Slide 2

Acidity and alkalinity are measured with a logarithmic scale, called pH which has a range of 0 to 14. pH values lower than 7 are acidic, pH values higher than 7 are alkaline (basic) and pH 7 are neutral. pH scales and indicators are used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution (Hall, 2000). Helmistine (2004) introduced another way to measure the pH values of the liquid using Brassica oleracea, also known as red cabbage, its leaves are colored dark red or purple.

Anthocyanins (flavins) are pigments found in the plant which is responsible for the changes in its color depending on the pH of the soil. The Brassica oleracea indicator is a liquid made from mashed up red cabbage used to test to a certain liquid to see whether it is acidic or basic. Very acidic solutions will turn anthocyanin a red color. Neutral solutions result in a purplish color. Basic solutions appear in greenish-yellow. Some disadvantages of using Brassica oleracea as pH indicators were stated in the article Evaluation of red cabbage dye as a potential natural color for pharmaceutical use of Wood et al. (1997). DESA PAANO KO ISISINGIT YUNG MGA DISADVANTAGE DITO ILALAGAY PA BA NATIN OH SABIHIN NLANG NATIN KILA TIANA NA SABIHIN NILA HABANG NAGREREPORT? OKAY NA BA YAN KULANG BA OR SOBRA ?