Bio Diesel: The Next Generation Sustainable Fuel

What is Bio Diesel?

The concept dates back to 1885 when Dr. Rudolf Diesel built the first diesel engine with the full intention of running it on vegetative source.

He first displayed his engine at the Paris show of 1900 and astounded everyone when he ran the patented engine on any hydrocarbon fuel available - which included gasoline and peanut oil. In 1912 he stated " … the use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may in the course of time become as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of present time."

Scientists discovered that the viscosity ( thicKness) of vegetable oils could be reduced in a simple chemical process In 1970 and that it could work well as diesel fuel in modern engine.

This fuel is called Bio- Diesel.

Since than the technical developments have largely been completed. Plant oil is highly valued as Bio fuel "Diesel" and transformed into Bio Diesel in most industrialised

Please note !!

* This vegetable oil can be used as it is crushed – ie - unrefined in the engines of cars
* This vegetable oil can be blended with normal diesel and used in cars.
* This vegetable oil can be refined and sold as pure diesel
* Refined it can be exported as a clean fuel to anywhere in the world.

Bio Diesel is asubstitute for, or an additive to, diesel fuel that is derived from the oils and fats of plants, like Sunflower, Canola or Jatropha.

It is an alternative fuel that can be used in diesel engines and provides power similar to conventional diesel fuel.

Bio Diesel is arenewable domestically produced liquid fuel that can help reduce the countries dependence on foreign oil imports.

Recent environmental and economic concerns (Kyoto Protocol) have prompted resurgence in the use of biodiesel throughout the world. In 1991, the European Community, (EC) Proposed a 90% tax reduction for the use of biofuels, including biodiesel.

To day, 21 countries worldwide, produce Biodiesel.

The Advantages of Bio Diesel

Bio Diesel is the most valuable form of renewable energy that can be used directly in any existing, unmodified diesel engine.

Bio Diesel fuel and can be produced from oilseed plants such as rape seeds, sunflower, canola and or JATROPHA CURCAS.

Bio Diesel is environmental friendly and ideal for heavily polluted cities.
Bio Diesel is as biodegradable as salt
Bio Diesel produces 80% less carbon dioxide and 100% less sulfur dioxide emissions. It provides a 90% reduction in cancer risks.
Bio Diesel can be used alone or mixed in any ratio with mineral oil diesel fuel. The preferred ratio if mixture ranges between 5 and 20% (B5 - B20)
Bio Diesel extends the live of diesel engines
Bio Diesel is cheaper then mineral oil diesel
Bio Diesel is conserving natural resources
The Process

The process of converting vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel is called Transesterification and is luckily less complex then it sounds.

Chemically, Transesterification means taking a triglyceride molecule, or a complex fatty acid, neutralizing the free fatty acids, removing the glycerin, and creating an alcohol ester. This is accomplished by mixing methanol with sodium hydroxide to make sodium methoxide. This liquid is then mixed into the vegetable oil. After the mixture has settled, Glycerin is left on the bottom and methyl esters, or biodiesel is left on top and is washed and filtered.

The final product Bio Diesel fuel, when used directly in a Diesel Engine will burn up to 75% cleaner then mineral oil Diesel fuel.

The Technology

Presently, the indigenously designed bio-fuel plant for 250 lt./day is in operation. We have to design and develop bio-fuel plants of 3 to 10 tones per day capacity for installation in different parts of the country. Effective marketing chain needs to be planned for enabling farmers to reap the benefits directly. Bio-fuel mission will provide technological and employment generation focuses for the rural sector. Use of eleven million hectares of wasteland for Jetropha cultivation can lead to generation of minimum twelve million jobs

The Cost

The cost of Bio Diesel is largely dependent on the choice of feedstock and the size of the production facility.

If Jatropha feedstock is used, the fuel will cost depending on the country approximately US $ 0,40 per liter plus tax when applicable.

International Laws and regulation

Several countries have active Biodiesel programmes. Such countries also have given legislative support and have drawn up national polices on biodiesel development. Wide variety of motives for action taken can observe like

Increase of energy supply security
Reduction of dependence on fossil energy forms
Reduction of harmful locally acting emissions.
Protection of soil by biodegradable products
Reduction of health hazard by using non-toxic products.
Biodiesel Scenario In India

As India is deficient in edible oils, non-edible oil is the main choice for producing biodiesel. According to Indian government policy and Indian technology effects. Some development works have been carried out with regards to the production of transesterfied non edible oil and its use in biodiesel by units such as Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Tamilnadu Agriculture University Coimbatore and Kumaraguru College of Technology in association with Pan horti consultants. Coimbatore. Generally a Blend of 5% to 20% is used in India (B5 to B20). Indian Oil Corporation has taken up Research and development work to establish the parameters of the production of tranesterified Jatropha Vegetable oil and use of bio diesel in its R&D center at Faridabad. Research is carried out in Kumaraguru College of Technology for marginally altering the engine parameters to suit the Indian Jatropha seeds and to minimize the cost of transesterification.

Bio Diesel Experiments

Initially 5% of the bio diesel was blended with High-speed diesel and later increased to 20%. The railway and Indian oil corporation has successfully used 10% blended biodiesel fuel in train running between Amritsar and New Delhi in the month of Feb 2003. At Kumaraguru College of Technology an auto rickshaw was run on pure biodiesel (B100) prepared from Jatropha oil.

Conclusion

As a substitute for fast depleting fossil fuel. Bio diesel had come to stay. In future, it should also serve to reduce and maintain the price of automobile fuel. The under exploited and un exploited vegetable oils are good sources of biofuel. Our country is endowed with many such plants. Research is being carried out now to convert vegetable oils into biodiesel through biotechnological processes using biodiesel. With a concentrated and coordinated effort. Wide use of bio diesel in our country is going to be a reality in the days to come.

