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This is a research proposal in General Zoology on how the musk of a binturong, an animal endemic to the Philippines, could be formulated as an ayurvedic or aromatherapy ingredient.
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Binturong Musk: Its Ayurvedic and Aromatherapy Potential A Final Output for the course General Zoology 2nd Semester 2019- Faith Marie V. Manto Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology
- I. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………… - II. Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………………………... - III. Purpose of the Study………………………………………………………………………….. As similar as they can be, both binturongs and civets have the ability for secretions that possess a rather strong-smelling property to it. Civet musk is a natural ingredient famous in the manufacture of perfumes as it is known to improve its smell, hence popularly used as a stabilizing agent for perfumes. Historically, it has been considered to have medicinal properties such as treatment for a skin condition called scabies, and hyperhidrosis , which is the abnormal sweating of the body. This has also yielded civet oil that is combined with essential oils for ayurvedic purposes. The musk of binturongs, however, have little to no known researches that suggest its medicinal properties, although given the fact that their body parts and scent glands are hunted for either food or traditional medicine in some areas like Laos. (Nairn, 2016). With such implications and close similarities between binturongs and civets ― in particular their secretions ― this research proposal aims to look upon the crucial consideration of binturong’s secretion properties as having the potentiality for ayurvedic therapy or aromatherapy. II. Statement of the Problem As stated from the introductory part, the focus of this proposal shall be entwined on the potential of binturong musk as an ayurvedic therapy. The researcher shall then investigate on the given objective and gather answers for the following questions:
III. Purpose of the Study At a time wherein a pandemic is still potent, a number of ailments and disturbances in emotional and physical attributes is rising along with the disease-infected individuals. Such distresses may include pandemic anxiety, stress, insomnia, and other general mood disturbances, all of which may be relieved through aromatherapy. With the accessibility of the latter health approach, this is an advantageous alternative for individuals having limited resources to medicines that can improve their general well-being. Furthermore, this research will also be beneficial to the industry of aromatherapy and pharmaceuticals in such ways that demand for this approach will increase, and further scientific research studies may be conducted to better support it as a noninvasive alternative medicine method. As the species of binturong is undergoing a vulnerable status, this study will serve a role in preservation of bearcats as acquisition of their musk would not require captivity of the species. IV. Literature review The researcher gathered several literature studies and articles to serve as the backbone for this proposal. These significant reviews will be the basis of a more credible study as well as provide vision for its application as a concrete product. Aromatherapy As derived from a review article from the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2015), aromatherapy is a treatment method through natural means used mostly for alleviating a number of complications and ailments. This remedy approach has been popularized as an alternative
This meta-analysis spearheaded by Lakhan, et. al. (2016) determined that aromatherapy remarkably reduced pain associated with nociceptive and acute pain in contrast with chronic and inflammatory pain. This research infers the potency of aromatherapy in pain management associated with accustomed treatments. (Lakhan, Sheafer, et. al., 2016). These specified cases result in a continuous increase in scientific research of aromatherapy. It is an advantage to the pharmaceutical industry because clinical data will lead to high levels of public confidence towards the holistic approach and moreover, its efficacy may potentially open opportunities for surged accessibility to aromatherapy among individuals in need of palliative care as well as well-being enhancement. (International Federation of Aromatherapists, n.d.) Ayurvedic medicine Ayurvedic treatment is a traditional Indian medical system that makes use of natural techniques and approaches for alternative remedies to physical and mental conditions. Such methods include nutritional and diet changes, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and meditation, among others. Practitioners of this therapy claim that ayurvedic method can treat a number of ailments, including anxiety, arthritis, eczema, and stress, etc. (Better Health Channel, 2012). Ayurveda as a treatment system is also considered as a way of life by individuals whose customs are ingrained to ayurveda and self-healing concept for it involves their physical, psychological, ethical, and spiritual health. (Semwal, Mishra, et al, 2015). In addition, ayurveda includes the idea that the existence of a disease is caused by a dysfunction in an individual’s state of wellness, which is why this treatment requires an internal refining therapy to discover the underlying
cause of the ailment through different strategies appropriate for different persons. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.). Diagnosing in ayurveda requires different examinations. A patient is expected to be observed and examined in three stages: darsanam, the stage in which one’s physical wellness is scrutinized; sparsanam, which involves the “touch methods” of palpation, percussion, and auscultation; prasnam, a stage of interview on the daily symptoms as observed by both the patient and doctor; and the tenfold and eightfold examinations that generally focus on the physiological aspects of the person. Centered in this treatment is the usage of herbal medicine. According to the World Health Organization, there is approximately 70-80 percent of the world population that resort to unconventional treatment methods such as herbal sources alternatives. A number of reasons for this can be due to individual unreliability to synthetic drugs, inaccessibility to proper medical treatment, and emerging diseases, etc. (Humber, 2002). Although ayurveda is accepted as a form of effective medical care, it lacks scientific studies and clinical trials that can suggest its value and safety in the light of health issues. In addition to this, it has been reported that preparations of ayurvedic medicine may include lead, metals, and mercury which makes this potentially detrimental to health, according to a 2015 survey of populations that prepare ayurvedic medicines. (NCCIH, 2019). Aromatherapy is an integral part of ayurvedic treatment. According to the Vedic Holistic Treatment System, inhaling aromas affect the individual’s body and mind, as well as contribute to the equilibrium of the dosha , which is the three energies that circulate the body and govern physiological processes. This implication asserts a safer use of ayurveda in contrast with medicines that are ingested. (Ayurvedabansko, 2018).
