June 2011, Volume 2, No.

3 International Journal of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Characterization of saba peels

Judilynn N. Solidum Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy Director of Sentro ng Wikang Filipino University of the Philippines, Manila graloheus@yahoo.com
Abstract

Generally, this study aimed to characterize the peel wastes of Musa sapientum var. compressa or Saba in preparation for recycling. Specifically, it aimed to identify the presence or absence of vitamin C, potassium, pectin, reducing sugars, tannins among others in the peels of Saba. It also aimed to determine the median lethal concentration of Saba peel wastes. Further, to explore the formulation of preparations from Saba peel wastes with pharmacologic/medicinal, nutritive and energy values and determine consumer acceptability of the formulated preparations with nutritive value. By survey it was observed that peels of Saba from vendors along the streets in Manila contribute to the solid waste burden of the city. Using phytochemical screening tests, it was shown that these wastes contain reducing substances, tannins, mucins, proteins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. By fermentation process, ethanol may be produced from the reducing sugars in Saba peels. By utilizing vitamin C assay procedure, the study showed that the Saba peel aqueous extract is acidic as it contain vitamin C with higher amounts in dried than fresh peels. Vitamin C supplements, powder enhancer in fruit juices and other similar products may be produced from it. By qualitative chemical tests and use of spectrophotometer, it showed potassium and pectin components. Brewed peel preparation of Saba may be supplemented during diarrhea especially that its taste, perceived nutritional value and presentation were accepted as the same to better than similar products in the market by forty respondents. Both the 50% aqueous and ethanolic Saba peel extracts showed minimal activity against E. coli from the obtained zones of inhibition relative to the standard drug chloramphenicol. Saba peel aqueous and ethanolic extracts were both safe when applied to skin as observed from the dermal tests. Using the Brine Shrimp Assay results, mortality did not go beyond 50% of the population with 100% concentration of the sample under study. It reached only 3.33% mortality. The aqueous Saba peel preparations softened the calloused skin thus allowing its easy removal. The amount of skin removed increased with increase in concentration of the preparation. Quantitative analysis and isolation of the important phytochemicals in Saba peels must be initiated. Explore the other phytochemicals potential use. Detailed toxicologic profiling of Saba peels is recommended in preparation for the products that may be formulated from it. Formulations must undergo stability tests and microbial growth analysis for safety. An increase in the number of microorganisms must be used to better characterize the antimicrobial potential of Saba peels. Keywords: Saba, reducing substances, tannins, mucins, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids., E. coli, callouses, Ethanol Saba, the variety of banana used for making banana Q, a 1. Introduction popular street food in Manila, contain important chemical components as well. Banana flesh contain carbohydrates, 1.1..Background and Significance vitamins A, B,C, potassium, soda, chloride of potassium, The earth approximates a closed system. Energy is alkaline phosphates with little sulfate, lime and silica exchanged but not matter. As we increase the number of among others [2]. people in the world, the amount f waste products increase as well. The reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste The peel wastes from Saba may contain the same accomplishes two goals namely: it reduces the amount of valuable components generally found in banana flesh. waste that must be managed, and it conserves resources These valuable substances may be used to formulate [1] preparations with pharmacologic/ medicinal, nutritive, Seventy to seventy five percent of Manila wastes and energy values. are from the households and kitchens. Fruit peels are part Recycling of fruit peel wastes will not only help lessen of this. Vendors in streets selling products that make use solid waste problems but will also help discover of Saba or Musa sapientum variety compressa add up to important substances that may prove to have vital use. the solid waste burden in Manila. Most of the food we eat Peel wastes of Saba can then be put to good use before its including fruits contain so many important substances. final disposal. Positive results from this study will

Characterization of saba peels hopefully catalyze similar researches on other material wastes. It will open doors in producing important needs of man from wastes. Man will be able to conserve resources by using wastes as substitute resources. In the process, peel wastes will occupy a major seat in sustainable development in Manila and hopefully in the entire Philippines. 1.2. Conceptual Framework
INPUT Data on: A.Number of vending carts selling Saba Weight of B.Saba peels generated per day per month Collection of THROUGHPUT A.Phytochemical screening of Saba peel wastes B.Physicochemical analysis of the Saba peel waste components C.Brine shrimp assay D.Skin reaction tests E.Titrimetric analysis of reducing sugars and vitamin C in Saba peel wastes F. Microbial assay of S aba peel extracts G. Spectrophotometric in Saba peel wastes H.Fermentation of reducing sugars and its distillation I.Formulation of different preparations from Saba peel wastes J.Acceptability survey OUTPUT A.Presence of varied important components of Saba peel wastes B.Formulation of different preparations with pharmacologic/ medicinal, nutritive, energy values

wastes.