A national mission on Bio-Diesel has already been proposed by the committee comprising six micro missions covering all aspects of plantation, procurement of seed, extraction of oil, trans-esterification, blending & trade, and research and development. Diesel forms nearly 40% of the energy consumed in the form of hydrocarbon fuels, and its demand is estimated at 40 million tons.

Therefore blending becomes the important National Issue which apart from giving the dividends , it saves the country's exchequer. India has vast stretches of degraded land, mostly in areas with adverse agro- climatic conditions, where species of Jatropha , Mahua etc can be grown easily.

Even 30 million hectares planted for bio- diesel can completely replace the current use of biofuels. The production of Bio fuels will also boost the rural economy which will bring more enthusiasm in more than one billion lives in the area

THE PLANT- PROFILE

1.INTRODUCTION

Jatropha curcus is a drought-resistant perennial, growing well in marginal/poor soil. It is easy to establish, grows relatively quickly and lives, producing seeds for 50 years.

Jatropha the wonder plant produces seeds with an oil content of 37%. The oil can be combusted as fuel without being refined. It burns with clear smoke-free flame, tested successfully as fuel for simple diesel engine. The by-products are press cake a good organic fertilizer, oil contains also insecticide.

It is found to be growing in many parts of the country, rugged in nature and can survive with minimum inputs and easy to propagate.

Medically it is used for diseases like cancer, piles, snakebite, paralysis, dropsy etc.

Jatropha grows wild in many areas of India and even thrives on infertile soil. A good crop can be obtained with little effort. Depending on soil quality and rainfall, oil can be extracted from the jatropha nuts after two to five years. The annual nut yield ranges from 0.5 to 12 tons. The kernels consist of oil to about 60 percent; this can be transformed into biodiesel fuel through esterification.

Family: Euphorbiaceae Synonyms: Curcas purgans Medic. Vernacular/common names: English- physic nut, purging nut; Hindi - Ratanjyot Jangli erandi; Malayalam - Katamanak; Tamil - Kattamanakku; Telugu - Pepalam; Kannada - Kadaharalu; Gujarathi - Jepal; Sanskrit - Kanana randa.

Distribution and habitat

It is still uncertain where the centre of origin is, but it is believed to be Mexico and Central America. It has been introduced to Africa and Asia and is now culti-vated world-wide. This highly drought-resistant spe-cies is adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions. The current distribution shows that introduction has been most successful in the drier regions of the tropics with annual rainfall of 300-1000 mm. It occurs mainly at lower altitudes (0-500 m) in areas with average an-nual temperatures well above 20°C but can grow at higher altitudes and tolerates slight frost. It grows on well-drained soils with good aeration and is well adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content.

Botanical Features

It is a small tree or shrub with smooth gray bark, which exudes a whitish colored, watery, latex when cut. Normally, it grows between three and five meters in height, but can attain a height of up to eight or ten meters under favourable conditions.

Leaves

It has large green to pale-green leaves, alternate to sub-opposite, three-to five-lobed with a spiral phyllotaxis.

Flowers

The petiole length ranges between 6-23 mm. The inflorescence is formed in the leaf axil. Flowers are formed terminally, individually, with female flowers usually slightly larger and occurs in the hot seasons. In conditions where continuous growth occurs, an unbalance of pistillate or staminate flower production results in a higher number of female flowers.

Fruits

Fruits are produced in winter when the shrub is leafless, or it may produce several crops during the year if soil moisture is good and temperatures are sufficiently high. Each inflorescence yields a bunch of approximately 10 or more ovoid fruits. A three, bi-valved cocci is formed after the seeds mature and the fleshy exocarp dries.

Seeds

The seeds become mature when the capsule changes from green to yellow, after two to four months

Flowering and fruiting habit

The trees are deciduous, shedding the leaves in the dry season. Flowering occurs during the wet season and two flowering peaks are often seen. In permanently hu-mid regions, flowering occurs throughout the year. The seeds mature about three months after flowering. Early growth is fast and with good rainfall conditions nursery plants may bear fruits after the first rainy season, direct sown plants after the second rainy season. The flowers are pollinated by insects especially honey bees.

Ecological Requirements

Jatropha curcas grows almost anywhere , even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils. It can thrive on the poorest stony soil. It can grow even in the crevices of rocks. The leaves shed during the winter months form mulch around the base of the plant. The organic matter from shed leaves enhance earth-worm activity in the soil around the root-zone of the plants, which improves the fertility of the soil.

Regarding climate, Jatropha curcas is found in the tropics and subtropics and likes heat, although it does well even in lower temperatures and can withstand a light frost. Its water requirement is extremely low and it can stand long periods of drought by shedding most of its leaves to reduce transpiration loss. Jatropha is also suitable for preventing soil erosion and shifting of sand dunes.

Biophysical limits

Altitude: 0-500 m, Mean annual temperature: 20-28 deg. C, Mean annual rainfall: 300-1000 mm or more.

Soil type: Grows on well-drained soils with good aeration and is well adapted to marginal soils with low nutrient content. On heavy soils, root formation is reduced. Jatropha is a highly adaptable species, but its strength as a crop comes from its ability to grow on very poor and dry sites.


