more rejuvenated.

 The peelings of Musa Acuminata (Banana) have been known to possess whitening properties. (Carmona, 2012). Studies have shown that different phytochemicals and antioxidants found within the banana peelings contribute to their whitening effect. (Anhwange, et al., 2009). A high content of potassium, aids in the natural whitening process of teeth. (Haywood, 2012). The banana is known to constitute high levels of potassium. (Tazoe et al., 2007).

 The applications for banana peelings strictly depend on its chemical constituents. Banana peeling are known to be an abundant source in dietary fiber, amino acids that help the body function properly, polyunsaturated fatty acids and potassium. Banana peelings are also known to contain phytochemicals, which are primarlyantioxidants. (Someya et al., 2002)

 Banana peels are known to be rich in polymers such as hemicellulose, lignin and pectins that give way to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. (Bankar et al.,2010).With that said, the banana peeling is showing signs of antibacterial properties.

Extraction Procedure
The researchers collected Musa Acuminata (Banana) peeling extract straight from the peeling. The resulting extract will then stored in a separate container for storage purposes. The preliminary procedures for the mouthwash formulation will then commence. After the preliminary procedures commence, the main mouthwash formulation procedure will begin.