Chapter 2

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter discusses the methods that were used during the
research process. The succeeding paragraphs contain the research
design, sample specimen, materials, procedures, statistical treatment
used to facilitate the collection and analysis of data.
Research Design
The experimental study method was employed in this study.
Experimental research is a situation in which a researcher attempts to
objectively observed phenomena which are made to occur in a strictly
controlled situation where one or more variables are varied and the
others are held constant. Experimental researches are typically
structured in terms of independent, organism, and dependent variables.
An experiment is an orderly procedure carried out with the goal of
verifying, refuting, or establishing the validity of a hypothesis. It provides
insight into cause-and-efect by demonstrating what outcome occurs
when a particular factor is manipulated. It varies greatly in their goal
and scale, but always relies on repeatable procedure and logical analysis
of the results.
It is conducted mostly in laboratories in the context of basic
research. The investigator manipulates conditions for the purpose of
determining their efect on behavior.
The goal of experimental research is to know the various sorts of
error that can come up in an experiment and how to deal with them,
understand the importance of control groups, recognize the diference
between manipulated (true experiment) and subject (quasi-experiment)
variables and to understand the various threats to an experiments
validity and how to deal with them.
This method had used to show the antibacterial property of Santan
root decoction in contrast with the commercially prepared antibiotics
tested on Streptococcus pyogenes.
Duration and Locale of the Study
The entire study was conducted on. The procedures of the study
involving from the preparation of root decoction extracts as antibacterial
medicine. Wound healing test were done in at Lorma Colleges Medical
Laboratory Science laboratory (Room LB-101).
Roots of Santan (Ixora coccinea linn) were collected at Barangay
Dangdangla, San Juan, La Union.
Data Gathering Tool
The apparatuses and instruments used in performing in the
procedure were: Santan root, casserole, 500 mL beaker, distilled water,
agar (MHC, MIC), mortar and pestle, stove, serological pipette, 70% ethyl
alcohol.
Data Gathering Procedures
The following procedures were used to obtain accurate data for the
study:
Plant Identifcation and Collection
Santan (Ixora coccinea linn) was correctly identifed and enough
amounts of roots were collected for the assurance of obtaining the right
information for the study.
Preparation of Root Decoction
1.)Break or cut up the herb material into small pieces. Use a mortar
and pestle to crush the herb material. In some cases, hammer may
be used.
2.)Place the Santan root into a casserole and add water.
3.)Let the water boil, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for
around 20 minutes.
4.)Strain the extract and put it in a container using a cloth.
5.)If the decoction needs to be more concentrated, keep the water
simmering on very low heat and allow it to reduce. It takes about 1
hour to reduce 100 mL of water. The less water remaining in the
casserole, the more concentrated the remaining extract will be.
Test Organisms of the Study
The animal in the study was Guinea pig, of 3 months and 2 weeks
old, weighed 250 grams. The study was carried out following the
guidelines and principles of laboratory animal care.
Injuring the Guinea pig
1.)Hold the guinea pig properly and with the gently frm.
2.)Slowly lacerate the thigh part of the guinea pig. Make sure the
laceration is not so deep that would injure the bone of the guinea
pig.
3.)Upon bleeding of the laceration, wash it with running water and
apply the Santan root decoction.
4.)After applying the Santan root decoction extract on the lacerated
part of the guinea pigs thigh, let the guinea pig rest on its cage
and observe for any diferences or result.
5.)Record the results that you obtain upon observation.
Dosage
As a general rule of thumb, the efective dosage of a standard (20
minute simmered) herbal decoction is around 3-6 cups a day depending
on the severity of the ailment being treated .
Statistical Treatment of Data
The researchers recorded the number of days of recovery and the
length of scar formation to determine the efectiveness of Santan (Ixora
coccinea linn) root decoction extracts on wound healing activity by
comparing it to the commercially prepared drugs.