BIODIESEL - World Wide Activities

In these years Biodiesel has steadily emerged from a trial production in back-yard type pilot plants to full industrial type production and marketing with wide and increasing acceptance by the Diesel vehicle industry, the fuel trade, and the end-user in a wide variety of market segments. In 21 out of the researched 28 countries Biodiesel was produced and testedwithin the period of the last 6 years.Those activities have led or most probably will lead to commercial projects in countries with different structure e.g. Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy,Malaysia, Nicaragua, Sweden, USA and the INDIA.

Motivational Factors:

The strongest motivation in the past was the concern about the vulnerable sup-ply security of liquid fuels for the transport sector, as experienced world-wide by the oil supply shocks of the 70s and the Gulf war.As this coincided with an expensive agricultural overproduction in Europe, Bio-diesel became the flagship of all non-food projects utilising set-aside land for energy production, which is today the second strongest reason; similarly the surplus in soybeanoil is the driving force in the US. Today however, environmental concerns about global and local pollution have taken the lead as a motivational factor. But with the burden of high unemployment levels, the creation of additional jobs through local production of energy as liquid fuel has gained in weight signifi-cantly.

Raw Materials :

o

Oil from rapeseed; sunfloweroil soy -beanoil,
o

palmoil, linseedoil,JATROPHA and karang

Capacity And Production :

In total, 85 Biodiesel production plants were identified, of which there were re-corded a number of pilot plants, over 40 small capacity (mostly farmers? co-operative)plants in the range of 500 - 3.000 tons, and big scale industrial plants in the capacity range of approx. 5.000 - 120.000 tons.

Production capacity rose from 75.000 tons in 1991 to 1,286.OOO tons in 1996,while actual production developed from 10.000 tons to 591.000 tons in the same period.

Quality Management :

The assurance for high quality was a key issue for developing customer confi-dence.

Austria developed the first standard ON C 1190 for Biodiesel, followed by others in Czechia, France, Italy, leading into the German DIN E 51606 as the probably most elaborate standard for Fatty-acid-methyl-ester (FAME) to-day.

Marketing Strategy :

Local levels of taxation and national tax exemptions led to different marketing decisions e.g., use as heating oil in Italy, a 5 %-blend to fossil Diesel in France,a 20 %-blend and 100 % neat in the USA and the 100 % use in Austria and Germany targeting the environmentally sensitive areas such as water protection areas or smog-risk cities.

Barriers And Measures For Improvement :

High cost of raw materials is today the strongest barrier and sufficient detaxa-tion of well-founded internalisation of all the external cost (environment, supply security, renewable energy, new jobs, etc.) is seen as an effective tool.

Global Development And Trends :

October 2004 saw the record of US55 for a barrel of oil broken. Of major concern is that this is not just Another 1970s/80s oil crisis, and that the world has moved to a point where oil discoveries are smaller and Failing to match both traditional demand and the energy demands large growing economies such as China and India.

For many governments around the world this has been a clear signal to accelerate the development of Alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, LPG, and CNG that will be needed to bridge the transition to new future fuel technologies over the next 30 years.

Furthermore, there are many other factors, which are driving greater interest in renewable fuel sources.These include future energy security, reductions in vehicle exhaust emissions that create air pollution and pose a direct threat to human health, significant greenhouse benefits compared to petroleum fuels and new economic and jobs growth in regional and rural communities

Motivational factors :

1. Renewable energy :

It appears that the strongest motive for most of the Biodiesel producers is that it is as a renewable form of energy, especially when it has become obvious that fossil resources are finite and supply security of mineral oils is an increasing risk

2. Environmental benefits :

Obviously all the environmental benefits (less greenhouse effect, less local air pollution, less contamination for water and soil, less health risks) are seen as convincing motivational factors with some variation by country.

3. Utilisation of agricultural surpluses :

Increased production of agricultural crops for non-food purposes has offered the opportunity to utilise land, which otherwise would be set-aside as an unex-ploited resource. It is no surprise that this argument it seen as a strong motive in favour of Biodiesel.

4. Creation of a pioneer image:

Developing a new challenging idea and the related positive image can be a strong driving force

5. Scientific interest

For this new research & development field in renewable energy

6. Political reasons

7. State incentives

8.Creating additional employment

9.Reduced import dependency.

Following is a summary of steps being taken by a growing number of governments to promote the development of sustainable renewable fuels worldwide.

United States

*

Hawaii has mandated that at least 85% of petrol sold in the state must contain 10% ethanol from April 2006.

*

Currently the US has 81 operating ethanol plants, with 11 new plants currently under construction.
*

The rapid industry growth is being driven by major oil company demand for ethanol as a replacement for methyl ether (MTBE) as an oxygenate in reformulated fuel in states such as California, which alone has over 25 million cars and light vehicles.

*

Both President Bush, and his Democrat opponent, Sen. John Kerry, announced strong support for renewable fuels industry growth in America in their 2004 Presidential election campaigns. The President stated during his election campaign, "I believe in ethanol and I believe in biodiesel." Sen. Kerry planned to create a government/agriculture/industry ‘Clean Fuels Partnership' to meet 20% of U. motor fuel demand from domestically produced renewable transport fuels by 2020.

Brazil

*

The success of the government/industry Brazilian Roadshow delegation visit to Queensland has opened up valuable information channels with the ethanol industry in Brazil. This has led to the announcement of a technical feasibility study between a cane growing group QLD and the major Brazilian equipment company, Dedini, on introducing the Brazilian ethanol model into the QLD sugar industry.

*

Record high oil prices and Asian demand (China, Japan, and India) for renewable fuels have witnessed record demand for Brazilian ethanol exports. With Brazil producing ethanol at US$ to US$30 per barrel the demand for ethanol as a replacement for oil can only grow.

