Ink from Alugbati (Basella rubra Linn) Fruits

I. Abstract

Alugbati, known in the U.S. as Malabar spinach, is commonly grown for its
soft, spinach-like leaves and shoots. Alugbati is of African and East Asian
origin. The juice of the fruits was reportedly used in ancient China as ink for
official seals. Today, the fruits of the red-stemmed alugbati variety can be
used to make ink. As of May 2010, the government of the Philippines is
researching commercial production of ink extracted from the alugbati fruits.

The fruits of the alugbati were used as the main and raw material to produce
varied types of ink such as writing ink, stamping ink and pentel ink for better
quality. The fruits when squeezed appeared as syrup-like black substances,
and characterized with permanent staining solutions through the process of
pressing, filtration, boiling and cooling and when subsequently mixed with
salt, vinegar, denatured alcohol and iodine, the product had 100% absorption
and affinity for ink of varied types.

II. Acknowledgements

This investigatory project would not have been completed without the support,
encouragement, inputs, and inspiration from various people and agencies.

In behalf of our, we would like to thank the following sponsor:

 parents Mr.Anthony and Mrs.Rowena Amores for their untiring
confidence and support
sister Roan, for her cheerfulness and antics that provided welcome
respite from project (although I mostly apologize for missing precious
moments)
parents of John Paul Abalos for allowing us to have an alugbati project
Mercury Drugstore for guiding me in buying iodine tincture
National Bookstore for the source of materials for our Background to
be used in exhibit.
Ms. Heide Sanchez, for encouraging our section to have an
investigatory project like this;
God, for letting us finish the work completely and neatly

III. Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem/Objectives
1.2.1 General Objective
1.2.2 Specific Adjective
1.3 Significance of the Study
1.4 Scope and Limitations
 1.5 Review of Related Literature

Chapter 2. Methodology 3

2.1 Materials/Equipments
2.2 Treatment/ General Procedure

Chapter 3. Results and Discussion 4

III.1 Findings
III.2 Analysis of Data

Chapter 4. Conclusions 5

Chapter 5. Recommendations

Chapter 6. Bibliography

IV. Introduction

A. Background of the Study

The process of producing varied types of ink from extracted juice of

alugbati fruits can foresee a cheaper and good quality product. The raw
materials used belong to the herbaceous vine family which is abundant
throughout the country and an all-time season herb. Utilizing extracted
juice of alugbati fruits including decomposed banana sap in the production
of writing ink, stamping and pentel pen ink is very feasible for community
development.

B. Statement of the Problem/Objectives

1. General Objective

Demonstrate how the straining quality of the alugbati fruit can be used
to advantage.

2. Specific Objective

Make ink out of extracted juice of alugbati fruits.

C. Significance of the Study

Characterized as stable and permanent and hastened drying up as a

special qualification, this product can be compared with any commercial
ink for home, school and office use. Alugbati fruits are abundant
throughout the country and itcan become a source of livelihood in the
community.
1
D. Scope and Limitations

The study focuses on the use of extracted juice of alugbati fruits. The trial
and error method used in the experiment prolonged the completion of the
work to more than a week. Tests conducted include boiling and adding of
denatured alcohol.

E. Review of Related Literature

The matured sap of banana was also studied and was used as the main
material in manufacturing various kinds of ink. Through pressing, filtration,
centrifugation and mixing, the product had 100% absorption and affinity for
ink.

2
V. Methodology
 A. Materials/Equipment

1 cup ripe alugbati fruits (the violet variety)

1/ 4 cup iodine

a pinch of salt
1 tbsp denatured alcohol
1 tbsp vinegar
clean glass container

B. Treatment/General Procedure

1. Pick the alugbati fruits at full ripeness, when it is round, plump and
dark purple in color. You will need about three cups of fruit to
produce one cup of juice.
2. Wash and drain one cup ripe alugbati fruits.
3. Pound lightly.
4. After the fruits are pounded, place in clean muslin bag and extract
juice.
5. Put the juice in a clean glass container and mix with 1/4 cup

iodine, a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp vinegar.

6. Boil the mixture for 2 minutes, and stand to cool.
7. When cooled, add1 tbsp denatured alcohol. The ink is now ready
for use.

VI. Results and Discussions

A. Findings
Comparative Study of Description of Result Using Different Trials
in Making Ink out of the Given Mixtures
 Trial Mixture Procedure Description of Result
st
1 Trial 1/2 cup of pure Using a pen write Writing appeared purplish-maroon;
with the mixture. blots on the paper; light.
alugbati fruit
2nd Extract Using a pen and Print only
1/2 cup extract Writing has the same color as the 1st
Trial paper, write with
1 pinch salt trial; still blots on paper: color is more
the mixture.
1 tbsp vinegar permanent
3rd Trial Same as in 2nd trial, plus Do- Color of writing is black: much darker

1/4 than in the 1st and 2nd trials; still blots;

cup iodine
no discoloration after sometime

4th Trial Same as in 3rd trial, plus Boil mixture in 3rd Writing is black and darker; blotting is
1 tbsp denatured alcohol trial before adding minimized; discoloration is prevented
alcohol

B. Analysis of data
The solution appears reddish-black when tried with a pen. The pen
writes smoothly with the black alugbati ink. Its appearance and
application is very similar to that of commercial ink. The dominant
smell is that of the denatured alcohol in the solution.
When tried on a stamp pad, the pad has to absorb much of the solution
first before the rubber stamp would register clearly with a darker print
on the page. For the stamp pad ink, the product of the 2 nd trial may well
be utilized; its color is purplish-maroon.
4
VII. Conclusions

Native agro-waste material such as alugbati fruits can be a potential

source of ink which can be used for home, school and office.
Agro-waste materials converted into a functional writing material can
meet the demand for accessible and cheaper source of ink.

VIII. Recommendations

Further studies on the subject should be conducted. Since the output can
easily be reproduced. It is recommended that science-related clubs and
schools support and help in the implementation aspect.
 IX. Bibliography

Journal

Mendoza, G.Ink from Alugbati Fruits Science Discoverer Intermediate

Edition 4, Vol. 5 No.2 (2005)

Websites

http://www.filipinohrbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com

http://gonatural.com.ph

http://www.freesciencefairproject.com/requirements.htm

http://freesciencefair.com

http://www.investigatoryprojectexample.com/science-projects/

Science Investigatory
Project
 Alugbati (Basella
rubra Linn) Fruits as
ink-all-you can
Name:

Herald Anthony L. Amores

John Paul Abalos
Emmanuel Adap
Jovel Advincula
Daryl Jun Alipio

Subject/Section: NSCI111B-3B

Instructor:

Mrs. Heide Sanchez