Potential sources of anti-obesity compound – hydroxycitric acid among some of the underutilized fruits in the Philippines

Food Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
P.A. Bagabaldo ◽  
W.A. Hurtada ◽  
A.C. Laurena ◽  
L.M. Atienza
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Histochemical Staining ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Garcinia Cambogia ◽  
Hydroxycitric Acid ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Orange Colour

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a derivative of citric acid, is one of the promising food components with reported anti-obesity properties. HCA is currently extracted only from its principal source, Garcinia cambogia, which is not readily available in the country. Herewith, the study aims to identify potential sources of HCA among local underutilized fruits to increase their current commercial use. A total of twenty underutilized fruits generally rich in citric acid were screened via histochemical staining to detect the presence of HCA. Those samples that produced the characteristic reddish orange colour complexes indicative of HCA have undergone further experiments including extraction (via water extraction method), quantification (via spectrophotometry), and identity validation (via thin layer chromatography) to determine the actual HCA sources. Out of the 20 local fruits tested, HCA was found only from Tamarindus indica L. (tamarind) flesh at 3.731±0.046 g HCA/100 g fresh weight and from Garcinia binucao (batuan) flesh and seeds at 3.447±0.059 g HCA/100 g fresh weight and 1.241±0.009 g HCA/100 g fresh weight, respectively. Meanwhile, most of the other fruits tested were found to contain merely citric acid. This study could bring new ways in utilizing batuan and tamarind fruits as functional ingredients in nutraceuticals and value-added products, thereby increasing its current health and economic significance.

scholarly journals Can exports be used as an indicator of technological capabilities of countries?

Geografie ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 120 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana Vlčková
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Reliable Indicator ◽  
Technological Capabilities ◽  
The Past ◽  
Product Classification ◽  
Innovative Capabilities ◽  
The Eu

During the past 30 years, many emerging economies, especially China, have strengthened their technological and innovative capabilities. Have these countries started to threaten the position of traditional technological leaders? This paper examines whether technological capabilities of an economy can be evaluated based on the goods each economy exports (EXPY). Detailed product classification of exports to the EU in the period between 1984 and 2009 form the underlying data. Further, other data and studies are used to assess the reliability of EXPY. Results show that many emerging economies have significantly increased their technological sophistication; among them exports of Mexico, the Philippines and Malaysia are technologically the most sophisticated. These economies have significant share of foreign value added embodied in exports, though. Therefore, EXPY based on gross exports is not a reliable indicator of technological capabilities of countries and this indicator needs to be combined with other data.

scholarly journals Volarization of valuable compound from watermelon by-product using ultrasound-assisted extraction

Food Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 1995-2002
Author(s):  
W.Y.C. Lim ◽  
N.L. Yusof ◽  
Ismail-Fitry M.R. ◽  
N. Suleiman
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Acid Content ◽  
Galacturonic Acid ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction ◽  
Pectin Content ◽  
Watermelon Rind ◽  
Assisted Extraction ◽  
Confectionery Products

The aim of this study was to develop an efficient, reliable, and sustainable technology for the recovery of value-added compounds from by-product, in this case, is watermelon rinds. The properties of the watermelon rinds obtained from innovative ultrasoundassisted extraction (UAE) were evaluated. In regard to this, the pectin content, degree of esterification, and galacturonic acid content of the watermelon rind extracts were determined in order to verify the efficiency of the UAE. Initially, the UAE were conducted using two types of acid: citric and hydrochloric. The highest pectin content was obtained using citric acid. Additional UAE was then performed with citric acid at 50, 60, or 70°C for 10, 20, or 30 mins. Both UAE temperature and time significantly influenced the pectin extracts and galacturonic acid. The best findings for a high galacturonic acid content (47.41%) when the watermelon rinds were extracts at 70°C for 20 mins. According to the findings, the extraction process lasted 10 or 20 mins at all temperatures was mainly high-methoxyl pectin, which can form gels under acidic conditions. This suggests that pectins derived from watermelon rinds using UAE may be especially useful as an additive in some confectionery products.

The seaweed resources of the Philippines

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavino C. Trono ◽  
Danilo B. Largo
Keyword(s):  
Review Paper ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Production Volume ◽  
Fresh Weight ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Seaweed Farming ◽  
Political Unrest ◽  
Seaweed Production ◽  
Loss Of Genetic Diversity ◽  
Culture Technology

Abstract This review paper presents information on the production status of economically important seaweed species in the Philippines, new culture technologies for Halymenia durvillei and also an examination of the present but limited use of Sargassum. The country recorded its highest production volume of seaweeds (mainly eucheumatoids) in 2011 amounting to 1,840,832 metric tons (fresh weight). In the subsequent years, the Philippines recorded a steady decline in production which can be attributed to epiphytism, loss of genetic diversity due to the culture methods used (i.e. vegetative propagation), political unrest in the main farming areas of the Southern Philippines, and the frequent occurrence of typhoons. The more than 200,000 ha of farmable areas along available coastlines remain to be tapped and evaluated in order to determine which areas are suitable for seaweed farming. The haphazard harvesting of Sargassum led to the proclamation of Fisheries Order No. 250 which prohibits harvesting of Sargassum. Exploitation of Gelidiela acerosa remains a concern as there is no currently available culture technology for the species. The lack of comprehensive records on Philippine seaweed production needs to be addressed and its diverse algal resources remain to be explored.