2. Material and Method

2.1.Research design This study followed the descriptive-quantitative design. Surveys, qualitative and quantitative analysis were utilized. Preparations with pharmacologic/medicinal, nutritive and energy values were explored 2.2 .Locale of the study The study included areas along the major thoroughfares in Manila starting from Manila City hall until Vito Cruz, Manila, Philippines. 2.3.Sample Collection A survey on the bulk of Saba peel wastes generated every month by vendors from the sampling sites was done. The Saba peel wastes were collected from street vendors in the chosen sampling area. The peels of Saba were washed with running water for ten minutes, damped with a clean cloth and comminuted. Twenty percent aqueous and thirty percent ethanolic extracts (heated to 50-60 C) were used for the phytochemical tests. Fifty percent concentrations of both aqueous and alcoholic extracts were used for the microbial assay. To one hundred grams of the comminuted Saba peels, one hundred milliliters of distilled water was added. The mixture was homogenized. This was used for the fermentation process. 2.4.Toxicity Tests Brine Shrimp Assay The following percentages of Saba peel preparations (heated to 50-60 C) were tested using the Brine Shrimp Assay- 1%, 10%, 100%.The procedure of Carballo 2002 was adapted [3]. Skin patch/scratch and skin sensitization tests Both male and female guinea pigs were used for the dermal tests of 50% aqueous and ethanolic saba extracts. It followed the procedure of the Department of Toxicology, Shiram Institute for Industrial Research, 2007[4]. The primary irritation index of tested samples with the following rates: 0. 0.01-1.9, 2.00-5.00, 5.01-8.00 mean non- irritant, slight irritant, moderate irritant and severe irritant respectively [4]. For sensitivity test, the level is grade I if the rating is 0-8 (no difference from the control, grade II with 9-29 rating (mild), grades III and IV with rating of 30- 59 (moderate) and 60-80 (strong) respectively. 2.5. Phytochemical tests The acidity and different components tannins, glycosides, reducing substances, alkaloids, plant acids, saponins, proteins, mucins, flavonoids,of the test sample were analyzed following the phytochemical tests from the Plant Chemistry Manual of the Department The vitamin C concentration of Saba was analyzed using the assay procedure for vitamin C and its actual

1.3.Objectives of the Study Generally, this study aimed to characterize the peel wastes of Musa sapientum var. compressa or Saba in preparation for recycling. Specifically, it aimed to identify the presence or absence of vitamin C, potassium, pectin, reducing sugars, tannins among others in the peels of Saba. It also aimed to determine the median lethal concentration of Saba peel wastes. Further, to explore the formulation of preparations from Saba peel wastes with pharmacologic/medicinal, nutritive and energy values and determine consumer acceptability of the formulated preparations with nutritive value. 1.4.Hypothesis Peel wastes of Saba cannot be recycled to formulations with pharmacologic/medicinal, nutritive and energy values. 1.5 .Scope and limitations of the study The research looked into the possible different components of Saba peel wastes.It focused only on reducing sugars, and cellulose as possible source of fuel; tannins as possible antimicrobial against Escherichia coli; callous/wart remover; vitamin C as vitamin enhancer and potassium to correct hypokalemia during diarrhea. Brine shrimp assay and skin reaction tests will be used to obtain median lethal concentrations and dermal safety. Likert analysis was used for obtaining the acceptability of the formulation with nutritional value from Saba peel

