Antiseptic

RESEARCH:

KAYMITO LEAVES DECOCTION

AS

ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH

RESEARCHERS:

LUNA, ZOREN KLENT A.

YADAO, NEÑALEN Y.

LOPEZ, HERY JR. G.

MANATAD, DANIEL NICHOLAS

MILAN, KIMBERLY G.

LOAYON, KENJI EDWARD L.

VILLEJO, JEPHTHA MILCAH

RESEARCH ADVISER:

MRS. MARY LOUIE GALAURA

CHAPTER  I.

INTRODUCTION

Chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae, native to the lowlands of Central America and the West Indies. It grows rapidly and reaches 20 m in height.
It has numerous common names including cainito, caimito, star apple, golden leaf tree, abiaba, pomme du lait,
estrella, milk fruit and aguay. It is also known by the synonym Achras cainito. In Vietnam, it is called vú sữa (literally: milk-breast).
The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple oval, entire, 5–15 cm long; the underside shines with a golden color
when seen from a distance. The tiny flowers are purplish white and have a sweet fragrant smell. The tree is also hermaphroditic (self-fertile).
Also available in green or red
It has round, purple-skinned fruit that is often green around the calyx, with a star pattern in the pulp. Sometimes
there is a greenish-white variety of the fruit. The skin is rich in latex, and both it and the rind are not edible. The
flattened seeds are light brown and hard. It bears fruit year around after it reaches about seven years of age.
The fruits are delicious as a fresh dessert fruit; it is sweet and best served chilled. Infusions of the leaves have been
used against diabetes and articular rheumatism. The bark is considered a tonic and stimulant, and a bark decoction is
used as an antitussive. The fruit also exist in two colors, dark purple and greenish brown. The purple fruit has a
denser skin and texture while the greenish brown fruit has a thin skin and a more liquid pulp.

A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security,... [continues]

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