Chapter 1 Research Capstone PDF

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Chapter 1 Introduction Background of the Study Fragrance compounds have been used since antiquity to freshen air and mask odors. For example, the ancient Egyptians were known to use musk and other natural materials to scent their tombs. A variety of air treating or air freshener products have been developed for commercialization. Among those that are being marketed include the liquid-wick products, solid air-treating agents and aerosols ("How air freshener is made - material, history, used, components, structure, product, industry, machine, History, Design", 2020). Air fresheners are used throughout society, by individuals, industries, and institutions. Typical indoor environments with air fresheners include the following: buildings and facilities such as offices, schools, hospitals, churches, theaters, stores, hotels, health clubs, restaurants, and restrooms; transportation such as airplanes, airports, cars, taxis, buses, trains, terminals, and boats; residences and care facilities, including homes, apartments, homeless shelters, detention centers, elder care and child care facilities; and others Air freshener is a product designed to mask or remove unpleasant odors. Air fresheners are designed to impart an aroma to the air environment or to mask odors, with the intent of creating a pleasing indoor space. They do so through a variety of product formats including sprays, gels, oils, liquids, solids, plug-ins, hanging disks, beads, potpourri, wick diffusers, and scented candles; in active or passive forms; and with instant, intermittent, or continuous release. Air fresheners also include so-called air care, deodorizer, and odor control and neutralizer products. In addition to site-specific units or portable products, air fresheners can include scented air systems, which deliver fragrance throughout a space, such as by connecting a fragrance

diffuser to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. However, despite the intent, air fresheners can emit and generate a range of potentially hazardous air pollutants that can impair air quality. Air freshener ingredients are largely unknown and undisclosed, owing to regulatory protections on consumer product ingredients and on fragrance formulations (Steinemann, 2016). Synthetic air fresheners used in cars or living spaces will increase the risk of developing a variety of health problems. For example, Natural Resources Defense Council, (2007) reported that 12 of 14 brands of common household air fresheners contain phthalates. These phthalates are hazardous chemical compounds. They are often used to prolong the length of time the scented products retain their fragrance, however they increase the risk of experiencing endocrine, reproductive, and developmental problems. The food industry uses various herbals as condiments to improve flavor and aroma. Pandanus amaryllifolius is one such herbs. P. amaryllifolius leaves is a tropical plant commonly known as pandan which belongs to the screw pine genus pandanaceae. The genus Pandanus comprises approximately 600 species that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. P. amaryllifolius is the only plant in the pandan family with scented leaves. Pandan is an erect green plant with the woody aerial roots and fan-shaped sprays of long, narrow, blade-like leaves. It prefers to be in filtered light to partial sun and likes average moisture ("Pandanus amaryllifolius, Pandan", n.d.). The leaves of pandan are dark green in colour with a strong nutty aroma. This sprawling perennial plant is native to Southeast Asia and has been introduced in other tropical regions. It produces spirally arranged leaves about 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide and up to 18 inches in length. Pandan leaves also contain compounds that repel some species of cockroaches and are a traditional insect repellent (Afable et al., 2016).

The sweet and delightful flavor of pandan leaves are used in Southeast Asian cooking. The leaves have a nutty fragrance which enhances the flavor of foods, especially rice dishes and cakes. In general, pandan leaves are very popular natural food flavoring in tropical Asia. Pandan leaves are used as flavoring to foods such as bakery products, sweets, ice-cream, yogurt, tea drink, and coconut jam. They are also used for others purposes, but mostly related to rice. For example, in India and Philippines, pandan leaves are traditionally used during cooking the nonaromatic rice in order to impart the unique fragrance. Therefore, people no need to buy the expensive aromatic rice. Besides having aromatic properties, pandan leaves are very beneficial for various health conditions. Whole pandan plant is considered to be diuretic because it contains traces of tannin, glycosides and alkaloids (Rutuju Jathar, 2011). Therefore, it is useful for healing various wounds and diseases such as smallpox. Apart from that, pandan leaves are usually used in aromatic therapy to relieve the weak nerves, so they are considered as the pain reliever to cure chest pain, headache, reduce fever, arthritis, earache and others. P. amaryllifolius has a number of local medicinal and ceremonial uses. For instance, after soaking the leaves in coconut oil, the oil is employed as an embrocation for rheumatic troubles. Infusions of the leaves are used internally and externally as a sedative against restlessness. In Thailand it is a traditional medicine to treat diabetes (“Pandanus amaryllifolius (PROSEA), 2016). Currently, many synthetic air fresheners are proven to pose risk of developing of a variety of health problems such as asthma, breathing problem headache and bronchial irritation. Sharma (2001) stated that the chemical, pyrethrums in air freshener could lead to running nose and wheezing, prolonged use will damage the liver corneal and cause asthma. This study aims to