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Characterization of saba peels amount calculated from Skoog et al 2004[6]. 2.6 .Analysis for Potassium and Pectin (qualitative and quantitative) The chemical tests for Potassium used the tartaric acid solution and perchloric acid solution tests [7], ignition and acetic acid tests [8]. The amount of potassium was analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis.The chemical Tests for pectin used the different identification tests utilizing alcohol, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid solutions as specified by [8]. 2.7. Quantitative Analysis of Carbohydrate Content Carbohydrate contents of Saba was evaluated using the Lane-Eynon Titration Methods for Carbohydrates [9]. 2.8.Ethanol from Saba The Saba peels were fermented, subjected to simple distillation and underwent physicochemical tests to ascertain the production of ethanol from the sample [10, 11.7]. 2.9. Microbial Assay The cylinder plate method was used in testing the antimicrobial property of Saba peel aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The zones of inhibition were measured in mm and the results were recorded [12]. 2.10.Callous removal The sample preparations at 10, 30 and 50% were prepared according to the procedure written in the Plant Chemistry Manual of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty, 2008[5]. The samples were applied to three calloused volunteers each for 5 minutes and the calloused skin was scraped off with heel scrubbers. The results were observed. 2.11 .Likert Analysis for the preparation Assessments were done in forty respondents in Manila to test the acceptability of oral preparations. The survey questionnaire to Saba peel preparation acceptability included acceptability of taste, perceived nutritional value and presentation. These factors were graded as excellent (1), very good (2), good (3) fair(4) and poor (5). turon as well. From casual interviews with the street food vendors, it was noted that turon and banana que are their best sellers. As these street foods are primarily prepared from saba peels coming from it add to the solid waste burden in Manila. 200g. This is just along the major thorough fare from Manila City Hall to Baclaran. If we consider all streets in Manila were turon and banana cue vendors abound, the figure will be a lot higher. That number contributes to solid waste problems in Manila. Musa sapientum var compress or Saba is found in cultivation throughout the Philippines. Its fruit contains carbohydrates that exceed 25%. They are good sources of vitamin A, fair sources of vitamin B and good sources of vitamin C. It cotains potash and soda, chloride of potassium, alkaline phosphates with a little sulfate, lime, silica among others [2]. Peels of Saba were analyzed using phytochemical tests. From the results of the tests to saba peel extracts as given in Tables 1 and 2, it is acidic, contains reducing substances, tannins, mucins, proteins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids.
Table 1. Results Of Phytochemical Tests To Saba Peel Aqueous Extract Phytochemical tests Saba Peel Recation to Litmus Paper Blue to red Reducing Substances Brick red precipitate Tannins Blue black solution (same color of precipitate) Glycosides, tannins, White precipitate mucins, proteins Glycosides No precipitate Alkaloids White precipitate Mayers Turbidity Brown Valsers ppt Brown-black Dragendorffs ppt Wagners Plant Acids No stable dense froth Saponins Honeycomb froth (stable) Table 2. Results Of Phytochemical Tests To Saba Peel Ethanol Extracts Phytochemical tests Saba Peel Flavonoids Orange to pinkish tinge Digestion with 2N HCl in Red orange 1-propanol Saponins LiebermannRed tinged solution Burchard Test Salkowski test Blue green solution

3. Results And Discussion

Solid waste generation in Manila showed a rate 0.5kg/person/day. Results of surveys indicate that approximately 70 to 75% (by volume) of household waste is biodegradable and composed of kitchen and yard waste[13]. From the primary survey done of the most popular street food along the stretch of Manila City hall to Baclaran the following were observed. The five topmost included Turon, banana Q, kamote Q, peanuts and kwek. From the survey, vendors who sell banana cue, sell

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. Untreated severe diarrhea may lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It must then be treated symptomatically until proper diagnosis can be made [14].Saba belongs to the family of bananas and are rich in potassium. It may alleviate electrolyte imbalance due to diarrhea. Potassium is one of the most significant electrolytes found in the body. It is necessary for maintaining proper nerve and muscle

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Characterization of saba peels function. It aids in regulating the water and electrolyte balance of the body [15].Potassium is one of the important electrolytes lost during diarrhea. Abnormalities in potassium levels may likewise cause diarrhea, frequent urination, muscle cramps, dehydration, low blood pressure, irritability, paralysis and changes in cardiac rhythm [16](Lin et al, 2004). By using qualitative chemical tests for potassium and pectin (Tables 3, 4), peels of saba showed their presence. Using Spectronic 20 Milton Roy, the saba peel preparation was found to contain 39.06 mmol of potassium per liter or 1.526 grams per liter. As the peels of Saba contain pectin and potassium it can then be used in thetreatment of diarrhea. Potassium is well absorbed in the intestines. Potassium will be distributed in the body as it is normally found in all body tissues and fluids. The intracellular fluid compartment contains 98% of the bodys potassium. The half-life of potassium chloride is 16 seconds [17]. With the intake of beverage from saba peels during diarrhea, lost potassium will be replaced. Fluid will be replenished. Stool will be formed due to pectin while sugar added to the beverage will help the patient regain lost energy.
Test Tartaric Table 3 Chemical Tests For Potassium Theoretical Results Actual Results A white precipitate A white precipitate aci of (+ to USP?NF ID tests) d potassium solution test hydrogen tartrate Perchloric acid A white A white crystalline crystalline Solution test precipitate precipitate

