https://doi.org/10.62249/jmds.2013.2430

Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Pulp Extract as an Alternative Natural Dye of Eosin in Staining Hematological Studies

¹Karl Maxel O. Lao, ¹Arlenest Samantha D. Figura, ¹Aldea Dominique T. Mendoza, ¹Jun Mark B. Lagare, ¹Selwayne Andrion P. Velasco, ²Yunalyn L. Villantes

¹ College of Medical Technology, Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Philippines
² College of Arts and Sciences, Misamis University, Ozamiz City, Philippines
Corresponding Author: Karl Maxel O. Lao, email: karlmaxellao@gmail.com

Natural dyes in the histological staining process have been widely used in the field of diagnostics. This study utilized Hylocereus polyrhizus pulp as a potential alternative eosin stain for peripheral blood staining. Factors considered include the ratio of the solution and the staining time of H. polyrhizus pulp. Utilizing natural dye is highly relevant in today's times due to the fact that these materials are renewable and environmentally friendly since most of the composition of the stain is organic. Acquiring pure extract of the H. polyrhizus was done by mashing and physically extracting the H. polyrhizus pulp utilizing sterile cloth, gauze pad, and filter paper. The pure extract was diluted three times with 100 mL of distilled water, acquiring different concentrations of 30 mL pure extract (23.1%), 20 mL (16.7%), and 10 mL (9.10%), respectively. The blood smears that were prepared were dipped into a series of solutions from 1, 2, and 3, which contain methanol for fixation, then varying concentrations of the natural stain. The smears were air-dried and read under an oil immersion objective on a compound light microscope. The research aimed to determine if the extracted dye from H. polarizes can stain the blood cells and identify the potential solution adjusted in different concentrations for an optimal yield of the morphological details of the blood smear. Our findings imply that a concentration of 9.10% stains leukocytes and causes them to stain pale pink. Leukocyte staining at 16.7% concentration is described as lighter, almost pale. The 23.1% showed good staining potential to white blood cells and made the red blood cells appear light red to pink, revealing their visible cytoplasm and biconcave disc without changing their size or shape.

Keywords :   alternative stain, diagnostics, histological staining, morphological details, peripheral blood staining