1

IV. Research Plan

Statement of the Problem
This study will be conducted to test the capability of aloe gel (Aloe barbadensis), honey
(Honey) and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extracts in lightening scars. It will be then tested to
see if it can answer the following questions:
1) What are the properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel, honey (Honey) and guava
(Psidium guajava) leaf extracts that help lighten scars?
2) Is there any significant difference between the experimental product and the
commercial product in terms of:
2.1) Odor
2.2) Sensation after applying
2.3) Scar appearance after 2 weeks
Null Hypotheses
It will be hypothesized that:
1) Aloe gel, honey and guava leaf extract has no properties that can help lighten scars.
2) There is no significant difference between the experimental product and the
commercial product in terms of:
2.1) Odor
2.2) Sensation after applying
2.3) Scar appearance after 2 weeks

Materials and Equipment

The materials to be used in the study are: one triple beam balance, one stirring rod, two
beakers, 3g aloe, 3g honey, 3g guava leaf extracts, 0.40g xanthan gum, 0.30g
ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid, 2.0g triethanolamine , 3.0g cetyl alcohol, 3.5g stearic acid, 3.3g
glycerylmonestearate, 3.5g mineral oil, and 1.2g isopropyl myristate.
General Procedure
In preparation of the raw materials, aloe leaves will be gathered, blanched, blended, and
filtered. Then the aloe will be weighed using a triple beam balance to satisfy the amount needed
(3g) in producing the product. Then three (3g) of natural honey will also be gathered by
weighing the honey using the triple beam balance. And lastly, 139g of guava leaves are to be
gathered, rinsed, blanched, blended, filtered, and weighed to attain the amount of three grams
(3g) needed for the formulation.50ml of water was added in the blending of the guava leaves.
In making the base cream, xanthan gum an emulsifier, was to be dissolved in purified
water. Next, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) a preservative, was also to be added to
the mixture. And triethanolamine (TEA), which is used as a neutralizing and emulsifying agent
in cosmetic and pharmaceuticals industry for manufacturing of skin care products like creams,
ointments and shampoos was also to be added. Then, cetylalcohol- a moisturizer, stearic acid- a
lubricant, glycerol monostearate (GMS), mineral oil another moisturizer, and isopropyl
myristate (IPM) which often used in pharmaceutical ointments and healing creams because of its
ability to soothe and soften skin will also be added in a separate container and heated to 80C
with mixing. Next, the first mixture will be added to the second mixture. Then, the mixed raw

materials were to be then, added to the base cream until it combines evenly. The cream that is
going to be produced is to be placed into a clean container until it cools down.
Potential Risk and Safety
The researcher or respondents might have minor skin allergies if chemicals used in the
study are not handled properly.
References
Frauenheilk, G. (2011). Topical egyptian bee honey and royal jelly following post surgical
removal of recurrent cesarean scar endometriosis. Thieme E-Journals, 71
Mars, B. (2006). Beauty by Nature. Summertown, TN: Healthy Living Publications
Tenney, D. (1997). Aloe Vera. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Publishing.
Aloe Vera.(n.d.).Retrieved on Feb 19, 2013 from http://doctorschar.com/archives/aloe-vera/
Guava.(n.d.).Retrieved

on

Aug13,

2013

from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicineways/healing-plants/images/ob1690.html

V. Introduction
Background of the study
Scars have always been a nuisance in our life. Not only does it leave an unpleasant mark
on the body, it also affects the individual psychologically. A scar is any mark left on the skin
(Collins English Dictionary, 1819) or other tissue following the healing of a wound. When the
skin is wounded and there is a break in the bodys tissues, the body produces more of a protein
called collagen as part of the healing process. Collagen builds up where the tissue has been
damaged, helping to heal and strengthen the wound. Since the condition of the skin is a window
to ones lifestyle, (Ferrel, Archbold &Cherne, 2004) proper, cheap, and effective cosmetics are
needed to restore an individuals flawless skin.
Commercial products contain several properties that can help soften the scar and remove
unneeded skin. These products are needed to make the skin look flawless again though these
commercial products are expensive and a normal citizen cannot afford to waste money on such
cosmetics.
To address this problem, the researcher made a study focused on formulating an effective
and reasonably priced cream made from aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey (honey), and guava
(Psidium guajava) leaf extract. These active ingredients are all known to remove scars and are
very much available.
Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to test the capability of aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey
(Honey), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract in removing scars. It sought to answer the
following specific questions:

1) What are the properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel, honey (Honey), and guava
(Psidium guajava) leaf extract that help lighten scars?
2) Is there any significant difference between the experimental product and the
commercial product in terms of:
2.1) Odor
2.2) Sensation after applying
2.3) Scar appearance after 2 weeks
Significance of the Study
The study would be beneficial to the following:
Future Researchers
People these days are relying too much on modern medicines and are forgetting about the
wonderful properties of aloe (Aloe barbadensis), honey (Honey), guavas (Psidium guajava), etc.
People with scars
The product of this study would be of great help to people with scars.
Community
Surely, people in communities have scars and this study will help those people.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study focused on the formulation of a scar-removing cream made using honey
(Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract. This study was conducted

at Bansud National High School - Regional Science High School for Region IV-B MIMAROPA,
Pag-asa, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro from July 2013 to January 2014.
Related Literature
Scars
A scar is a mark that is left on the skin after a wound or an injury to the surface of the
skin has healed. They can be removed using plastic surgery, pressure dressings, silicone gel
sheets, etc. Scars naturally heal over time because our body produces a protein called collagen.
Some of it breaks down at the site of the wound then the blood supply reduces and the scar
gradually becomes smoother, softer, and paler. The healing of scars can be improved by using
ointments and other related products.
Aloe gel
Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel has been known throughout the world for its amazing
benefits to the skin. When broken,

it secretes a clear gel that can be applied topically to heal

wounds, lighten scars and to soothe skin (www.doctorschar.com). Various studies have been
conducted to examine the benefits of the aloe (Aloe barbadensis) vera plant and it was found out
that aloe (Aloe barbadensis) vera does in fact have several properties that are effective in treating
a variety of skin conditions, from flaky or dry skin, cosmetic ailments, hair and scalp problems to
many more.
Honey
Honey (Honey) is used commonly as food enhancer. Honey is traditionally known as a
natural antibacterial. It is used (even in some allopathic medicine) as a skin healer (for example,

helping to heal ulcers). Because of this skin healing action, it may be helpful for people with
acne. Honey also softens and moisturizes the skin which is a valuable component in making a
scar removing cream. The honey will soften the scar to promote faster fading of the scar.
Guava
Guava (Psidium guajava) fruit is a source of anti-oxidants that can help the skin away
from aging. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves also was efficacious to overcome the problem of
acne and blackheads on your skin. It also has a high concentration of vitamin C that will aid in
the removing of pesky scars.
Related Studies
According to a book entitled Aloe Vera by Tenney (1997), a group of researchers at the
University of Texas in Galveston reviewed many medical studies on aloe vera. Their conclusion
was that the aloe gel does promote healing of wounds, burns and frostbite. The aloe is able to
penetrate the skin layers to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the
injured area. In fact, most of the research done with aloe has found that it helps accelerate the
healing process of both burns and wounds.
Aloe vera can also be used to help prevent scarring and to heal minor scars. The
properties of aloe vera help to promote tissue healing as well as remove dead skin. It contains
substances called uronic acids that are natural detoxicants and may take part in the healing
process by stripping toxic materials of their harmful effects. Aloes enzyme action is able to
penetrate tissue and promote the healing and normal growth of the tissue.

The study clearly states that aloe vera can be used to heal or prevent scars. It also states
that aloe vera promote tissue healing and dead skin removal which will prove to be very useful in
the researchers study.
A book entitled Beauty by Nature by Mars (2006) stated that After the wound has
healed somewhat, applying products to promote healing, such as aloe vera, avocado oil,
calendula flowers, castor oil, cocoa butter, comfrey, honey, plantain, and shea butter, will help to
treat and prevent scars.
This study proves that aloe vera and honey has properties that help lighten scars. This
improves the possibility that the product of this study can remove scars.
A study conducted by Frauenheilk (2011) aimed to show the effect of topical Egyptian
bee honey and royal jelly on wound healing and recurrence rate after removal of recurrent
caesarean section scar endometriosis, showed 7 complete external healing within less than 2
weeks. No one patient developed sepsis or wound dehiscence. No recurrence was observed over
2 year follow-up period. Four patients were subsequently delivered by caesarean section without
developing further recurrence over 6 months follow-up period.
The result is that the topical application of Egyptian bee honey and royal jelly seems of
positive value for the promotion of healing and reducing the rate of recurrence following
removal of endometriosis of caesarean section scar. Extending the study over longer follow-up
periods and on larger number of cases is required for firmer conclusions.
The study used Egyptian bee honey for the treatment of the caesarean section scar which
is a good thing for the researcher because Egyptian bee honey is still honey which supports the
hypothesis that honey can lighten or remove scars.