*

In October 2004 the Brazilian parliament mandated a 2% biodiesel blend with diesel fuel, with plans to raise the biodiesel content to 5% in years .

Canada

*

The Canadian biofuels industry is poised for significant growth as Ontario moves to join Saskatchewan and Manitoba in implementing a 10% renewable fuels mandate. Other provinces such as British Columbia are supporting ethanol and biodiesel by making them exempt from fuel excise taxes.

*

Canada aims to have a 10% ethanol blend in 35% of all petrol sold by 2010.

*

The worlds first commercially produced ultra low carbon ethanol fuel from wheat straw, is being used in a 10,000-km coast-to-coast clean vehicle promotional tour supported by GM Canada and Chevrolet. The tour will end in October.

Japan

*

The current oil price crisis has intensified Japanese interest in introducing fuel ethanol into their transport fleet. The tempo of negotiations with Brazil has increased, with a visit by Japan's Prime Minister to a major ethanol plant in Brazil.

*

Initial reluctance by oil companies in Japan to take up ethanol was reflected in a Nippon Oil statement announcing that six refineries were expected to commence blending, storage, distribution and sales trials of ethanol this year. A prolonged international oil price crisis is expected to bring this timetable forward.

European Union

The EU has approved a Directive that stipulates that the energy-based share of biofuels should be 2% by the end of 2005, increasing 0.75% per year until it reaches 5.75% by the end of 2010. Biodiesel production is experiencing higher growth in Europe than ethanol.

*

The EU Commission is introducing UK Treasury measure to reduce or exempt rates of fuel excise on ethanol and biodiesel used for road transport between 2005 and 2010.

*

Germany has commenced construction of a 260 million-litre ethanol plant that is due to come on line later this year.

*

Spain, Germany and Sweden offer generous incentives to promote biofuels use, and Germany alone will produce 1 billion litres of biodiesel in 2004.

*

Sweden has mandated a 5% renewable fuels target.

China

*

In early 2003 China eclipsed Japan as the largest user of oil in Asia, relegating Japan to the position of fourth largest user of oil after the United States, Europe and China. The International Energy Agency anticipates that the surge in Chinese demand for oil will continue into the future.

*

Although China is the third largest ethanol producer in the world (over 3 BL per year), it is considered inevitable that Chinese demand for fuel ethanol for transport use will also drive higher import levels in the future, along with higher investment in energy agriculture capacity in producer countries.

*

The Chinese Government is supporting the use of ethanol in the transport sector in 8 provinces in the north of China.

Thailand

*

The Thai Government recently approved the construction of 8 ethanol plants and is currently considering the approval of a further 12 plants using sugarcane and cassava.

*

In Thailand two national oil companies and Royal Dutch Shell are expected to commence sales of E10 at service stations in the near future.

*

The Petroleum Authority of Thailand has announced that it will follow the lead of the U.S. in phasing out MTBE in petrol during 2004-2006.

South Korea

*

As a major producer of MTBE fuel in Asia, South Korea is reluctant to ban MTBE, and is continuing scientific research to assist it in determining the future of MTBE production in Korea.

Columbia

*

Columbia has announced investment of US$200 million to build eight ethanol plants in the country as part of a national program to introduce a 10% ethanol blend in motor fuels.

Mexico

*

Mexico has initiated negotiations with Brazil on the introduction of ethanol to deal with the severe air pollution problems in its major cities.

Czech Republic

*

The Czech Republic has announced reductions in fuel excise levied on biodiesel blend fuel to promote the use of environmentally friendly renewable fuels.

United Kingdom

*

Scotland's first biodiesel plant (50 million litres per year) is expected to commence commercial production at Newarthill in early 2005.

South Africa

*

The Treasury in South Africa has proposed tax incentives for biofuels production to attract investment, and expand the renewable energy/fuels sector.

Australia

*

The Federal Election campaign saw the Labor Party move back to a bipartisan policy on ethanol andbiodiesel, with the claim that their policy was identical to that of the Government.

*

Against the background of the current oil crisis the industry will be seeking to encourage the Government to extend the biofuels production target beyond the modest 350 million litres originally set under the $50 million grants scheme promised in 2001.

*

No ethanol or biodiesel project in Round One was successful in securing oil company off-take agreements. Current indications are that none of the projects under Round Two have secured contracts. The challenge for the Government is whether the major oil companies will again be permitted exercise a de facto veto over projects in Round Two. If this is the case it will be further evidence that Australian oil company policy towards renewable fuels remains completely at odds with that of their parent companies in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere.

World Bank

The Chief Scientist of the World Bank has stated the global challenge is to produce energy from fossil fuels more efficiently, without emitting CO2 in the air, and also produce energy from renewable fuel technologies.

Bawang

Bawang or Garlic with scientific name Allium sativum, is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimeters high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers. This herb is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the Philippines and can also be found commonly in the kitchen of Filipino households as it is used to spice up food preparations. The Philippine bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especially proven during World War II when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers. Garlic’s antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds.

Bawang, sometimes spelled as bauang or in English, garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses thus, prevent viral, yeast, and infections. The preliminary test conducted on this medicinal herb showed some positive results in the treatment of AIDS. Several clinical tests that followed and published studies have shown the efficacy of garlic in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the circulatory system of the body. Today, as more research is done on garlic, more medicinal and therapeutic properties become more evident. As of the present time, lowering of the blood pressure, reduction of platelet aggregation, and the boosting of fibrinolytic activities are among the list of herbal functions of garlic, which is supported by medical findings. Although more clinical studies are needed to support the contention stronger, marked improvements in benign breast diseases have been traced to make progress because of the regular intake of supplements, of which the primary ingredient is garlic.