Table 4 Chemical Tests For Pectin Test Test using Alcohol Theoretical Results A transluscent gelatinous precipitate is formed A gel or semi gel forms Voluminous, colorless gelatinous precipitate; upon boiling white, flocculent precipitate Actual Results Transluscent gelatinous precipitate was formed Semi- gel formed Heavy colorless, gelatinous precipitate the boiling turned white precipitate

Test using 2N Sodium Hydroxide Test using Hydrochloric acid

present in yeast cells [10]. Quoting from the article of Maggie Fox of Reuters, entitled Ethanol more efficient than we think, she said that ethanol fuel is more energy-efficient than some experts had realized and it is time to start developing it as an alternative to fossil fuels, researchers say. Better methods for its production must however be explored. Dr.Charlotte Williams of Imperial's chemistry department stated that people must prepare to make the transition from nonrenewable carbon resources to renewable bioresources. Professor Steven Koonin, said that biofuels could supply some 30% of global demand in an environmentally responsible manner without affecting food production. To realize that goal, so-called advanced biofuels must be developed from dedicated energy crops, separately and distinctly from food [18]. Alcohol was produced from saba by the fermentation process. The properties of the distillate affirm the presence of ethanol. The temperature whereby the sample started to distil over was between 75-80C which included ethanols theoretical boiling temperature at 78C. The temperature was not sharp perhaps due to other possible impurities still present in the distillate. It has the characteristic ethanol odor, is transparent, volatile and mobile. It is also miscible with water, chloroform, acetone and ether. It is neutral to litmus paper. It gave purple colored solution to vitalis test due to the formation of ethanol- carbon disulfide complex. Vitalis, the chemical test showed that the distillate contained ethanol. Its specific gravity is 0.9355 with temperature during its taking at 37C. By referring to the Alcoholometric Table of USP/NF 21, the ethanol produced is 48.665%. From Table 5 where the calibration curve of known carbohydrate solutions may be derived, the concentration of reducing sugars in the saba peels was quantified. Table 6 showed that for every 10 g of saba peels, 5.2875% reducing sugars are contained in it.
Table 5 Assay Results Of Standard Carbohydrate Solution Known Volume Used to Reach Endpoint Concentration T1 T2 Average of Reducing Sugar Solutions 10% 0.3 0.3 0.3 ml 1% 2.7 2.9 2.8 ml 0.1% 5.8 5.8 5.8 ml 0.01% 22 24 23 ml Table 6 Assay Of Fresh Saba Peel Preparations (10%) Peel Solutions Volume Used to Reach Endpoint T1 T2 Ave Saba 17.3 17.5 17.4 ml

Peels of Musa sapientum var compressa contribute to the 70-75% biodegradable solid wastes in the Philippines. If these wastes may be recycled (even the secondary form) then a portion of the solid waste problem will be addressed. Also, recycling of the saba peel wastes into fuel may help alleviate present day crisis in that area. From carbohydrates, ethanol or ethyl alcohol [14] may be produced which will serve as our primary fuel source. Ethanol may be toxic to the central nervous system when taken orally or inhaled, as it selectively depresses the reticular activating system (RAS) [17] but when used as fuel it may prove effective and safe. Alcohol has been made for centuries by fermentation of certain carbohydrates in the presence of zymase, an enzyme

The deaths observed in the 1% and 10% concentration of saba peel preparations were due to natural causes and not due to treatment as deaths in the negative control were also observed. Death of 3.33% in the 100% concentration of saba peel preparation may be attributed to the preparations inherent chemical properties. Percent mortality of -3.33, -10.00 and 3.33% for the 1%, 10%

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Characterization of saba peels and 100% concentration of saba peel beverage were noted respectively. This indicates that the tested saba peel beverage do not result to lethality in the 1% and 10% concentrations but cause low lethality in the 100%concentration (Table 7). The brewed beverage from saba peels are safe for use.
Table 7 Percent Mortality From Brine Shrimp Assay Within 24 1% 10% 100% (-)control hrs T1 T2 T3 T1 T2 T3 T1 T2 T3 T1T2T3 Dead 0 2 2 1 1 0 1 3 2 2 2 1 Survivor 10 8 8 9 9 10 9 7 8 8 8 9 %M -3.33 -10.00 3.33 % M = percentage of survival in the control - percentage of survival in the treatment