Ocular complications of Garcinia cambogia extract diet pills: Case report

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. NP21-NP26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-kyung Cho ◽  
Yong Seop Han ◽  
Jong Moon Park
Keyword(s):  
Visual Disturbance ◽  
Competitive Inhibitor ◽  
Optic Disk ◽  
Oral Steroid ◽  
Fiber Layer ◽  
Ocular Complications ◽  
Garcinia Cambogia ◽  
Hydroxycitric Acid ◽  
First Case ◽  
Key Enzyme

Background: Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid. Hydroxycitric acid is a potent competitive inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase which is a key enzyme in the synthesis of fatty acids. Hydroxycitric acid also regulates the level of serotonin. In these regards, hydroxycitric acid has been reported to exhibit weight loss activity. Adverse reactions of G. cambogia from numerous clinical studies demonstrated relatively mild reactions. However, there are some complications of G. cambogia reported in the past: acute liver injury, acute hepatitis, and hepatic failure. However, ocular complications of G. cambogia have not been reported yet. Case presentation: A 35-year-old female visited our clinic with decreased vision in the left eye and ocular pain in both eyes for the last 6 days. She also complained of headache, dizziness, and nausea. She had taken G. cambogia extract more than the recommended dose. There was myopic shift with anterior chamber shallowing in both eyes, especially in the left eye. Moreover, swelling and retinal folds of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macula were observed in both eyes. These ocular complications of G. cambogia extract resolved after discontinuation of the extract and topical and oral steroid treatment. Herein, we report the first case of ocular complications of G. cambogia extract diet pill assessed with optical coherence tomography of optic disk and macula along with dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Conclusion: It is necessary that physicians dealing with obesity advice patients about possible visual disturbance of this extract when taken in overdose so that they can see an ophthalmologist immediately.

scholarly journals Prices, Availability and Affordability of Medicines with Value-Added Tax Exemption: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krizzia Lambojon ◽  
Jie Chang ◽  
Amna Saeed ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Pengchao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Unit Price ◽  
World Health ◽  
Value Added Tax ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Universal Healthcare ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Developing countries, such as the Philippines, started implementing policies to improve access to medicines, which is a vital step toward universal healthcare coverage. This study aimed to evaluate the prices, availability and affordability of prescribed medicines for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension with the exemption of 12% value-added tax in the Philippines. Methods: The prices and availability of 50 medicines were collected in August 2019 from 36 public and 42 private medicine outlets in six regions of the Philippines, following a modified methodology developed by the World Health Organization and Health Action International. Availability is reported as the percentage of outlets in which the surveyed medicine was found at the time of visit. Medicine prices are expressed as median unit prices (MUPs) in Philippine Peso. Affordability is calculated based on the number of days’ wages required for the lowest-paid unskilled government worker to purchase a monthly treatment. Results: The mean availability of surveyed medicines was low in both public and private sectors, with 1.3% for originator brands (OBs) and 25.0% for lowest-priced generics (LPGs) in public outlets, and 34.7% and 35.4% in private outlets, respectively. The MUP of medicines were higher in private outlets, and OBs have higher unit price compared to the generic equivalents. Treatments with OBs were unaffordable, except for gliclazide, but the affordability of most LPGs is generally good. Conclusion: Access to medicines in both sectors was affected by low availability. High prices of OBs influenced the affordability of medicines even with tax exemption. A review of policies and regulations should be initiated for a better access to medicines in the Philippines.

A Significant middle Pleistocene tephra deposit preserved in the caves of Mulu, Borneo

2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Lundberg ◽  
Donald A. McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Isotopic Ratio ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Plinian Eruption ◽  
Middle Pleistocene ◽  
Fall Deposit ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
Tephra Deposit ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Ratio Limit

A distinctive white sediment in the caves of Mulu, Sarawak, Borneo is a well-preserved tephra, representing a fluvially transported surface air-fall deposit, re-deposited inside the caves. We show that the tephra is not the Younger Toba Tephra, formerly considered as most likely. The shards are rod-shaped with elongate tubular vesicles; the largest grains ~ 170 μm in length; of rhyolitic composition; and 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70426 ± 0.00001. U–Th dating of associated calcites suggest that the tephra was deposited before 125 ± 4 ka, and probably before 156 ± 2 ka. Grain size and distance from closest potential source suggests an eruption of VEI 7. Prevailing winds, grain size, thickness of deposit, location of potential sources, and Sr isotopic ratio limit the source to the Philippines. Comparisons with the literature give the best match geochemically with layer 1822 from Ku et al. (2009a), dated by ocean core stratigraphy to 189 ka. This tephra represents a rare terrestrial repository indicating a very substantial Plinian/Ultra-Plinian eruption that covered the Mulu region of Borneo with ash, a region that rarely receives tephra from even the largest known eruptions in the vicinity. It likely will be a valuable chronostratigraphic marker for sedimentary, palaeontological and archaeological studies.

