The Efficacy of Oxalic Acid as an Alternative Anticoagulant from Fruit

Extract of Averrhoa carambola (Starfruit)

Objectives:
The researchers conducted a study to determine the efficacy of oxalic acid
extracted from a Averrhoa carambola as an alternative anticoagulant
 To make a more cost efficient and more reliable source of alternative anticoagulant
in which it can be mass produced and easily prepared.
 The goal of this study is to know the potentiality of oxalic acid extracted from a
Averrhoa carambola fruit if it will cause an effect on blood coagulation while using
Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid as a positive control.
 To understand the difference between Oxalic acid and Ethylene diamine
tetraacetic acid on how it can cause anti-coagulation on blood.

Significance of the Study

The study aims to assess the potentiality of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract as an
alternative anticoagulant used in Hematology section of the laboratory. The study will give
an insight about the active component of the fruit that causes the blood to stop from
clotting. Furthermore, the study will be beneficial in the following fields:
 In Medical Technology Education. The study will give an insight about the raw fruit
of A. carambola’s capability in inhibiting calcium in order to stop the blood from
clotting. This can provide an overview about the anticoagulant property of the
starfruit.
 In Health Policy Administration. The study will provide ideas for several healthcare
organizations and medical laboratory owners that A. carambola is another source
of anticoagulant that are practical, inexpensive, and cost-efficient.
 In Community Research. The study can serve as a secondary reference in
conducting further studies. Gathering additional data can be made to continue the
study as well as making appropriate advancements with reference to the current
research.
 In the welfare of the individuals, the study will guide individuals to limit the
consumption of specific oxalic acid-containing food, such as starfruit, that has
harmful effects on health.

Limitation of the study

This research is limited to the collection and production of oxalic acid extract from
the flesh of Averrhoa carambola (starfruit), which is said to have an anticoagulant
property. The samples to be used are normal human blood and Ethylene diamine
tetraacetic acid which will serve as positive control. The researchers will observe and
study blood samples with oxalic acid extract, if it really has an anticoagulant property by
doing blood smear as a confirmation for the dilution and morphological appearance of the
cells by observing the nucleus and granules if it is well-defined under the microscope and
the cell size is within the normal range and routine hematological procedure which is the
automated complete blood count examination, to prove the absence of coagulation or
clotting and results of blood samples remain normal.