The Effectiveness of Kamias(Averrhoa bilimbi) extract as a

substitute antioxidant in a facemask mixture

Rose Ann R. Balbona

Ayessa Collette D. Jesalva

Researchers

A technical paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement in Research

III

Sorsogon National High school

Magsaysay St. Sorsogon City

July 3, 2017

Mrs. Cynthia P. Jardiolin

Research Adviser
 Abstract

The investigatory project aims to find an alternative or a substitute antioxidant in a traditional

facemask mixture that involves the lemon (C. limon) extract. By testing bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi) extract
and comparing its properties and benefits externally to a lemon extract, having other natural minor
ingredients to counter part in the mixture. The goal of the project was to formulate an easy, natural and
cheaper facemask to be an option in the evolving industry of beauty regimens and skin care related studies.
The results of this analysis can be used and applied even at the household and having the materials
accessible and the anticipated outcome was the same effectiveness and results of the two main extracts. The
findings and analyses may be useful in treating skin conditions that are related to blemishes, acne or of
drying skin.

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Acknowledgement

Sincere gratitude is hereby extended to the following who never ceased in helping and supporting

until this paper is structured and our project was done.

First are our parents for their unwavering moral and financial support.

The worker that aid us in picking bilimbi fruits from its tree.

Our classmates that give their precious time in sharing their experiences throughout their own

studies and encouraging each one to continue the goal of each researches even though there are so many

factors affecting.

To our research adviser Cynthia P. Jardiolin for her positive insights and encouragement.

Above all, utmost appreciation to our Almighty God for the divine intervention in the academic

endeavor.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………....…i

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………………………...…ii

I. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………...1

II. Methodology…………………………………………………………………………….....2

A. Materials and Equipment

B. General Procedures

III. Results and Discussion…………………………………………………………………….7

A. Findings

IV. Analysis………………………………………………………………………………........7

V. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………........9

VI. Recommendation………………………………………………………………………….10

VII. Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………11
 introduction

In the past decades, beauty regimes and different products were made to maintain youthful

glow and or just maintain healthy and supple skin in general. A large population of women based

on past surveys that asked if proper skincare is important said yes (Womenstalk2015). Now, in the

evolving world, both men and women are already conscious in skincare routines and treatments.

Somehow relying on beauty industries and spending money on it. In the Philippines, there’s no big

difference in finding ways for skincare. And Facial Masks are one of the products that greatly

contributes to a healthier skin (Herb therapy) may it be traditionally or in an instant form. One

possible ingredient for a cheaper but equally effective facial mask is Averrhoa bilimbi or

commonly known as Kamias. In the Philippines, the leaves of Kamias are already serve as a paste

on itches, swelling, rheumatism, mumps or skin eruptions.

Given that the skin is the largest organ and certainly the most visible one, most of the

people agree that taking care of it properly is important. In fact, the skin-care industry estimated

Americans alone spend over $43 billion per year on topical creams, cosmetic enhancements such

as Botox, and spa treatments (Womenstalk2015) that, as the skin-care industry continues to emerge

in different ways, adding more SPF in lotions and innovating sunscreens--- There are also different

natural skincare products in the market. And one of the skincare products are the facial masks.

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 Masks can be used to moisturize, increase circulation and replenish nutrients. Facial masks

provide deep nourishment to the skin. But above all, they add an extra dimension to the skin-care

routine. The perceived effects of a facial mask treatment include revitalizing, healing, or

refreshing; and, may yield temporary or long-term benefits (depending on environmental, dietary,

and other skincare factors).

In the tropical country like the Philippines with constant changing weathers, having a

healthy supple skin would require simple effort. And in making a facemask, but with finding a

much accessible ingredient locally whilst cheaper but equally effective ingredients, it would be

more helpful to most people especially in Tropical countries where Bilimbi or kamias are available.

For this fruit is possible to be a cheaper alternative to lemons (common used fruit in facemasks)

and this fruit is now cultivated and found throughout the Philippines.

Lemon is an important medicinal plant of the family Rutaceae. It is cultivated mainly for

its alkaloids, which are have antibacterial potential in crude extracts of different parts (viz., leaves,

stem, root and flower) of Lemon against clinically significant bacterial strains has been reported

(Kawaii et al., 2000). Citrus flavonoids have a large spectrum of biological activity including

antibacterial and antifungal activities (Burt, 2004 and Ortuno et al., 2006). large amount of

vitamin-C and Flavonoids, both of which are class-1 anti-oxidants, and anti-biotic and

disinfectants. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells.