VAT withholding tax and its impact on vat compliance: evidence from the Zimbabwe revenue authority

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-243
Author(s):  
Blessings Majoni
Keyword(s):  
Public Finance ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Withholding Tax ◽  
The Empirical Analysis

Value-added tax (VAT) withholding tax is a key instrument used in various tax administrations to curb revenue leakages that emanate from clients that charge VAT on their services and supplies and then fail to remit it to revenue authorities. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) implemented VAT withholding in 2017 with the expectation that it would positively affect VAT compliance. The motivation of this study therefore arises from the knowledge that a number of developing countries are considering implementing a withholding tax mechanism on VAT. In addition, a number of developing countries such as the Philippines, Ethiopia and Ghana, have implemented VAT withholding tax with varying outcomes. Public finance literature on the empirical analysis of VAT withholding tax is, however, limited as it requires administrative data that most tax researchers are not privy to. This paper sought to undertake a more comprehensive empirical investigation of the direct effect of the introduction of VAT withholding tax on VAT compliance. To estimate the empirical effect of VAT withholding tax on VAT compliance, this paper exploited data of VAT registered clients in ZIMRA over a 24-month period. The study used an ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis to investigate the effects of VAT withholding tax on VAT revenue. The study further used a difference-in-differences estimator by classifying VAT taxpayers into two groups. Empirical evidence indicates that there is a positive significant relationship between implementing VAT withholding tax and VAT revenue in the ZIMRA scenario.

Analyzing the trade competitiveness of Indian coconut sector in the liberalization regime

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
S. Jayasekhar ◽  
K.P. Chandran ◽  
C. Thamban ◽  
D. Jaganathan ◽  
K. Muralidharan
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Advantage ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Price Competition ◽  
Value Added ◽  
World Market ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Product Lines ◽  
The World ◽  
Value Added Products

<p>Coconut export sector in India of late gained an outward orientation, especially since the Coconut Development Board was elevated to the status of export promotion council in the year 2009. In the recent period, the growth rate experienced in the coconut based value added products has been stupendous. Since there is an attempt for global value chain up-gradation at the production node of the sector, it is imperative to analyse our strengths in the world market in comparison with the major competitors. We have used the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) methodology to analyse India’s competitiveness in the exports of major coconut value added products traded across the world. The study revealed that, as far as the coconut value added products are concerned, India is comparatively a very small player with paltry export market shares. The analysis of RCA revealed that comparative advantage of India is lower than the major coconut exporting countries like Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The Philippines is the dominant player with highest RCA indices in most of the coconut value added product lines. The study suggests the need to formulate plausible strategies to reach the overseas market and capture the optimal share in market segments. Though we have a strong domestic market base, it is an indubitable fact that in the near future due to the evolving trade agreements even in the domestic sector we may confront fierce price competition from the overseas imports. Hence we need to chalk out modalities and execution plans to elevate our export competitiveness and comparative advantage.</p>

The Portuguese Slave Trade to Spanish Manila: 1580–1640

Itinerario ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Seijas
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Slave Trade ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
San Juan ◽  
Economic Significance ◽  
Catarina De San Juan ◽  
Legal Barriers

Catarina de San Juan was a slave woman who was brought to the Philippines in the 1610s on her way to Mexico, where she became a beata of great renown. Her experiences in the slave markets of Cochin and Manila suggest that Portuguese traders played a key role as the primary suppliers of Asian slaves to the Philippines. This paper argues that Portuguese slavers made a significant contribution to the Manila economy by providing an important labour force that helped build and maintain the colony from 1580 to 1640, the years of Iberian Union or, from the Portuguese perspective, the “Spanish Captivity”. One-crown rule gave Portuguese traders free trade access to Manila, allowing them to meet the city's demand for this important commodity. The slave trade's volume and profits testify to its social and economic significance and suggests that the Portuguese helped sustain the Philippines, even as they faced the logistical difficulties and legal barriers evident in Catarina's story. This paper shows that the forced migration of individuals like Catarina was a notable outcome of “Spain's Asian presence”—less significant in economic terms than the transfer of silver and textiles, but no less important in human terms.

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