Forty individuals were made to taste the 10% Saba peel beverage on separate occasions at Aurora A Quezon, Rafael Palma and Padre Gomez Elementary School. The age of the respondents ranged from 10 to 55 years old (thirty were between 10-12 years old, ten were between 35-55 years old). Children were included in the survey as they are the group most vulnerable to diarrhea. Table 8 shows the acceptability of brewed Saba peels.
Table 8 Acceptability Of Saba Peel Beverage 5 4 3 2 1 Excellent) (Good (Fair) (Poor) (Very ) good) Taste Like no Better Same Okay Odd Not other good than the as the 0 usual usual 3 0 9 28 Presentation superb Better Same Okay bad than the as the usual usual 0 1 0 2 37 Perceived Excellent Very good Good Fair No value Nutritional value value value value Value 38 2 0 0 0 1.0-1.99 far from taste, presentation and perceived nutritional value from existing similar product 2.0-2.99 just okay in relation to taste, presentation and perceived nutritional value from existing similar product 3.0-3.99 - the same in relation to taste, presentation and perceived nutritional value from existing similar product 4.0-4.99 a little better in relation to taste, presentation and perceived nutritional value from existing similar product 5.0 - far better in relation to taste, presentation and perceived nutritional value from existing similar product Criteria

Figure 1- Acceptability of Beverage as to Taste, Presentation and Perceived Nutritional Value

Tannins are used in the treatment of minor burns. It promotes the formation of a firm eschar. It has been used in the treatment of bedsores, weeping ulcers, ingrown toe nails and ivy poisoning. It may treat toothache, canker and cold sores.It may be used as an internal antidote to precipitate toxic alkaloids and to harden the surface of the gastrointestinal mucosa and its mucous layers [10]. Tannins are used as astringents and protein precipitants [14]and as such may be used as an antimicrobial. Escherichia coli may cause diarrhea. The assessment of the antimicrobial property of Saba peel aqueous and ethanolic extracts with chloramphenicol as standard drug is given in Table 9. Both the 50% aqueous and ethanolic Saba peel extracts showed minimal activity against E. coli according to the zones of inhibition in relation to the standard drug. The high zone of inhibition of the ethanol extract is largely attributed to ethanol property.
Table 9 Zones Of Inhibition In Mm Of Standard Drug, Extracts And Solvents Aqueous Ethanolic Standar Distilled Ethanol d extract extract water 25.15 0 13.54 +/- 1.31 +/-0.95 14.62 +/+/ 3.5 2.64
Standard drug : Chloramphenicol 30 mg Microbe used: Escherichia Coli

The average rate for taste is 3.375 which means it is the same in relation to other beverage. As to the presentation the average rate is 3.025. It has the same presentation as with the other beverage. For the perceived nutritional value the average rate is 4.95 which means that the respondents felt that the beverage has excellent nutritional value. The summary of rates are given in fig. 1.

Bananas are said to be good sources of vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient for humans. Its regular intake is known to increase the immune system and prevent common diseases such as colds. It is valuable to growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body and in the formation of collagen, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. It is essential in the wound healing process, repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. It is an antioxidant. It is non-toxic but its oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid is[19,20]. Peels of Saba may be formulated into vitamin C supplements as it contain 27.4443 mg and 55.6081 mg of vitamin C in fresh and dried Saba peels (Table 10). It may also be used as vitamin C powder enhancer in fruit juices and other similar preparations.

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Characterization of saba peels

Kind of peels Fresh Dried Table 10 Vitamin C Content Of Saba Peels Weight of peels Titrant used Amount vitamin C 25.0108 g 1.3 ml 27.4443 mg 25.0004 g 2.633 ml 55.6081 mg of

The 50% Saba peel aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested for dermatologic safety. There were no erythema nor edema observed on the 24th and the 72nd hour on male and female guinea pigs. It therefore showed zero (0) primary irritation index. Thus Saba peel extracts are non-irritant and are safe for dermatologic usage. Likewise, in the skin sensitivity test (induction phase) done with scores of 8 and 5 for alcohol and aqueous preparations respectively,it showed no difference from control or grade 1. For the challenge phase the test and control group all showed no edema nor erythema immediately after, 24 and 48 hours after the patch was removed for observation. It is then safe for skin use. In high concentrations bananas were used to treat corns, calluses and warts. It may also be used to treat athletes foot [10].Application of saba peel aqueous extracts softened the calloused skin of five volunteers. The degree of softening upon touch increased with increase in extract concentration. The ease of removal of calloused skin using heel scrub also increased with increase in extract concentration.