VI. Methodology
Materials and Equipment
The materials used in the study are: one triple beam balance, one stirring rod, two
beakers, 3g aloe, 3g honey, 3g guava leaf extracts, 0.40g xanthan gum, 0.30g
ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid, 2.0g triethanolamine , 3.0g cetyl alcohol, 3.5g stearic acid, 3.3g
glycerylmonestearate, 3.5g mineral oil, and 1.2g isopropyl myristate.
General Procedure
In preparation of the raw materials, aloe leaves were gathered, blanched, blended, and
filtered. Then the aloe was weighed using a triple beam balance to satisfy the amount needed
(3g) in producing the product. Then three (3g) of natural honey were gathered by weighing the
honey using the triple beam balance. And lastly, 139g of guava leaves were gathered, rinsed,
blanched, blended, filtered, and weighed to attain the amount of three grams (3g) needed for the
formulation.50ml of water was added in the blending of the guava leaves.
In making the base cream, xanthan gum an emulsifier, was dissolved in purified water.
Next, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) a preservative, was added to the mixture. And
triethanolamine (TEA), which is used as a neutralizing and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and
pharmaceuticals industry for manufacturing of skin care products like creams, ointments and
shampoos was also added. Then, cetylalcohol- a moisturizer, stearic acid- a lubricant, glycerol
monostearate (GMS), mineral oil another moisturizer, and isopropyl myristate (IPM) which
often used in pharmaceutical ointments and healing creams because of its ability to soothe and
soften skin were also added in a separate container and heated to 80C with mixing. Next, the
first mixture was added to the second mixture. Then, the mixed raw materials were then added to

10

the base cream until it combines evenly. The cream that was produced was placed into a clean
container until it cooled down.
Testing Procedure
In testing the cream, the respondents were instructed to apply the experimental product
thinly for 1-3 times a day on the affected area for 2 weeks to see if the product is effective. The
respondents were then asked to evaluate the experimental product in terms of: odor, sensation
after applying, and scar appearance after 2 weeks using a 5-point Likert scale. The following
parameters are used:
For rating the odor:

5 Very good odor (the product smells like perfume or the scent has a very good odor)
4 Good odor (the product smells like fruits, veggies, flowers or any pleasant odor)
3 Fair odor (the product smells like water or as if it has no odor)
2 Bad odor (the product smells like alcohol, drug or even close to any foul odor)
1 Very bad odor (the product smells like garbage, canal or any unpleasant odor)

11

For rating the sensation after applying:

5 Very Satisfactory (after applying the product, a cooling sensation is felt)

4 Generally Satisfactory (after applying the product, a slight cooling sensation
can be felt)
3 Satisfactory (after applying the product, no sensation can be felt)
2 Unsatisfactory (after applying the product, a warm, discomforting sensation
occurs)
1 Very Unsatisfactory (after applying the product, itchiness and burning
sensations can be felt)

For rating the scar appearance after 2 weeks:

5 Very Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar to the point that is is barely
noticeable)
4 Generally Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar with great results)
3 Satisfactory (the product lightened the scar with legitimate results)
2 Unsatisfactory (the product has effects but are barely noticeable)
1 Very Unsatisfactory (the product did not have any effect on the scar)

12

VII. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1.Comparison of the commercial product and the experimental product in terms of
its odor.
Respondent
s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Mean

ODOR
Experimental Product

Commercial Product

4
4
4
5
4
4
3
4
5
4
5
3
4
5
4
4.13

3
3
4
4
3
2
3
3
4
3
5
3
5
5
4
3.6

As can be gleaned from Table 1 above, the experimental product had an average rating of
4.13 while the commercial product was rated as 3.6 on the average.
When the commercial product and experimental product were compared using Wilcoxon
Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .0330 which is less than the .05 level of
significance. It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the commercial
product and experimental product in terms of odor. It implies that the experimental product is
better than the commercial one in terms of odor.

