Chapter I

The Problem and its Background

Introduction

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to defects like blindness. Because of its horrifying effects on human health, the researchers planned to conduct a study using makopa, a native Philippine fruit, to be a component of a natural medicine for diabetes.
Makopa (Syzygium samarangense) leaves have been found to have antihyperglycemic properties. The researchers thought of another way to produce the same result by using the fruit instead of the leaves. The fruit was put into a food processor, to separate the liquid extract and from the pulp.
The retrieved extract was filtered using cheesecloth to remove impurities. The pure extract was put into a vial.
The pulp of the fruit was sun dried, powdered using a blender. The resulting powder was combined with the pure extract. The extract from the pulp was the tea that can be orally taken by the mice through regulated feeding.
Having produced two products, the researchers were able to come up with a pure makopa extract, and be able to apply current discoveries and studies to produce a medicinal product from makopa.

Background of the Study

The study was conducted to prevent and cure diabetes through makopa. Also, the study was driven by the medical history of diabetes in the families of two out of three researchers.
Because of diabetes’ horrifying effects on human health and it is continuous effect on a larger population, this study aimed to produce a natural cure and prevention for this illness using a native fruit, makopa. Though makopa is found to have antihyperglycemic flavonoids, it has not been applied so this project was the application of the said discovery and it aimed to produce an organic yet, effective medication for diabetes.

Statement of the Problem

1. Can the makopa extract lower