Although controlled trials in terms of anti-cancer activities of garlic have been performed in medical research, it has been proven through population-based studies that substances contain in garlic help in reducing the risk of some types of cancer. These would include colorectal malignancies, and gastric cancer. Regular consumption of raw garlic has been proven to aid in many bleeding cases, especially those cases that are associated with procedures in surgeries and dental activities. All these considered, it appears that garlic have no concrete scientific basis to claim a significant effect in the level of glucose in our blood. It is remarkable to note though that the Philippine Department of Health has endorsed garlic as one of the top ten Philippine herbs with therapeutic value and the department recommends its use as an alternative herbal medicine in view of the positive results of thorough research and testing, which had been conducted on this herbal plant. Juice extracted from garlic bulbs can be used as tick and mosquito repellant when applied to skin.

Bad breath, due to the strong odor of garlic, is the most common side effect of taking this herb. Fresh garlic applications to the skin have been reported to cause skin burns and rashes. This goes true both for those who are in the initial stages of their garlic therapies, and those who consume it as an ingredient in food preparations.

Health Benefits of Bawang-Garlic:



• Good for the heart
• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL)
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• Remedy for arteriosclerosis
• May help prevent certain types of cancer
• Boosts immune system to fight infection
• With antioxidant properties
• Cough and cold remedy
• Relives sore throat, toothache
• Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis
• Helps relieve rheumatism pain
• With anticoagulant properties
Preparation of Bawang-Garlic:



• For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic bulb and apply. You may cover the afflicted area with a gauze and bandage.
• For sore throat and toothache, peal the skin and chew. Swallow the juice.
• Cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected areas to reduce the pain caused by arthritis, toothache, headache, and rheumatism.
• Decoction of the bawang bulbs and leaves are used as treatment for fever.
• For nasal congestion, steam and inhale: vinegar, chopped garlic, and water.


Aside from being an alternative herbal medicine for hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other ailments, garlic is also recommended for maintaining good health - eat raw garlic bulbs if you can, and include bawang regularly in the food you eat. Garlic is healthy and taste good on a variety of dishes.

-----------------
originally posted at: http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htm

Neem tree

COMMON NAMES:

Nim, Margosa Tree, Indian Lilac, Bead Tree, Pride of China, Divine Tree, Holy Tree, Persian Lilac, Neem Tree, Nimba.

General info
A tree belonging to the mahogany family known as the "free tree" because of its ability to "free the soil." Popular in the Philippines, more for its insecticidal properties (pang-lamok) than for its medicinal applications. In India, it is considered the most useful traditional medicinal plant, and commericially beneficial as each part of the tree has some medicinal property.

Botany
Medium-sized tree growing to 15 meters high, with wide spreading branches formiing an oval crown. Leaves are nnately compound. The droopingleaflets are 1 cm long, paired, lanceolate, acuminate with serrated margins. The blade is shiny dark green on the upper surface and pale green on the underside. Flowers are numerous, small, white and fragrant.

Distribution
Not widespread in the Philippines. A good shade tree. Propagated by seeds.

Chemical Constituents

From the seed is produced a bitter fixed oil, nimbidin, known as "Oil of Margosa" or neem oil. Neem seeds yield a fix oil of glycerides and bitter compounds including nimbin, nimbinin and nimbidol. Neem bark and leaves contain tannin and oil.
Azadirachtin, the insecticide constitutent of the seeds, is biodegradable, non-mutagenic, and nontoxic to birds, fish, and warm-blooded animals. The EPA has approved a neem formulation Margosan-O) as a pesticide for limited use on nonfood crops.

Properties and biologic properties
Antiinflammatory (nimbidin, sodium nimbidate, gallic acid, catechin, polysachharides).
Antiarthritic, hypoglycemic, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, diuretic, anti-gastric ulcer (nimbidin)
Antifungal (nimbidin, gedunin, cyclic trisulfide) Antibacterial (nimbidin, nimbolide, ahmoodin, marrgolone,margolonone, isomargolonone) Spermicidal (nimbin, nimbidin)Antimalarial nimbolidfe, gedunin, azadirachtin) Antitumor (polysaccharides) Immunomodulatory (NB-II peptoglycan, gallic acid, epicatechin, catechin) Hepatoprotective (aequeous extract of neem leaf) Antioxidant (neem seed extract)

Parts used and preparation
Whole plant..

Uses:

Folkloric
Poultice of leaves for swollen glands, brusies and sprains.
Fresh leaf-tea used for malaria.
Tree and root barks have been used for malaria, jaundice, and for intestinal parasitism.
Edible pulp of the fruit used for hemorrhoids.

Ayurvedic medicine
Leaf- leprosy, intestinal parasites, eye problems, skin ulcers
Bark - pain and fever.
Flower - bile suppression, intestinal worms and phlegm.
Fruit - piles, intestinal worms, urinary disorder, nose bleeding , phlegm, eye problem, diabetes, wounds and leprosy.
Twig - cough, asthma, piles, intestinal worms, spermatorrhoea, urinary disorders, diabetes.
Gum - ringworms,scabies, wounds and ulcers.
Seed pulp and oil- leprosy and intestinal worms.

Others
Young tender branches are chewed for toothbrushing use.
Leaf's oil is used as a local antiseptic and insecticide.
Neem oil may be useful for gingivitis.
In the rural areas, burning of leaves and seeds used as mosquito repellant.
Neem oil has been shown to possess some spermicidal and contraceptive properties when used intravaginally.
Use of neem oil in animals showed lowering of glucose

Commercial use
Neem extracts used in the manufacture of toothpaste for its antibacterial properties.
Fresh seed oil has a strong garlic odor and is an ingredient for insect sprays.