13

Based on the table, the experimental products odor is better than the commercial
products odor. The experimental product was made using ingredients that have pleasing aroma.
The honey (Honey) gave the product a sweet smell while the guava (Psidium guajava) and the
aloe (Aloe vera) gave the product a refreshing herbal scent.

Table 2.Comparison of the commercial product and the experimental product in terms of
sensation after applying.
Respondent
s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Sensation after applying

Experimental Product

Commercial Product

3
3
4
5
3
3
3
4

3
3
4
5
3
3
3
3

14

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Mean

4
3
3
3
3
5
3
3.47

5
3
4
3
5
5
3
3.67

The table shows that the commercial product has a mean of 3.67 while the experimental
product has a mean of 3.47.
When the commercial product and experimental product were compared using Wilcoxon
Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .2733 which is greater than the .05 level
of significance. It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the commercial
product and experimental product in terms of sensation after applying.
Based on the table, the experimental product almost matched the commercial product in
terms of sensation after applying. The base cream used in formulating the experimental product
proved to have a satisfying and neutral feeling to the skin instead of a warm, discomforting,
feeling.

15

Table 3.Comparison of the commercial product and the experimental product in terms of
scar appearance after 2 weeks.
Respondent
s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Mean

Scar appearance after 2 weeks

Experimental Product

Commercial Product

4
3
4
3
3
4
5
5
3
4
5
3
4
4
5
3.93

5
5
5
3
3
4
5
5
5
5
5
3
4
5
4
4.4

The table shows that the commercial product has a mean of 4.4 while the experimental
product has a mean of 3.73.

16

When the commercial product and experimental product were compared using Wilcoxon
Signed Rank Test (see Appendix), it yielded a p-value of .0630 which is greater than the .05 level
of significance. It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between the
commercial product and experimental product in terms of scar appearance after 2 weeks.
The experimental product barely matched the effectiveness of the commercial product in
terms of scar appearance after 2 weeks. The experimental product was made using honey
(Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract - ingredients that have scar
lightening properties. According to a study by Tenney (1997), Aloe vera can be used to help
prevent scarring and to heal minor scars. Another study, conducted by Frauenheilk (2011), shown
the effect of topical Egyptian bee honey and royal jelly on wound healing and recurrence rate
after removal of recurrent caesarean section scar endometriosis, showed 7 complete external
healing within less than 2 weeks. And Mars (2006) stated in his study that After the wound has
healed somewhat, applying products to promote healing, such as aloe vera, avocado oil,
calendula flowers, castor oil, cocoa butter, comfrey, honey, plantain, and shea butter, will help to
treat and prevent scars. These studies proved that the ingredients can all be used to lighten or
remove scars.

XIII. CONCLUSIONS
Based on the given results, the following conclusions were drawn:

17

1) Honey (Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract can
lighten scars due to their individual capabilities. Honey (Honey) has antiseptic,
antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Aloe (Aloe vera) has anti-bacterial
properties, contains several minerals and vitamins like Vitamin E, and stimulates
cell growth. Guava (Psidium guajava) leaves has high vitamin C content which
helps in producing new collagen which plays an important part in the synthesis of
new skin cells.
2) The experimental product is better than the commercial product in terms of odor
because the experimental product was made using ingredients that have pleasing
aroma. The honey (Honey) gave the product a sweet smell while the guava
(Psidium guajava) and the aloe (Aloe vera) gave the product a refreshing herbal
scent. In terms of sensation after applying, the better one is the commercial
product because of the numerous artificial additives and chemicals that was added
to the commercial product. And in terms of scar appearance after two weeks, the
experimental product matched the effectiveness of the commercial product
because honey (Honey), aloe (Aloe vera), and guava (Psidium guajava) leaf
extract has properties that lightens scars.

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

18

Based on the preceding conclusions, the researcher suggests the following

recommendations.
1) A more efficient test may be used to determine the effectiveness of the cream.
2) Other ingredients may be added to increase the effectiveness of the product.
3) Other extraction processes may be conducted to produce better extracts for the
cream.

X. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

19

The researcher sincerely appreciates and acknowledges the cooperation and assistance of
the following:
First, to the Almighty Lord. For all of his blessings including his gift of knowledge, his
guidance for the success of the study, and everything.
To Mrs. Joanne Familara and Mr. Ian Fajardosa, the research advisers. For the wise
recommendations to make this study better and possible.
To Mr. Arvin Gutierrez, the statistician, for the assistance on what statistical tests the
researcher must use.
To all the science teachers and students for their help and encouragement.
To my brother, Jose Marie M. Jaudian Jr., for his recommendations and suggestions that
made this study better.
To the researchers parents and to all who in a way, helped in the success of this study.
M.A.M.J.

XI. REFERENCES

20

Frauenheilk, G. (2011). Topical egyptian bee honey and royal jelly following post surgical
removal of recurrent cesarean scar endometriosis. Thieme E-Journals, 71
Mars, B. (2006). Beauty by Nature. Summertown, TN: Healthy Living Publications
Tenney, D. (1997). Aloe Vera. Pleasant Grove, UT: Woodland Publishing.
Aloe Vera. Retrieved on Feb 19, 2013 from http://doctorschar.com/archives/aloe-vera/
Guava.

(n.d.).

Retrieved

on

Aug

13,

2013

from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/exhibition/healing-ways/medicineways/healing-plants/images/ob1690.html
Scar.

(n.d.)

Retrieved

on

Oct

13,

2013

from

http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/scar
Ferrel, V., Archbold, E. & Cherne H. (2004). Natural Remedies Encyclopedia.4th edition. (pp.
244). United States of America: Harvestime Books.
Use

Honey For Acne Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved on

http://www.acnebuzz.com/use-honey-for-acne-treatment/

January

6,

2014

from

Aloe Vera For Acne. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from http://theacnezone.com/aloe-verafor-acne/
How to Get Rid of Acne Scars with Home Remedies. (n.d.). Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Acne-Scars-with-Home-Remedies

XII. Appendix

21

Extracting the plants

Fig. 1 Weighing of guava

leaves using the triple beam
balance.

Fig. 2 Blanching of plants for easier blending.

Fig. 4 Extracting the plants using

the juicer.

Fig. 3 Draining unnecessary water from

plants.

Fig. 5 Each plant extract were filtered

using a clean cloth and was put into a
clean container.

Making the cream

22

Fig. 6 Formulating base cream

phases 1 and 2

Fig. 9 Combining phase 2

with phase 1.

Fig. 10 Stirring the

mixture to combine
phase and phase 2.

Fig. 7 Weighing the necessary

ingredients using a triple beam
balance

Fig. 8 Mixing the weighed ingredients to make

base cream phases: 1 and 2

Fig. 11 Mixing guava leaf extract, aloe extract,

and honey to the base cream.
Fig. 12
Waiting
for
the
product
to
cool
down.

Analysis of the Raw Data

23

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test

Sensation

variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product

Odor
2 sum
of positive ranks
8 sum of negative ranks
variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product
4 n
5.00 expected value
40.5 sum
of positive
ranks
2.74
standard
deviation
4.5 sum
of negative
ranks
-1.10
z
.2733 p-value (two-tailed)
9 n
22.50 expected value
8.44 standard deviation
2.13 z
.0330 p-value (two-tailed)

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test

Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test

Scar appearance after 2 weeks

variables: Experimental Product - Commercial Product

3 sum of positive ranks
25 sum of negative ranks
7
14.00
5.92
-1.86
.0630

n
expected value
standard deviation
z
p-value (two-tailed)

24

SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: ________________________________________________

Date: __________

Address: ______________________________________________

Age: _______

Rating Sheet

Write the appropriate rating of the odor, sensation after applying, and scar appearance after 2
weeks of the ointments using the parameter below:

25

Odor:
5- Very Pleasant
4- Pleasant
3- Odorless
2- Unpleasant
1- Very Unpleasant

Sensation after applying:

5- Very Satisfactory
4- Generally Satisfactory
3- Satisfactory
2- Unsatisfactory
1- Very Unsatisfactory

Experimental
Product
Odor

Sensation after
applying
Scar appearance
after 2 weeks

Scar Appearance after 2 Weeks

5- Very Satisfactory
4- Generally Satisfactory
3- Satisfactory
2- Unsatisfactory
1- Very Unsatisfactory

Commercial
Product