“This research study aims to prevent diseases caused by Escherichia coli,
Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis. The study makes use of kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi) leaves and fruit extract as an antibacterial agent that is more or equally effective than the commercialized one and at the same time, available in our environment. Ten Replicates on ten Petri dishes were prepared for each bacteria. Pure cultures of the three bacteria were spread on the replicates. After extracting the needed substances from the kamias leaves and fruit extract, the researchers were able to begin the experimentation. Six treatments were made in the set-up-Treatment A as 100% water served as the negative control; Treatment B as 100% Kamias leaves extract; Treatment C as
50% Distilled water and 50% Kamias leaves extract; Treatment D as 100% antibiotics was used as the positive control because of its known antibacterial properties.” Study by: Ellaine M. Andales Angelica Mae J. Flores Hannah C. Mendoza
Foreign Study
Kamias (Averhhoa balimbi.Linn) This belongs to the plant family Oxalidacae and grows between 4 to 8 meters in height. It has compound leaves of ll to 35 in number. It bears fruits on its trunks which are reddish when young and light green when mature. Its fruits are juicy but sour when ripe. JC Kurian recommends that fruits be eaten to cure scurvy and to lower body temp; the leaves made into paste is good for itchiness, skin diseases, pimples and rheumatism. The infusion of fresh leaves is used for inflammation of the rectum; the fruit made into syrup is good for fever and for hemorrhage of stomach and bowels.
Local Literature
In the Philippines, the leaves of bilimbi tree are used as a treatment relief for skin itches, swellings of mumps and rheumatism. It can also be a good alternative remedy for insect and animal bites. The leaf of bilimbi can be used for