develop a natural air freshener from extracts of pandan leaves to substitute those artificial products. People usually keep fresh pandan leaves in their houses as an aroma. However, the storage period of pandan leaves is very short, around 2-3 days. Pandan leaves will lose its fragrance slowly and change from green color to brownish color. Thus, developing an air freshener using the extract of pandan leaves is highly needed. In addition, pandan leaves also help improve the human health through the aromatherapy while reducing the risk of getting health problems (Ruratech Services, 2010). Besides, the pandan air freshener is an environmental friendly product. It only contains non-hazardous chemical compounds meaning it is safer for use in daily life. The usage of pandan leaves will also minimize the amount of hazardous chemicals in the waste water resulted from the production of air freshener. Furthermore, the pandan plants can be grown easily in the South-East Asia since it can adapt easily to various environments and has a short growth period. With the abundance of pandan leaves sources, pandan leaves have great potential for commercialization in future. Statement of the Problem This study “Pandan Leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Extract as Air Freshener” aims to answer the following questions: 1. Which among the two treatments gives the highest yield of leaf extract? 2. Is there a significant difference in the natural air fresheners and the commercially available air freshener?

Objectives of the Study

This study “Pandan Leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius) Extract as Air Freshener” seeks to attain the following objectives: 1. To develop a natural air freshener derived from the extract of P. amaryllifolius. 2. To develop an organic spray air freshener. 3. Evaluate the air freshener by comparing the two treatments (40% ethyl alcohol & 70% ethyl alcohol) and the commercially available spray air freshener. Significance of the Study Since spray air freshener is kept in small bottles, it saves space and is more convenient to carry around compared to pandan leaves. It also has a much longer persistence period which makes it more economical as the pandan leaves will wither in a few days. Besides, the aromatic properties are suitable in eliminating unpleasant odors. The result of this study will be of help to the following: Manufacturers – this study will help them in utilizing organic materials as component for their air freshener for the benefit of the people and the environment. People in the community – this includes home owners, hotel owners, etc. This study will provide them a safer and a healthier option for air freshener that they will be using in their homes. Future Researchers – this study will be of help to them as a future study material that will induce them to make further research on different aromatic plants as a component for air freshener.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on the development of a natural air freshener from the leaf extract of P. amaryllifolius. The study would be done at Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines. The challenge for the researcher is the lack of materials in the locality and equipment that will be used in the study. The researcher intends to exceed these challenges with the help of the research adviser.

Definition of Terms Air fresheners - are considered as products designed to impart an aromatic fragrance or a masking fragrance into the air; they are not considered to include air cleaning devices designed to filter or purify the air. Ethanol/ethyl alcohol (C2H6O) - is a simple chemical compound. Its molecules are made up of two carbon (C) atoms, six hydrogen (H) atoms, and one oxygen (O) atom. A water soluble, volatile and flammable solution, ethanol (ETOH) is obtained through fermentation and distillation of starchy plant matter such as grains, beets, fruits, and sugars. Extraction – is a way of separating a desired substance when it is mixed with others usually using effort or force. Henodic Testing – is a test that describes the degree of consumer acceptance and satisfaction regarding product attributes. Maceration – involved soaking plant materials (coarse or powdered) in a stoppered container with a solvent and allowed to stand at room temperature....