Availability
Wildcrafted. Available in cybermarkets as supplements, oil, cakes, extracts, and organic manure.

----------------------------
NEEM Herbal Capsules is available at MAHATA COTTAGE, Quezon Mem. Circle, QC
Look for BAL DOMINGO tel# (02) 4802193

PHILIPPINES: Organic Farming - The Way Forward

PHILIPPINES: Organic Farming - The Way Forward
By Prime Sarmiento
publish at: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=43845

Nueva Ecija --Sustainable agriculture was far from farmer Peter Desisto’s mind when he went to an organic farming seminar organised by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) ten years ago. He and other farmers attended because they heard that PRRM was giving out loans.

Borrowing is a way of life for farmers who need to purchase expensive chemical pesticide and fertiliser before they can even plant rice in their fields. Such borrowings, usually from local money lenders who charge high interest, keep farmers perpetually in debt. The harvest gives them little surplus to avoid fresh loans in the next cropping season.

Desisto came out from the PRRM seminar loaded, not with borrowed money, but with new knowledge and a firm conviction that organic farming was the way forward. He gave up chemical-based inputs and instead bought cheaper chicken manure to fertilise the fields, raised ducks that eat the snails that were ruining his rice stalks, and used indigenous herbs to control pests.

Instead of solely relying on rice, Desisto diversified into hog and poultry raising and planting onions for extra income. "I spent more time applying chicken manure and planting other crops. The extra effort paid off," he said.

Now Desisto is not only free of debt but also able to provide adequately for his family. He is also content that the land he’s renting remains productive, with an annual rice harvest at 90 sacks, which he attributes to the fact that his land is not bombarded with chemicals.

Desisto is one of a growing number of farmers in Nueva Ecija -one of the main rice growing areas in the Philippines - who have abandoned pesticides and synthetic fertilisers in favour of organic farming. "Sustainable agriculture in rice farming addressed the problem of high cost of chemical farming and acted on health, environmental and ecological considerations,’’ the Manila-based Rice Watch and Action Network (R1) noted in its study published last year.

Organic agriculture products trading in the world is increasing by 20-30 percent every year and the Philippines can easily claim a large share of a market that is estimated to be worth 100 billion US dollars. Popular organic products exported from the Philippines include bananas, beef, mangoes, muscovado sugar, papayas, peanuts, poultry, soya milk, vegetables from the uplands, yellow corn and rice.

Introduction of the so-called Green Revolution technology in the 1970s helped increase yields - but at a high cost. The high yielding seeds were also dependent on expensive chemical inputs that poisoned the soil and water sources, hurt land productivity and harmed farmers’ health. This is why NGOs like PRRM have been advocating a return to organic farming, believing that this will not just solve environmental problems but will also ensure food security.

"Organic agriculture is the answer. It won’t only retain soil productivity but it can make farming viable. If farmers will have additional income from their land they will continue to plant rice,'' R1 lead convenor Jessica Reyes-Cantos said.

Cantos believes that the government should channel more funds to develop organic agriculture and ensure self sufficiency instead of spending money on stop gap measures like rice imports or giving out subsidised seeds.

Cantos urges the Philippine department of agriculture to implement the following measures: support farmers to improve their own seed varieties; promote credit support for organic farmers; provide more post harvest facilities and create a marketing fund to protect the farmers of organically- grown products from unscrupulous traders.

Philippine agriculture officials are now seeing the benefits of organic farming. At a press briefing last month, agriculture secretary Arthur Yap said the department will set aside P800 million (16 million dollars) to encourage rice farmers to engage in organic farming for the September-October planting season.

Yap said he is hoping that this will at least help farmers cut overheads as costs of synthetic fertiliser rise along with global petroleum prices.

PANSIT-PANSITAN: rarely acknowledged weed but an effective medicinal plant!

Scientific Name:
Piper pellucida Linn., Micropiper pellucidum Miq., Peperomia hymenophylla Miq.

Common name:
Ulasiman bato, Ulasimang bato, Ikmo-ikmohan, Sida-sida, Tagulinaw, Tangon-tangon, Shiny bush (Engl.)


Botany
An annual herb, shallow rooted, may reach 40 cm high, with succulent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers scattered along solitary and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; maturing gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown when ripe. Propagation by seeds. Numerous tiny seeds drop off when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas.

Distribution
An annual herb, favoring shady, damp and loose soil.
Often grows in groups in nooks in the garden and yard.
Conspicious in rocky parts of canals.

Parts utilized
Leaves and stems.

Constituents and properties
• Considered anti-inflammatory, refrigerant, analgesic, antifungal, anticancer.
• Study yielded 5 new bioactive compounds: two secolignans, two tetrahydrofuran lignans, and one highly methoxylated dihydronaphthalenone. source

Uses
Nutritional
Leaves and stems may be eaten as vegetable.
In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery.

Folkloric
Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis.
Externally, as a facial rinse for complexion problems.

Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.
In Bolivia, decoction of roots used for fever; aerial parts for wounds.
Used for headaches, rhumatic pains, impotence.

In Brazil, used to lower cholesterol; for treatment of abscesses, furuncles and conjunctivitis

New uses
Belongs to the "preferred list" of Philippine medicinal plants, being studied for its use in the treatment of arthritis and gout.

For arthritis: Leaves and stems of the fresh plant may be eaten as salad. Or, as an infusion, put a 20-cm plant in 2 glasses of boiling water; and 1/2 cup of this infusion is taken morning and evening.

