Parsley (petroselinium crispun) used as an

ointment for common red ants

(Solenopsis geminate) bites

 Group #1

Baldosano, Tomas Jr.

Batungbacal, Paolo Joseph

Chua, Jaime Vincent

Del Rosario, Darwin

Lee, In Hyo

Lee, Kihyun

Santos, John Ted

2B

Ms. Hazel Magsalin

January 19, 2011

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………1

Chapter I (Introduction) …………………………………………...………………………………...2

A. Background of the Study

B. Statement of the Problem

a. Statement of the Problem

b. Objective of the Study

C. Significance of the Study……………………………………………………………….3

D. Scope and Limitation

E. Definition of Terms…………………………………………………………………….4

Chapter II (Review of Related Studies and Literature)……………………………………………..5

A. Related Studies………………………………………………………………….……5-7

B. Related Literature…………………………………………………………….……....7-9

Chapter III (Methodology)………………………………………………………………………....10

A. Materials

B. Procedure…………………………………………………………………………..10-11

Chapter IV (Data and Results)……………………………………………………………………..12

A. Presentation of Data and Results

B. Discussion and Analysis of Data……………………………………………………...13

Chapter V (Summary/Conclusion and Recommendation)………………………………………...14

A. Summary and Conclusion

B. Recommendations
 ABSTRACT

This research about using parsley as an ointment in treating skin problems is relevant
because it may be able to perpetrate a cheaper yet effective medicine that you can make by yourself.
Furthermore they will be able to reduce the time needed to help rid a person of itching and other skin
problems by a considerable degree because this research explains how they can make the ointment in
minutes. The objectives that they have enlisted in making this research are to test the parsley’s
reliability of relieving the itch and pain caused by insects specifically ants.

To create the ointment, this group used 12 teaspoons of parsley leaves, 3 cups of water, 2
tablespoons of cornstarch, 4 bowls, hot stove or plate, saucepan, strainer, and a clean cloth. First step
is to activate the heating device used. Second place the saucepan (with the water) over the heating
device on low heat and wait until it reaches boiling point. Place the parsley in one of the bowls. Pour
the boiling water into the bowl of parsley, let it soak for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and strain the
leaves over the second bowl. Prepare another bowl to mix cornstarch and 2tbs. of water and pour the
poultice into the mixture and let it boil under low heat. Place the finished product in another bowl,
let it cool and then cover.

The parsley overall resulted in a success because it was able to relieve the itch caused by the
ants used in the experiment in five minutes.

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the study

Parsley is the world's most popular herb. This Greek word means "rock celery." In their research

over the internet, the group has discovered that studies showed that parsley has many medicinal

benefits some of which are being a good source of folic acid for anti-anemia. Its flavonoids

especially luteolin-have been shown to function as antioxidants. Parsley also protects people against

certain cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke, its coumarine helps prevent blood

clotting, reducing the risk of arterial blockages that can lead to heart attacks. Because of these

benefits, they were inspired to discover if parsley, by any chance could be a good home remedy for

insect bites that commonly happens in any household.

B. Statement of the Problem

a. Statement of the Problem

The main problem of this study is to know exactly if parsley (Petrosilinium crispun) can be used as

an ointment in relieving itch caused by insect bites.

This study specifically attempts to answer the following questions:

1. Will parsley be effective in treating itch caused by red ants bite?

2. Will parsley be gentle on our skin while healing ant bites?

b. Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to determine if parsley could relieve the itch and pain caused by

insect bites, particularly ant-bites.

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C. Significance of the study

The study of this project is worth making because it will allow a possible access to a cheaper and

effective medicine against insect bites compared to commercial products that are more expensive.

Parsley acquires several medicinal properties like its essential oil apiol found in all parts of parsley

which is a proven kidney stimulant. One of these medicinal features is said to reduce the itching of

mosquito bites. This research will hold a thorough experimentation which will give us new insights

regarding one of the many numerous wonders of herbal medicine, and in this case the use of parsley

is benefited for its anti-itch properties.

As compared to commercial anti-itch products, this will help the community in inviting a less

expensive and safe medicine for removing skin irritation caused by insect bites, heat and other signs

of sensitivity which will be determined within our research. Definitely this will not be a waste of

time because this may advance medicinal technology in dermatology.

D. Scope and Limitations

Their parsleys have to be fresh so that the components of their ointment will not spoil. They

would have to be careful that all utensils that will be used are all sterilized and totally dry to avoid

product spoilage. The ants they are about to use are commonly found in the Philippines and they are

not very lethal to human beings unless they are in a really large number. The ants are not to be

harrmed and should be placed back in their environment after their participation.

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E. Definition of Terms

1. Apiol - is an organic chemical compound, also known as parsley apiol, apiole or parsley camphor.

It is found in celery, parsley seeds, and the essential oil of parsley.

2. Poultice - also called cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread

on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body.

3. Antioxidant- an enzyme or other organic substance, as vitamin E or beta carotene, that is capable

of counteracting the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues.

4. Coumarine- a toxic white crystalline lactone C 9 H 6 O 2 with an odor of new-mown hay found

in plants or made synthetically and used especially in perfumery and as the parent compound in

various anticoagulant agents (as warfarin).

