An Investigatory Project of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Gummy Candies as an Alternative Cough Remedy

Vol.3, No.1D

Abstract

Common colds or coughs are one of the viruses or diseases we can have here in the Philippines because of rapid temperature changes, exposure to hot and cold environments, and poor personal hygiene practices. Origanum vulgare, or Oregano here in the Philippines, is a perennial herb whose leaf extract contains ascorbic acid, which we can take to treat the common cold. This spreading plant has fleshy leaves and stems with a strong fragrance quality. Oregano leaves are heart-shaped with serrated edges and may grow up to 9 meters long. Oregano is a well-known herbal remedy in countries like the Philippines. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and antiviral activities because of rosmarinic acid, thymol, and carvacrol. It also contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, vitamin C, and vitamin A. This study aims to make oregano gummy candies as an alternative cough remedy.

The research design used for the study was quantitative-experimental research and purposive sampling techniques. The statistical treatment used for this study was a t-test to determine the difference between the assessments of the two groups of respondents. Using the questionnaire as the research instrument, the researchers surveyed to identify the level of acceptability of the product in terms of ingredients, procedural methodology, effectiveness and presentation. The study's respondents are 5 Pharmaceutical Scientists and 10 STEM Teachers. The following procedures were undertaken in developing the product: preparing the ingredients and materials, making the Oregano Gummy Candies and presenting. The study results regarding Ingredients, Procedural Methodology, Effectiveness, and Presentation are highly acceptable. The acquired overall mean of Pharmaceutical Scientists is four, interpreted as Highly Acceptable, and the STEM Teachers have an overall mean of 3.9, interpreted as Highly Acceptable. The t-computed was 0.61, and the t-critical was 2.160. It indicates no significant difference between the assessments of the two groups of respondents. For further improvement of the project, the study indicates using ingredients that are more suitable for the product to make the project meet its goals, such as effectiveness and quality. Researchers should also be more responsible and wiser with their time. Improving the product and the study's development will be beneficial in the future.