Studies
• Analgesic / Antiinflammatory: Extract study of aerial parts of PP tested in rats and mice exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The antiinflammatory activity was attributed to interference with prostaglandin synthesis. Results also showed low toxicity.

• CNS Depressant Activity: Study of peperomia leaf extract showed dose-dependent depressant effects probably due to psychoactive substances that are CNS depressant.

• Antipyretic: Study of PP leaf extract on rabbits showed antipyretic effects comparable to a standard aspirin.

• Antibacterial: Study of methanolic extract of PP exhibited a very good level of broad spectrum antibacterial activity.

• Phenological Antiedematogenic: P pellucida has a phenological cycle of about 100 days. The aqueous extract is used as antiedematogenic during pheophases 1 and 2 of winter and spring.

Availability
Wild-crafted.

reference:
http://www.stuartxchange.com/Pansit.html

MALUNGGAY by Dr. Kumar Pati

MALUNGGAY

Called “Malunggay” in the Philippines, “Sajina” in the Indian Subcontinent, and “Moringa” in English, it is a popular tree. Many Asians use the leaves of Malunggay (Sajina) like spinach and also the fruit it produces as a vegetable, like asparagus. Both the leaves and the fruits are very nutritious, which contain many vitamins like Vitamin C and other minerals. For centuries, people in India, Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand have been eating these leaves as a part of their food.

Moringa is the English name. It is called Malunggay in Philippines and Sajina in Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia. It grows very wildly in hot tropical climate.

Moringa is a wonderful herb known all over the world-- but only recently in the U.S. It may provide the boost in energy, nutrition and health youíve been seeking. This book reveals Moringaís nutritional content, medicinal properties, where to get it, the best results.

Moringa is a remarkable discovery, which can make a tremendous difference in your health and quality of life. Mounting scientific evidence shows what has been known for thousands of years by people in the tropical parts of the world: Moringa is natureís medicine cabinet.

It is best known as an excellent source of nutrition and a natural energy booster. Loaded with nutrients, vitamins and amino acids, it replenishes your body and provides what you need to get through a hectic weekday or active weekend.

As the candles multiply on top of your birthday cake, you may find yourself slowing down and saying, ìI just donít feel eighteen any more.î Moringa gives back some of the energy you thought was lost.

Yet this is not a sugar-based energy. Itís not something, which makes you hyper for some period of intense activity then leaves you drained. In fact, Moringa is also relaxing...it helps to reduce blood pressure and assure a good nightís sleep. How does it contribute more energy and greater relaxation at the same time?

The answer seems to be Moringaís well-documented detoxifying effect. University laboratories around the world have studied Moringaís ability to purify water...attaching itself to harmful material and bacteria, and allowing them to be expelled as waste. The evidence points to this same process going on inside your body.

It produces long-lasting energy without hyperactivity... a nerve system at rest... a blood system not under pressure...a gland and hormone system in balance.

Other health benefits identified by people who use Moringa continue this same pattern: immune system strengthened, skin condition restored, blood pressure controlled, headaches and migraines handled, diabetes sugar level managed, inflammations and arthritis pains reduced, tumors restricted and ulcers healed.

A body thatís not fighting damaging internal elements is better able to use the nutrients, which come into it to build healthy skin, bone and muscles, as well as the all-important hormones, which keep your body in balance.

And Moringa is loaded with nutrients. Each ounce of Moringa contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk and three times the potassium of bananas.

One of the best attributes of Moringa is that it is also quite tasty and a welcome addition to your kitchen. The leaves, pods and flowers of this versatile tree are all edible, each with its own flavor. They can be served fresh with meals, or be reduced to powder and used as a food supplement.

Therapeutics of Malunggay/Moringa

Sometimes, people think that solutions to their problems are expensive and hard to find. But more often than not, real solutions to basic problems are abundant, cheap and even free. Health problems are especially solvable with natural inexpensive gifts from nature.

Moringa, for example, is a wonderful blessing for us all. Locally, it is called malunggay and is easily available everywhere. Unfortunately, it is little appreciated by many Filipinos. Today, I would like to share with the good news about Moringa, as written by Mark Fritz of the Los Angeles Times.

"Scientifically speaking, Moringa sounds like magic. It can rebuild weak bones, enrich anemic blood and enable a malnourished mother to nurse her starving baby. Ounce for ounce, it has the calcium of four glasses of milk, the vitamin C of seven oranges and the potassium of three bananas.

"A dash of Moringa can make dirty water drinkable. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India. Not only can it staunch a skin infection, but Moringa also makes an excellent fuel and fertilizer.

"Memo to Popeye: Moringa has triple the iron of spinach and more impressive attributes than olive oil. Both Moringa and the common carrot are diamonds in the roughage department, but Moringa has quadruple the beta carotene, which is good for the eyes and effective against cancer."

Fritz also reports on the positive results of using Moringa as a substitute for expensive whole milk powder in nutrition projects.