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 Averrhoa Bilimbi fruit or famously known as cucumber tree fruit. In the Philippines, it is

known as kamias and in Bicol (Region in the Philippines) as Iba. This fruit contain

antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory properties. Kamias has also chemical constituents that can

be useful for the skin including; Amino acids, Citric acid, potassium ion, sugars, Vitamin A, oxalic

acid and other chemicals. In which, the oxalic acid and vitamin A in bilimbi fruits help in reducing

pimples and soothing the painful inflamed ones. Vitamin C helps make the skin brighter, reduce

black spots and keep the skin tight because it promotes the production of collagen, a substance

needed to keep the skin toned. The fruit also has potential antibacterial activity (Aronson, 2001).

There’s a study where it is revealed that the fruit extracts have good inhibitory activity against the

tested pathogens. (ZuraidaBt.Wan MohdZain and Sarah Aqilah Bt. Anwar)

Thus, formulating a homemade facial mask having Bilimbi as a key ingredient would take

a toll in the skincare especially in the tropical countries like the Philippines. Wherein a traditionally

mixed ingredient of a facemask would be within reach, by distance and price.

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 Methodology

A. Materials and Equipment

The materials needed and used in this research are separate bowls for the extracts squeezed,

the mixing bowl for the mixing of the ingredients, a sharp knife for the sliced lemon and the bilimbi

fruit, tablespoon, teaspoon, a chopping board and other containers for the leftovers.

B. General Procedures

There are two facemask mixtures made. One had the lemon extract and the other had the

bilimbi extract.

The first is Bilimbi fruit was gathered by the researchers from its tree (it can be found

almost in a neighbor’s backyard, for it is accessible locally), picked fruits without bruises (damage)

and then washed carefully with distilled water. Fruit is very soft-skinned and was handled with

care. In the field, Bilimbi fruits was not be piled more than a few inches on top of one another in

the harvest between containers. The researchers obtained extract by using hand gloves in squeezing

the 2 bilimbi fruits, an extract was expected after. Then getting as much extract from the bilimbi,

the extract was ready to use. Then the bilimbi extract was mixed by stirring in a cup with 1

proportion of egg white, ¼ tablespoon of fine brown sugar (it should be a small portion for it cannot

be stored for more than two days) and a teaspoon of oats then were mixed well. It is stored for days

and the mixture is still usable for 2 days if not refrigerated. In succeeding days, molds are already

forming. Appropriate and ample proportion for the key ingredients were of import.

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 For the mixture with lemon extract it also has the exact proportions of the ingredients in

the first mixture and same procedure of mixing.

1st Trial

FIGURE 1: Separation of egg white and FIGURE 2: Slicing and squeezing 1

egg yolk lemon and 2 bilimbis to get its juice
(extract)

FIGURE 4: Preparing the other minor

ingredients; 1 teaspoon of oats and ¼
tablespoon of fine brown sugar
FIGURE 3: Putting the extracts in its
individual containers and labeling it

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FIGURE 5- Mixture and application for
10 mins.

FIGURE 6-Applying the mixture on

the surface of the skin. (back part
of the hands)

FIGURE 7-Applying the mixture on a

part of the face (chin). PERSON A

FIGURE 8-Applying the mixture on a Result of 1st trial: The mixture was
part of the face (chin). PERSON B watery and needs much more
stickiness.
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 2nd Trial

FIGURE 9- Preparation of the raw FIGURE 10- Fruit peeling

material (bilimbi)

FIGURE 11- Separation of the flesh

FIGURE 12-The extraction of the from its seeds and the unnecessary
bilimbi fruit to obtain its juice. parts.

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 FIGURE 14-Pounded fruit of the
bilimbi.

FIGURE 15- Separated juice and the

flesh of the fruit.

Results and discussion

And you can substitute the bilimbi

juice in a facemask mixture as an
antioxidant rather than lemon.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The research can be safely conducted at any area that is clean and with a moderate temperature,

this research does not require a laboratory. The researchers found out that 1 egg white is enough for a

facemask mixture’s consistency to uphold a standard facemask’s stickiness. Another is the fine brown

sugar was not a suitable added face scrub in the mixture for its texture was gone after it has melted

within the mix.

LEMON

Percentage rate of diminished face acne in 5

days
12.00%
10.00%
8.00%
6.00%
4.00%
2.00%

0.00%
1 2 3 4 5

Person A Person B

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BILIMBI

Percentage rate of diminished face acne in 5

days
10.00%

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00%
1 2 3 4 5

Person A Person B

Thoughts on 1st trial:

-The facemask mixture’s consistency does not reach up to the standard thickness and viscosity.