medicinal herbs showed significant elimination of “persister” forms of bacteria that causes Lyme disease. These aromatics are not just simply extracted from plant parts but are formulated through different methods such as distillation, expression, and solvent extraction. Cold-pressing is the term that refers to the oldest method of extracting oil from plant materials in which the fruit is simply crushed as the oil is separated from the remains of the materials. In distillation, oil is obtained with the use of water and steam to separate the volatile and soluble parts of the plant. What sets the solvent extraction apart from these processes is it requires chemicals such as butane and methanol to rinse the oil out. Civet musk The strong-smelling civet musk or secretion is a natural ingredient famous in the manufacture of perfumes. It is known to improve the attractive smell of such, hence being used as its stabilizing agent. Historically, it has been considered to have medicinal properties that acquired its popularity in being used as a treatment for colic, hysteria, loss of libido, as well as treatment for a skin condition called scabies, and hyperhidrosis , which is the abnormal sweating of the body. Civet oil is obtained from the secretion of civets produced by their perineal glands near their testicles. Through a solvent extraction method, a process used in essential oil extraction, the strong and somewhat unpleasant odor of civet secretion is eventually eliminated. Its medicinal properties can be supported by a 1998 study on the chemical character and fatty acid compositions of masked civet’s fat and nutria’s oil that claims nutritional value and metabolism enhancement factor from civet oil due to the presence of Eicosatetraenoic acid.
Besides being acknowledged as beneficial for human metabolism, civet oil is also used as an aromatic therapy agent. Its synthesized aroma is found to leave a remarkable impact on the human limbic system with its aphrodisiac, sedative, and stimulating properties. These agents are passed as information in the form of nerve receptors, then stimulating the message throughout the body for relaxation. Civet oil, although possessing the fragrance and power to improve well-being, is not directly used as an essential oil in aromatherapy. It is customarily mixed with natural essential oils such as rosemary and patchouli oil for improvement of cognitive functions, and ylang ylang with lavender to aid in an uninterrupted sleep. Binturong secretion Binturong species, just like civets, possess perineal glands located behind their tails that gives them the ability to secrete an aromatic musk. This is used to mark their territories and alert other animals of their presence. This secretion emits a buttered popcorn scent that distinguishes their uniqueness apart from their relative civets. With this bizarre characteristic of a bearcat, their aromatic secretion has been then analyzed for its properties. According to a research paper on “reproductive endocrine patterns and volatile urinary compounds of Arctictis binturong ” (2016), there are 29 chemical compounds found in the animal’s secretion that give off its signature fragrance. One compound found in the musk that remarkably resembles the tantalizing popcorn aroma is the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. This compound is normally formed in the popping process in which the heat insinuates reactions between amino acids and sugars found in the corn kernels. Similarly, 2AP plays a
VI. Hypothesis As this research proposal aims to investigate the potentiality of binturong musk as an essential aromatherapy treatment, the following hypothesis statement is to be answered:
Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth AyurvedicOils. (2020, May 13). Retrieved from https://ayurvedicoils.com/essential-oils-info-buy-purchase_civet-oil_2554.html Binturong. (2019, October 21). Retrieved from https://a-z-animals.com/animals/binturong/ Bittel, J. (2019, May 21). Save the Binturong! Wait―What's a Binturong? Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/onearth/save-binturong-wait-whats-binturong Chauhan, A., Semwal, D., Mishra, S., & Semwal, R. (2015). Ayurvedic research and methodology: Present status and future strategies. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5041382/ Department of Health & Human Services. (2012, May 31). Ayurveda. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ayurveda Is Ayurveda an evidence-based science?: Oneworld Ayurveda Panchakarma in Ubud, Bali. (2020, July 15). Retrieved from https://www.oneworldayurveda.com/is-ayurveda-an-evidence-based-science/ Kynes, S. (2019). Llewellyn's complete book of essential oils: How to blend, diffuse, create remedies, and use in everyday life. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=C12mDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage& q&f=false
Report, H. (2018, December 04). Essential oils from garlic, herbs kill persistent Lyme disease bacteria. Retrieved from https://hub.jhu.edu/2018/12/04/lyme-disease-treatment-essential-oils/ Researchers Explain Why Binturongs Smell Like Popcorn. (2016, April 15). Retrieved from http://www.sci-news.com/biology/why-binturongs-bearcats-smell-like-popcorn-03787.html The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2017, October 05). Civet. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/animal/civet-mammal-Viverridae-family Veron, G., Debruille, A., Kayser, P., Fernandez, D., & Bourgeois, A. (2019, October 17). Genetic diversity and structure of the binturong Arctictis binturong (Carnivora: Viverridae) – status of the elusive Palawan binturong and implications for conservation. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-abstract/188/1/302/ Weldon, P., Gorra, M., & Wood, W. (2000). Short-chain carboxylic acids from the anal glands of the binturong, Arctictis binturong (Viverridae, Mammalia). Biochemical systematics and ecology. 28. 903-904. 10.1016/S0305-1978(99)00128-3. What is a binturong? (2018, September 20). Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2016/10/its-a-bear-its-a-cat-no-its-a-binturong-and-its-threatened/