Moringa dried leaf powder contains the following per 100 grams of edible portion

Protein (g) 27.1
Carbohydrate (g) 38.2
Fiber (g) 19.2 Fat (g) 2.3
Ca (mg) 2,003 MG (mg) 368
P (mg) 204 K (mg) 1,324
Cu (mg) 0.57 Fe (mg) 28.2
S (mg) 870
Vitamin A-B Carotene (mg) 16.3
Arginine (g/16gN) 1.33%
Vitamin B1 - Thiamin (mg)2.64
Histidine (g/16gN) 0.61%
Vitamin B2 - Riboflavin(mg) 20.5
Lysine (g/16gN) 1.32%
Vitamin B3 – Nicotinic acid(mg) 8.2
Tryptophan (g/16gN) 0.43%
Vitamin C 0
Ascorbic acid (mg) 17.3
Phenylanaline (g/16gN) 1.39%
Vitamin E Tocopherol acetate mg) 113
Methionine (g/16gN) 0.35%
Threonine (g/16gN) 1.19%
Leucine (g/16gN) 1.95%
Isoleucine (g/16gN) 0.83%
Valine (g/16gN) 1.06%
Calories 205
Moisture % 7.5
Oxalic acid (mg) 1.6%

Complete Amino Acids:

Here's a list of the complete range of naturally occurring amino acids found in Moringa and a brief explanation of why our bodies require them:

ISOLEUCINE builds proteins and enzymes and it provides ingredients used to create other essential biochemical components in your body, some of which promote energy and stimulate the brain to keep you alert.

LEUCINE works with isoleucine to build proteins and enzymes which enhance your body's energy and alertness.

LYSINE insures your body absorbs the right amount of calcium. It also helps form collagen used in your bone cartilage and connective tissues. And lysine aids in the production of antibodies, hormones, and enzymes. Recent studies have shown lysine improves the balance of nutrients that reduce viral growth.

METHIONINE primarily supplies sulfur to your body. It is known to prevent hair, skin, and nail problems while lowering cholesterol levels as it increases your liver's production of lecithin. Methionine reduces liver fat and protects the kidneys, which reduces bladder irritation.

PHENYLALAINE produces the chemical needed to transmit signals between your nerve cells and your brain. It can help keep you alert, reduce your hunger pains, plus improve your memory and your mood.

THREONINE is an important part of collagen, elastin,and enamel proteins. Not only does it assist metabolism, threonine helps prevent fat build-up in the liver while boosting your body's digestive and intestinal tracts.

TRYPTOHYAN supports your immune system, alleviates insomnia, reduces anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of migraine headaches. It also is beneficial in decreasing the risk of artery and heart spasms as it works with lysine to reduce cholesterol levels.

VALINE is important in promoting a sharp mind, coordinated muscles, and a calm mood. These non-essential amino acids, which can be manufactured by your body with the help of proper nutrition, are also found abundantly in Moringa:

ALANINE is important when it comes to building energy in your muscle tissue, brain, and central nervous system. It strengthens your immune system by producing antibodies. Alanine also helps in the healthy metabolism of sugars and organic acids in your body.

ARGININE has been shown in studies to cause the release of the growth hormones considered crucial for optimal muscle growth and tissue repair. It also improves immune responses to bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells while promoting the healing of your body's wounds.

ASPARTIC ACID helps rid your body of ammonia created by cellular waste. When the ammonia enters your circulatory system it can act as a highly toxic substance which can damage your central nervous system. Recent studies have also shown that aspartic acid may decrease fatigue and increase endurance.

CYSTINE functions as an antioxidant and is a powerful aid to the body in protecting against radiation and pollution. It can help slow the aging process, deactivate free radicals, and neutralize toxins. It also aids in protein synthesis and presents cellular change. It is necessary for the formation of new skin cells, which aids in the recovery from burns and surgical operations.

GLUTAMIC ACID is food for the brain. It improves mental capacities, helps speed the healing of ulcers, reduces fatigue, and curbs your sugar cravings.

GLYCINE promotes the release of oxygen required in the cell-making process. It is also important in the manufacturing of hormones responsible for a strong immune system.

HISTIDINE is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers, and anemia. A lack of histidine may leadto poor hearing.

SERINE is important in storing glucose in the liver and muscles. Its antibodies help strengthen your body's immune system. Plus, it synthesizes fatty acid sheaths around nerve fibers.

PROLINE is extremely important for the proper function of your joints and tendons.

It also helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles.

TRYROSINE transmits nerve impulses to your brain. It helps overcome depression; improves memory; increases mental alertness; plus promotes the healthy functioning of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands.

"One of the things that impresses me most about Moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that humans beings need-there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to get them from our food." -- Ann Hirsch, PhD, Professor of Botany at University of California Los Angeles The Moringa packed with amino acids which are highly absorbable and absolutely crucial to good health. The human body is capable of manufacturing only 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build proteins used to grow, repair,
and maintain cells. The other eight essential amino acids must come from a person's diet.

Experts agree that the long-term solution to malnutrition is the use of foods rich in the essential nutrients often lacking in people's diets. Modern scientific research is proving that Moringa leaves are one of the richest sources of such nutrients. Even small amounts of the leaves could protect thousands of people from suffering and death.

for more info kindly follow this link:

http://www.malunggay.com/index.htm

http://www.malunggay.com/newsreport.htm

What is MAHATA?

MAHATA - Stands for “Mamamayan”, “Hayupan” and “Taniman”. It calls for men to self develop and address the moral, social, cultural and economic problems of his immediate community and eventually lead to addressing the same problem on a national scale.

MAHATA understands the inter-relationship and the life cycle of man, animals and plants. That through a “bayanihan” approach involving the rich, technical people and farmers it will become a combined resources in generating a powerful working group in addressing issues not only to live in abundance but most importantly to maintain a better natural, peaceful and orderly environment to live as a whole.

MAHATA members are not only simple shareholders who believe in our objectives and visions but volunteers who pledge to themselves to contribute their time, talent and sometimes their resources not only for its attainment but also in making the difference in bringing to MAHATA their individual perspective and expertise but to contribute their resources in mutual sharing process all for their love of God’s creations as gift to man.

MAHATA tribes in the proven willingness and ability of each member in setting aside their religious, social, political, economic status and identities in working for a common cause that is envisioned as its strong and enduring foundation.