5. Histamine- A histidine-derived amine compound that is released mainly by damaged mast cells in

allergic reactions, causing dilation and permeability of blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

6. Inoculation- to implant (a disease agent or antigen) in a person, animal, or plant to produce a

disease for study or to stimulate disease resistance.

7. Biocontrol- the control of pests by interference with their ecological status, as by introducing a

natural enemy or a pathogen into the environment.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

A. Related Studies

Studies on the dual antioxidant and antibacterial properties of parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) extracts

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of freeze-dried and irradiated parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) leaves and stems were determined on methanol and water

extracts. The total phenolic content was quantified with the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent. Several

mechanisms of potential antioxidant activity of all extracts, including determining relative free

radical-scavenging and ferrous ion-chelating activities, as well as reducing power, were examined.

Assessment of the total antioxidant activity of all extracts was done using an iron-induced linoleic

acid oxidation model system. Antimicrobial activity towards Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli

by different extracts was assessed by determining cell damage. Total phenolic content varied

between parsley and cilantro, leaf and stem, as well as methanol and water extracts. Methanol-

derived leaf extracts exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) greater radical-scavenging activity towards

both lipid- and water-soluble radicals, which was attributed to the total phenolic content. Ferrous

ion-chelating activity was significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the stem methanol extracts, and

corresponded to antioxidant activity. Prooxidant activity was a feature of all aqueous extracts and

corresponded to the reducing activity of both leaf and stem parts of parsley and cilantro. Bacterial

cell damage, resulting in significant (p < 0.05) greater growth inhibition of B. subtilis and E. coli,

corresponded to ferrous sequestering activity of methanol-derived stem extracts.

(Wong, Peter Y.Y. and Kitts, David D. 2005.)

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New biocontrol method for parsley powdery mildew by the antifungal volatiles-producing

fungus Kyu-W63

Biocontrol of parsley powdery mildew, caused by Oidium sp., was examined for 3 years under

greenhouse conditions using a filamentous fungus, strain Kyu-W63, which produces antifungal

volatiles. Kyu-W63 was cultured on potato-dextrose agar in sterile polycarbonate pots and then

placed at 30-cm intervals in the center of each ridge in 1998, 1999, and 2000. This Kyu-W63

treatment significantly inhibited disease severity compared to control plots.

(M Koitabashi, 2005)

External uses of parsley

The freshly gathered leaves of parsley have been used as a poultice to relieve breast tenderness in

lactating women. A juice-soaked gauze pad can be applied to relieve earache or toothache, or used as

a face wash to lighten freckles. The powdered seeds, sprinkled on the hair and massaged into the

scalp for three days, are a folk remedy said to stimulate hair growth. Parsley has also been used as a

hair rinse in efforts to eradicate head lice. (Hanrahan, Clare , Frey, PhD, Rebecca J., 2007)

Parsley's Antihistamine Properties

Studies have shown that Parsley contains antihistamine substances quercetin and bromelain. These

antihistamines have found to reduce swelling and inflamations in external parts of the body such as

the skin. Insect bites are known to reduce in size after some time of exposure to a Parsley poultice.

This gives us the idea that we can reduce itchiness and pain of certain insect bites or stings. The most

important antihistamine found in parsleys is bromelain which acts as a counter effect on histamine.

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Histamine causes swelling of the skin and rashes to form and if they are absent, swelling and rashes

will not occur. Antihistamine does this role of stopping histamine from forming rashes, itches and

swells in our body which gives us everlasting comfort.

(Kersley, J. 2007)

Other uses of Parsley

Parsley seed used to prevent vascular diseases and even some types of cancer. This is because the

seeds contain compounds which act as calcium channel blockers and help protect from a host of

diseases. An essential oil is made from the seeds of parsley which has many uses in aromatherapy.

Poultices made by crushing the stems and leaves of parsley or from its powder have been used to

treat insect bites, stings and head lice because of the presence of histamine inhibitors in the herb. A

cloth dipped in cold parsley tea and applied to the eyes can offer relief from eye fatigue and eye

irritation.

(Gale, 2007)

B. Related Literature

UV light selectively co-induces supply pathways from primary metabolism and flavonoid

secondary product formation in parsley

The UV light-induced synthesis of UV-protective flavonoids diverts substantial amounts of

substrates from primary metabolism into secondary product formation and thus causes major

perturbations of the cellular homeostasis. Results from this study show that the mRNAs encoding

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representative enzymes from various supply pathways are conduced in UV-irradiated parsley cells

(Petroselinum crispum) with two mRNAs of flavonoid glycoside biosynthesis, encoding

phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase. Strong induction was observed for mRNAs

encoding glucose. Previous studies using parsley cells (Petroselinum crispum) treated with a

pathogen-derived elicitor revealed an extensive reprogramming of both primary and secondary

metabolism at the gene expression level (1–3).

