Geronimo, Chelo jan S.

English A/LRWS

Effectiveness of Madre Cacao in Dogs scabies

Introduction
Kakawati or also known as Madre de cacao (Gliricidia sepium) is a leguminous tree, 3 to 10
meters high. Leaves are 15 to 25 centimeters with 13 leaflets which are opposite, oblong-ovate, 4 to 6
centimeters long, with a pointed tip and rounded base. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, and originated in
Central America. Different parts of the plant like leaves, root, and bark are used by many tropical and
subtropical countries for different purposes. It has been used in the treatment of patients with pathogenic
bacterial infections, skin diseases, nematodes and it has also been reported to possess antioxidants and
insecticidal properties.

It was introduced in the Philippines in the 1600s by the Spaniards. Kakawati trees are naturalized
throughout the Philippines in stable areas at low and medium altitudes. It was planted in the Philippines
as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flower also an an alternative medicine for some illness due to its
tannins, that are considered potentially antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, antimutagenia, antioxidant, bacterial,
hepatoprotective, pesticidal and virucidal. Due to its properties, it was suggested to be anti-scabies.

Scabies or Sarcoptic mange, intensely itchy skin condition in dogs caused by the Sarcoptes
scabiei mite. It is a highly contagious skin parasite that burrows into the skin and causes severe itching
which can result in the formation of scabs and hair loss (alopecia). It is a non-seasonal parasite that can be
found in dogs of all ages and breeds and it is very common worldwide. Scabies is transmitted through
contact with infected dogs, who are considered to be reservoir hosts.

It is caused by an allergic reaction to the scabies mite burrowing into the skin and laying eggs.
The Sarcoptic mange mite has a life cycle that is spent entirely on the dog and lasts no more than 21 days.
Usually, the animal will have an intense itching that attacks on suddenly. The itching is so sensitive that it
caused small, solid bumps. These bumps and the surrounding skin are often damaged, causing thick,
crusted sore. The severe itching often seen on the elbows, hocks, abdomen, ear flaps and chest of infected
dogs.
 Correlational studies have been used in this study in examining the effectiveness of Madre de
cacao as herbal medicine to heal the skin condition of dogs to reduce the occurrences of scabies infection
with the community. These studies have made a crucial contribution to this field and shaped clinical
studies on dogs. However, these correlational studies do not examine causal factors. For this reason, these
researches only provided some of the information required for understanding the effectiveness of
Kakawate leaves as herbal agents to prevent the prevalence of scabies on a certain community especially
the urbanized areas.

This study will be a great opportunity to support infected dogs and also to humans who sincerely
want to help but has no chance because of the unavailability of cheap medicine. All living creatures has
the right to live, there are unlimited diseases that could lead to death and limited ways to cure, that is what
drives the researcher to conduct this research to help the lives of dogs.
 Methodology

This study will be carried out at the Community Dog Pound. This study was done to
provide herbal medicine against the scabies of dogs which is caused by parasitic mites and ticks.
This chapter presents the procedure, experimental design and treatment and the materials used in
conducting this study.

EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
A total of nine abandoned dogs infested with Sarcoptes scabiei ranging more than
nine months and above of either sex were used in the study and weighs more than 4.7 and 11.9
kg. All dogs had short to medium length coats. They were randomly distributed to three
treatments.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
Total of eight (8) abandoned dogs diagnosed with scabies were randomly
distributed into three treatments following the methods and procedures of this study. The The
treatments used in the study are as follows:
T1 – 4 dogs will be using commercially sold madre de cacao soap for four (4) weeks.
T2 – 4 dogs will be using madre de cacao cream made by the researchers that will be
applied on the affected areas of the dog’s skin for four (4) weeks.
Whereas, the

Preparation for scabies treatment

Ingredients:
1. White candlesticks (4)
2. Coconut oil or any cooking oil: 500 cc
3. Kakawati leaves 250 g
Instructions:
1. Clean kakawate (madre de cacao) leaves thoroughly
2. Chop leaves finely
 3. Add 250 g (approximately 1 glass) of finely chopped leaves into 2 glasses of coconut
oil.
4. Mix while boiling.
5. Gather leaves on the surface of the oil, then drain using a strainer.
6. Get 4 white candles ('esperma") and chop finely.
7. Add to the boiled preparation and mix until all chopped candles are melted.
8. Again, using a strainer, drain and transfer mixture into a clean glass container. Let it
cool.

EXPERIMENTAL PARAMETERS
The experimental parameters used were the identification present in the skin
condition of dogs diagnosed with Sarcoptic mange. The following parameters were accessed and
recorded on a standardized form: formation of scabs, hair loss, scaly skin, severe itching or
pruritus, erythema, lesions and crusting (hyperkeratosis).
This study will focus on the effectiveness of Madre de Cacao extract as herbal medicine
against scabies of dogs. A selective selection of dogs will be observed to conduct this study. The
application of the cream solution to the infected dogs is every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
and will be monitored weekly for one month. Only Aspin mongrel dog breed will be used in the
study.
 Review of Related Literature

Based on the information gathered by the researcher from the old folks in remote barangay of
Cantilan, they used Madre de Cacao as feeds to large animals and is also used as medicine to
prevent the spread of scabies.

Studies conducted by Booth and Mcdonald (1982) stated that another active constituent found
in madre de cacao or kakawate leaf is fats. Fats are needed in dermatology as protective
agents to prevent contact with irritating substance and lubricating agents which aid in the
removal of crusts and to prevent excessive dryness and vehicles for the incorporation of drugs
in the treatment of skin diseases.

Musser and O’neil (1969) Kirk (1979) found out that fats make for intimate and
prolonged
contact with skin. Aside from the active chemical content in the kakawate leaves, it is also
reported that its leaves possess a feted smell. When crushed, it is applied externally in order to
get rid of fleas and ticks of cattle. A study done by Alfredo Rabena, a full professor of the
University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City found out that madre de cacao leaves are
good source of coumarins, a toxic substance that can kill almost all types of pests and insects.
He further stated that one kilogram of madre de cacao leaves soaked in water overnight can
produce seven gallon of butane pesticides (botanical pesticides)

Another researcher conducted a study to test the possibility of madre de cacao extract as
cure to skin problems. It aimed to make an alternative medicine out of this herbal plant in a form
of ointment which is economical and effective in the treatment for skin diseases.
Sinta as King Bitter, also called andrographis, is a traditional Chinese herb. In a study of scabies
treatment among selected residents of Titay, Zamboanga, results showed a significant difference
between pre-treatment and post-treatment scores after one week. However, there was a noted
increase of scabies lesions 2 and 4 weeks after.
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