ACT

ENVIRONEMENTAL BRIQUETTE FROM HYACINT AND ACACIA SEEDS AS

BINDING AGENT
Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant which could well be used, instead of wood, in
generating an alternative source of energy. The processing of water hyacinth into
briquette would have a significant role not only in the development of an alternative fuel,
but also in the preservation of the environment. The water hyacinth that was harvested,
dried, and pulverized was mixed with cassava starch and acacia seed binder by being
compressed into briquettes in a manually-operated machine. The experimental set-up
made use of dry and fresh water hyacinth while a traditional charcoal served as the
control. In all the quality tests done, T- test showed that there was no significant
difference between the experimental product and the commercial product in terms of
various parameters, at 0.05 level of significance. The results of experimentation and
data analysis showed that the experimental product is just as effective as the
commercial briquette, with better potential of helping the environment by reducing the
negative consequences brought about by water hyacinths rapid profusion. Thus,
the environmental briquette made from water hyacinth with acacia seeds as binding
agent could be an effective alternative to the traditional charcoal made from burning of
wood.


Malunggay Scientific Name : Moringa Oleifera
Also known as: "Malunggy" in Philippines, "Sajina" in India, "Shojne" in
Bengal, "Munagakaya" in Telugu, "Shenano" in Rajasthani, "Shevaga" in
Marathi, "Nuggekai" in Kannada, "Drumstick Tree,Horse Radish Tree, Ben
Oil Tree" in English, "La mu" in Chinese.
Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera), is a popular plant known
for nutritional value as well as a herbal medicine.
Malunggay is a plant that grows in the tropical climates
such as the Philippines, India and Africa. Malunggay is
widely used as vegetable ingredient in cooking, as
herbal medicine for a number of illness and other
practical uses. The Malunggay plant can grow to as high
as 9 meters with erect white trunks. The compound leaf
has about 3 to 9 leaflets. Malunggay has white fragrant
flowers that produces long pods with 3-angled winged
seeds.
Malunggay may be propagated by planting its seeds about an
inch in the ground or matured malunggay stem cuttings of
about 3 feet in length may also be planted into the ground.
Planted malunggay cuttings grows faster compared to planted
seeds.


Malunggay, Nutrition And Herbal Medicine
Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) has been used as herbal medicine in many
cultures for hundreds of years, Malunggay is known as a very nutritious plant
where it is used to combat malnutrition in third world countries especially
for infants and nursing mothers.
The malunggay pods are the most valued and widely used
part of the plant. Malunggay pods contains essential
amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients. Malunggay
pods may be eaten raw or may be prepared or cooked.
Malunggay pods may be fried and may produce a clear,
odorless and sweet oil mostly called - Ben Oil.
Malunggay leaves may be eaten as greens, in salads and
as vegetable ingredients for soups and other tropical
viands. Malunggay flowers are cooked and eaten either mixed with other
foods or fried in batter.

Medical Uses Of Malunggay - Health Benefits
Malunggay, combat malnutrition, used to combat malnutrition, especially
among infants and nursing mothers vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and
protein

Malunggay - Anti infectious: Antibacterial; Anti Fungal, . In late 1940's,
The Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in
Bangalore (PLN Rao) have found that malunggay or Moringa Oleifera leaves
contain a compound"pterygospermin" that is known in medical science as
having antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti fungal properties.
Malunggay - Anti Cancer Malunggay or Moringa has been shown in studies to
have an anti-tumor capacity. Moringa contains benzyl isothiocyanate. There
are many studies that have shown this chemical and compounds derived
thereof to have anti-cancer and chemoprotective capabilities. This
chemoprotective aspect is critical for those who are battling cancer; this
helps strengthen cells so that they can tolerate chemotherapy. Malunggay is
also considered in the treatment of prostate cancer and skin cancer. (Ref:
Fuglie LJ (2000) New Uses of Moringa Studied in Nicaragua. ECHO
Development Notes #68, June, 2000.
ttp://www.echotech.org/network/modules.php?
name=News&file=article&sid=194)
Malunggay - anti-inflamatory: Malunggay has been found to inhibit
inflammation in a controlled scientific study conducted by Philippine DOST
Scientists (Amelia P. Guevara, Carolyn Vargas and Milagros Uy). When an
aquous seed extract of malunggay has been administered to a carrageenan
induced inflammation, its was noted that the aquous seed extract of the
Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) inhibited the development of edema in
ratpaw. The Malunggay is traditionally used to prevent and treat
inflammations associated with rheumatism, arthritis and joint pains.
Malunggay - Reproductive health. Fuglie LJ (1999) The Miracle Tree:
Moringa oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics has reported that
Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera is widely believed to have an aphrodisiac
action that enhances the sexual activity. Malunggay or moringa oleifera
young leaves is also widely used to increase the flow of milk for lactating
mothers.

Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) Herbal Medicine Preparation
Malunggay as food. Malunggay pods may be eaten raw or may also be fried
with peanut similar taste. Malunggay leaves and flower may also be cooked
together with other vegetables and meat to form soups or viands.
Malunggay decoction for washing sores and wounds, Boil malunggay roots
and let it cool to tolerable warm temperature and use it to wash wounds
and sores. By gargling the Malunggay decoction, it may also be used to wash
mouth sores and sore throats.
Malunggay poultice. Grounded Malunggay seeds, leaves and bark may be
applied topically as poultice onto swollen flesh to relieve inflammation.
Malunggay oil may be taken internally as mixed with foods, it is known to be
a powerful antioxidant even used by the early people from Egypt. Malunggay
oil also known as Ben oil is widely used as oil base for perfumes and
cosmetics. The oil is extracted from Malunggay seeds by pressing.


Malunggay Herbal Medicine Precautions, Side Effects
Although malunggay consumption is generally accepted as safe. But
according to Indian traditional usage, Malunggay may have an abortificient
effects. (Ref: Nath D, N Sethi, et al. (1997) Survey on indigenous medicinal
plants used for abortion in some districts of Uttar Pradesh. Fitoterapia
68(3): 223-225)


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References:
Kumar NA, and L Pari (2003) Antioxidant
action of Malunggay, Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick)
against anti tubercular drugs induced lipid
peroxidation in rats.
Shukla S, R Mathur, AO Prakash (1988)
Biochemical and physiological alterations in
female reproductive organs of cyclic rats treated
with aqueous extract of (Malunggay) Moringa oleifera L