(Elke , Tavernaro, Schulz, Somssich, and Klaus Hahlbrock, 2005)

Phytoalexin associated with resistance of parsley to pathogens after harvesting

The study tested two parsley (Petroslinum crispum) cultivars, ‘Janet’ (resident) and

‘Hazera’ (susceptible) that differ in their response to the fungus Botrytis cinera Pers. During the 4

days after inoculation with B. cinerea, at 24 °C, concentrations of (+)marmesin in leaves sampled

from ‘Janet’ and ‘Hazera’ increased from 17 to 145 μg g−1 fresh weight (FW) and from 8 to 25 μg g−1

FW, respectively. After the 4th day, levels decreased. Incidence of decay (necrotic areas) in ‘Janet’

and ‘Hazera’ leaves 4 days post-inoculation with B. cinerea, at 24 °C, were 4 and 68 mm2,

respectively. EC50 values of (+) marmesin for the pathogenic fungi B. cinerea, Alternaria alternata

(Fr.) Keissler and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) De Bray in vitro were found to be 30, 40 and 25 μg

ml−1, respectively. (+)Marmesin levels were highly correlated with resistance.

(Afek, Orenstein , Carmeli and Aharoni, 2006)

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Celery and Parsley May Prevent Leukemia Cell Development

According to research from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where researchers say

the flavonoids found in parsley and celery may help prevent the formation and development of

leukemia cells, killing them before they’re able to take shape. The curative ingredient found in

parsley and celery is apigenin, the porcine-sounding antioxidant that’s also found in red wine,

tomato sauce, apples, beans and cherries. Past studies have found apigenin to be a potent foe in

protecting women from ovarian cancer, which is the deadliest form of reproductive cancers in

women.

(Manggano, 2007)

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

To be able to reap the health benefits of a parsley in relation to the skin, it must be made

into a poultice and then into an ointment or rather gel, if you will. This chapter will explain an

uncomplicated method for making it into a poultice, then a gel.

A. Materials

- Twelve (12) teaspoons of fresh parsley leaves

- Three (3) cups of water

- Two (2) tablespoons of cornstarch

- Four (4) bowls

- A stove or hot plate

- A saucepan

- A strainer

- A clean cloth

B. Procedure

Making the Poultice

1. Turn up the gas on the stove or turn on the hot plate.

2. Place the saucepan over the stove on low heat.

3. Pour the water into the saucepan.

4. Let it simmer until it reaches its boiling point.

5. While the water simmers, place the parsley leaves in one of the Bowls.

6. Once the water boils, pour it into the bowl of parsley leaves.

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 7. Remove the aluminum foil and strain the leaves over the second bowl.

Making the Gel

1. Prepare another bowl and add the cornstarch and 2 tbs. of water. Mix.

2. Turn on again the gas on the stove or turn on the hot plate to low heat.

3. Slowly add the poultice. Mix until the poultice boils.

4. While boiling, add the cornstarch and water mixture to the boiling poultice,

5. Mix for around 4 minutes.

6. Place the finish product in another bowl.

7. Let it cool.

8. Add 75 grams of petroleum jelly. Stir to mix.

9. Shelf life is 7-10 days in room temperature but 12-15 days when refrigerated.

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 CHAPTER IV

DATA AND RESULTS

A. Presentation of Data and Results

Our group is presenting in this section the data we had gathered from the whole experiment:

Result
Parsley Ointment(final product) 75 grams (amount produced from the

formulation/

Ingredients)
Red ants (specie used to create sting or insect Five red ants were placed on each arm of the

bite) two volunteers

All volunteers had ant bite. The areas affected turned reddish and itchy
One volunteers washed their arms with soap and Their arms were still itchy and painful

water.
One volunteer did not wash their arms after the Itchiness and pain was gone after five minutes

bite but instead they immediately placed parsley but the area still remained reddish until 20

ointment on the affected areas of ant bite. minutes.

Half of the parsley ointment was kept inside a The ointment remained unspoiled until seven

small sterilized glass jar (by boiling water) and days.

then placed inside the refrigerator

Other half of the parsley ointment was placed Result: The ointment got spoiled after thirteen

inside a sterilized (by boiling water) glass jar days

and placed in room temperature.

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B. Discussion and Analysis of Data

The Parsley ointment was effective in relieving the itch and pain on the subject’s ant bite
mark. It was also conclusive with our objectives/hypothesis in a way that we have created a cheaper

yet effective medicine than the commercial preparations. The color of the Parsley ointment was

whitish green and it had a thick consistency.

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Chapter V

Summary/Conclusion and Recommendation

A. Summary and Conclusion

The researchers have since completed their research and they have fulfilled the main objective

of their research, that is, the use of parsley (petroselinium crispum) in making a gel that has an

analgesic effect on insect bites. They have tested it a couple of times and have acquired the same

results. They have also observed that the gel stopped the reddening of the skin and has an anti-

inflammatory effect after two hours. As a result, they have concluded that this gel could be applied

to any insect bite and/or sting (with the exception of those who have an allergy to parsley) and could

successfully stop itching and inflammation.

B. Recommedations

The researchers advise that additional research must be made in order to improve more the

product we produced. To replicate the experiment, it is strictly advised that the procedure must be

followed properly for successful results and it is also recommended that there should be an addition

of preservatives (like petroleum jelly) on the gel to increase its shelf life.

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