Lato
Chapter 1
The Problem
Introduction
Today’s technological innovation and medical advances gave birth to formulation of synthetic drugs used to treat respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, arthritis and other diseases. These pharmaceuticals are costly and to a point, inaccessible to many Filipinos. These may also pose adverse effects like nausea, dyspnea, and diarrhea. Researchers are challenged to produce natural medicines, which could be lower in cost and more synergistic in their effect. One promising plant which is the subject of this study is the seaweed locally known as “Lato”(Caulerpa lentillefera). “Lato” (Caulerpa lentillefera) is highly nourishing for it contains high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and rich in iodine. Being a good source of magnesium, this seaweed helps reduce high blood pressure and prevents heart attack, it is also useful for people suffering from thyroid problems. It can be eaten raw as an appetizer, dipped in lemon juice or vinegar mixed with onion and/or other spices. It can be used in sushi and as an ingredient in salmon rolls, and many more. In the Philippines, sea grapes are abundant in Panlatuan Cove of Pilar, Sorsogon, Philippines. This seaweed grows naturally and abundantly in an area of about ten hectares, as estimated by the municipal agriculture office technician. The term “panlatuan” is a local dialect meaning, a place where “lato” came from. The cove covers the villages of Lungib, San Rafael and Inapugan. It has pure seawater, which is considered as high saline, with 28-31 ppt as tested by a refractometer. Local folks observed that said seaweed is more abundant from October to may than during rainy season when the level of salinity decreases. The “lato” from this area, can now be found at the wet markets of the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, and even in some parts of Metro manila. (Mallapre, Adelfa, 2014)
Green algae are diverse group of organisms that contain the same kinds of
The Problem
Introduction
Today’s technological innovation and medical advances gave birth to formulation of synthetic drugs used to treat respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, arthritis and other diseases. These pharmaceuticals are costly and to a point, inaccessible to many Filipinos. These may also pose adverse effects like nausea, dyspnea, and diarrhea. Researchers are challenged to produce natural medicines, which could be lower in cost and more synergistic in their effect. One promising plant which is the subject of this study is the seaweed locally known as “Lato”(Caulerpa lentillefera). “Lato” (Caulerpa lentillefera) is highly nourishing for it contains high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and rich in iodine. Being a good source of magnesium, this seaweed helps reduce high blood pressure and prevents heart attack, it is also useful for people suffering from thyroid problems. It can be eaten raw as an appetizer, dipped in lemon juice or vinegar mixed with onion and/or other spices. It can be used in sushi and as an ingredient in salmon rolls, and many more. In the Philippines, sea grapes are abundant in Panlatuan Cove of Pilar, Sorsogon, Philippines. This seaweed grows naturally and abundantly in an area of about ten hectares, as estimated by the municipal agriculture office technician. The term “panlatuan” is a local dialect meaning, a place where “lato” came from. The cove covers the villages of Lungib, San Rafael and Inapugan. It has pure seawater, which is considered as high saline, with 28-31 ppt as tested by a refractometer. Local folks observed that said seaweed is more abundant from October to may than during rainy season when the level of salinity decreases. The “lato” from this area, can now be found at the wet markets of the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, and even in some parts of Metro manila. (Mallapre, Adelfa, 2014)
Green algae are diverse group of organisms that contain the same kinds of