-The amount of egg white was inadequate.

-In the next trial, 1 full egg white was mixed.

Thoughts on next findings:

-1o minutes of application is effective

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 -The sugar granules melted and was mixed thoroughly.

The research was focused on formulating a homemade facemask mixture intended to be a cheaper

traditional facemask but with equal finer skin treatments and benefits for the face. It could also be used for

the elbows, hands, knees and in the soles of the feet. The person, male or female could use it religiously

every week to avoid early wrinkling of the skin and maintain the skin’s natural suppleness and remove dirt

accumulated in the pores. But with Bilimbi extract as a substitute antioxidant over a lemon extract, it would

be cheaper and could be found even in one’s backyard.

B.Analysis

The two facemask mixtures’ effectivities on the skin is evident and same moisturizing

effects after every apply is the same but the time of effectiveness varies. The properties of the two

main extracts have differences but the citrus acid and the oxalic acid both have benefits for the

skin’s rejuvenation and temporary cooling effect.

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IV. Conclusion

The research has shown that the Iba (Averrhoa bilimbi) is an efficient substitute for

lemon (Citrus x limon) as an antioxidant in a facemask mixture. Testing the results of the

contrasting groups (Iba and the lemon groups) showed the same results. Having an immediate

moisturization effect on the skin. However, the time of effectiveness of other benefits for the skin

are different. It took five days for the facemask mixture bilimbi extract to effectively rejuvenate

and help in slight fading of blemishes while it took the lemon to have effect in just three days.

Thus, there would be a longer period in applying the facemask with bilimbi extract to acquire its

desired benefit on the skin that is of the same results with facemask mixture with the lemon

extract. But it was just a short gap of time thus bilimbi extract as an antioxidant in a facemask

mixture is much recommended for also having a lower price in the market and is moisty

accessible in one’s backyard.

This research wanted to find an alternative, inexpensive, attainable source of antioxidant

for every person who wishes to use a facemask to moisturize his/her skin. Thus, the research

study has founded a new source of antioxidant which is not harmful to the skin that would cause

irritations but much more efficient. It also founded that Averrhoa bilimbi is a safe, inexpensive,

attainable ingredient for a facemask mixture.

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V. Recommendation

After the study, we recommend that in skincare there could be a much more

convenient and efficient way and option like in applying facemask in a week, bilimbi

extract as a main ingredient is beneficial and the result on the skin that would be evident

is likely the same if lemon extract is used which is the traditional main ingredient in

antioxidant properties of moisturizing facemask mixtures. There should be an appropriate

or ample proportion for each key ingredients.

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Bibliography

Coronel, Roberto E. 1983. Promising fruits of the Philippines.

University of the Philippines at Los Baños.p. 51–66.

Janick, Jules, and Robert E. Paull. 2008. The encyclopedia

of fruits and nuts. CABI Wallingford, Oxon,UK.

p. 574–576.

Popenoe, Wilson. 1920. Manual of tropical and subtropical

fruits. Hafner Press. p. 431–432.

Kalia, A.N., 2005. Text Book of IndustrialPharmacognosym.

Oscar Publication, New Delhi,India

Nurul Huda Bt. Abdul Wahab ,MohdEffendy BinAbd Wahid, Mariam Bt. Taib , Wan

ZuraidaBt.Wan MohdZain and Sarah Aqilah Bt. Anwar,Phytochemical screening and

antimicrobial efficacyof extracts from Averrhoabilimbi (Oxalidaceace)fruits against human

pathogenic bacteria Journal ofpharmacognosy,Volume :1 Issue :1 June, 2009

Anjana Sharma,* S. Chandraker, V. K. Patel, andPadminiRamteke, Antibacterial Activity of

Medicinal Plants Against Pathogens causing ComplicatedUrinary Tract Infections ,Indian J

Pharm Sci. 2009Mar-Apr; 71(2): 136–139.

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Healthy Benefits of Bilimbi Fruits, Retrieved from; http://healthybenefits.info/the-health-benefits- of-

bilimbi-fruit/

Uses and Benefits of Bilimbi, Retrieved from; https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Bilimbi-

Cid3734

New Hope Network, April 2008, Retrieved from; http://www.newhope.com/science/benefits-behind-

facial-masks-revealed

http://interscience.org.uk

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