property. With the existing procedure, Saba peel aqueous and ethanolic extracts were both safe when applied to skin according to the results obtained from dermal tests. Using the Brine shrimp assay results, mortality did not go beyond 50% of the population with 100% concentration of the sample under study. It reached only 3.33% mortality. The aqueous Saba peel preparations softened the calloused skin thus allowing its easy removal. The amount of skin removed increased with increase in concentration of the preparation. Quantitative analysis, isolation and purification of the important phytochemicals in Saba peels must be initiated. This will prevent inhibitions by extraneous materials in the actual activity of the desired constituent/s. Explore the other phytochemicals potential use. Detailed toxicologic profiling of Saba peels is recommended in preparation for the products that may be formulated from it. Formulations must undergo stability tests and microbial growth analysis for safety. An increase in the number of microorganisms must be used to better characterize the antimicrobial potential of Saba peels.

REFERENCES
[1] Knebel, B and R Wright. Environmental Science.New Jersey,USA: Prentice Hall, 2000. [2] Quisumbing, Eduardo. Medicinal Plants of the Philippines. Philippines:Philippine Graphic Arts, Inc., 1978. [3] Carballo, J. L., Z. L Hernndez-Inda, P. Prez and M. D. GarcaGrvalos..A comparison between two brine shrimp assays to detect in vitro cytotoxicity in marine Natural products. BMC Biotechnology, 2:17, 2002. doi:10.1186/1472-6750-2-17. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6750/2/17 [4] Shiram Institute for Industrial Research. Skin Sensitization Study on Guinea Pigs with Bt Cottonseeds. Department of Toxicology: Shiram Institute for Industrial Research, 2007. Available at http://www.cicr.org.in/Biosafety/SENSI.PDF [5] Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Faculty. Laboratory Manual in Plant Chemistry. UP Manila, 2008. [6] Skoog, Douglas et al.Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, 8th edn. Canada:Brooks/Cole, 2004. [7] Svehla, G. Vogels Qualitative Inorganic Analysis, 6th ed Singapore: Longman Singapore Publishers (Pte) Ltd., 1987. [8]United States Pharmacopeia 23/National Formulary 18.Asian Edition India: Tata Press Limited, 1995. [9] Lane,JH, Eynon, L. Determination of reducing sugars by means of Fehlings solution with methylene blue as indicator. J Soc. Chem. Ind. Trans.32-36, 1923. [10] Gennaro, Alfonso, ed. Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences (17th ed) Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co, 1985. [11]Flanagan, RJ, RA Braithwaite. Basic Analytical Toxicology. Geneva: World Health Organization, 1995. A Case Oriented Approach 4 199 3. ed. Philippines: Merriam Webster, Inc

4. Conclusions
Peels of Saba from vendors along the streets in Manila contribute to the solid waste burden of the city. Many uses may be derived from these wastes since it contain reducing substances, tannins, mucins, proteins, alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids. Using the chemical assay procedure for carbohydrates it was shown that for every 10 g of saba peels, 5.2875% reducing sugars are contained in it. Ethanol may be derived from peels of Saba upon fermentation of its carbohydrate contents. The alcohol may be used as biofuel. The Saba peel aqueous extract is acidic. Peels of Saba may be formulated into vitamin C supplements as it contain 27.4443 mg and 55.6081 mg of vitamin C in fresh and dried Saba peels. It may also be used as vitamin C powder enhancer in fruit juices and other similar preparations. By using qualitative chemical tests for potassium and pectin, peels of saba showed their presence. Using Spectronic 20 Milton Roy, the saba peel preparation was found to contain 39.06 mmol of potassium per liter or 1.526 grams per liter. Brewed peel preparation of Saba may be supplemented during diarrhea especially that its taste, perceived nutritional value and presentation were accepted as the same to better than similar products in the market by forty respondents. However, both the 50% aqueous and ethanolic Saba peel extracts showed minimal activity against E. coli according to the zones of inhibition displayed in relation to the standard drug. The high zone of inhibition of the ethanol extract is largely attributed to ethanol

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