INSECT REPELLENT ACTIVITY USING LEMON GRASS ( Cymbopogon Citratus )

AGAINST MOSQUITO ( Aedes Aegypti ) ADULT

Lj A. Vivares

Denice Jo P. Angel

Kristin Louise A. Mercado

Jose L. Castroverde

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Proponents

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 Table of Contents

Page

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

Chapter

1 Introduction 1

Conceptual Framework 4

Statement of the Problem 5

Statement of the Hypothesis 5

Scope and Limitation 6

Significance of the Study 6

Definition of Terms 6

II Review on Related Literature 8

III Methodology 12

IV Results 14

V Conclusion 15

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 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Mosquitoes are small insects that are found everywhere in the world. They are a threat to

the environment especially to human health and even life. These insects can both have positive

and negative impacts on the ecosystem. A positive effect of mosquitoes is that their larvae and

full-grown forms provide food for a number of different organisms. They can also pollinate certain

plants, especially the aquatic or near-aquatic plants that they spend much of their lives around.

They earned their bad reputation because they can spread diseases that are dangerous and deadly,

some examples like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other serious diseases. In such a situation,

it is extremely important to prevent such problems and spread of the infectious diseases through

mosquitoes. It is vitally important to undertake measures to primarily inform the public.

Nowadays, dengue has the highest cases and death toll increase. This disease mostly occurs

on tropical countries such as the Philippines. It is caused by mosquitoes (Aedes Aegypti Mosquito)

a domestic, day-biting mosquito that prefers to bite humans and is the main vector

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that transmits the viruses that cause dengue. The symptoms of dengue fever are severe headache,

pain in the muscles and joints, and rash that can be described as small red spots. Female mosquitoes

can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, usually, the eggs are deposited in clusters called rafts on the

surface of stagnant water, or they are laid in areas that flood regularly. Currently there is no vaccine

available to prevent dengue. The only treatment is rest and intake of plenty of fluids like water.

Water is the best fluid to intake especially in these kinds of diseases. The majority of people in the

Philippines experience this disease due to the contaminated community like stagnant water, where

mosquitoes mostly lay their eggs.

A natural way to prevent such diseases is through the use of mosquito repellent plants.

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as a personal

protection measure against host-seeking mosquitoes. Knowledge on traditional repellent plants

obtained through ethnobotanical studies is a valuable resource for the development of new natural

products. Most plants contain compounds that they use in preventing attack from phytopagous (

plant eating ) insects. These chemicals fall into several categories, including repellents, feeding

deterrents, toxins, and growth regulators. This repellency of plant material has been exploited for

thousands of years by man, most simply by hanging bruised plants in houses, a practice that is still

in wide use throughout the developing countries. The field of plant-based repellents is moving

forward as consumers demand means of protection from arthropod bites that are safe, pleasant to

use and environmentally sustainable. Perhaps the most important consideration is improving the

longevity of those repellents that are effective but volatile such as citronella.

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Insect repellents are important tools for prevention of insect-borne diseases as well as painful or

uncomfortable insect bites. And one of natural insect repellent is the lemon grass

(Cymbopogon Citratus). Determining the effectiveness of lemon grass as insect repellent is the

main goal of the study. Specifically, it intends to apply the Double Boiling Method in obtaining

the natural elements and essential oil of lemon grass such as citral and citronella. The study has

found out that lemon grass is an effective and alternative natural insect repellent. The result of the

present study would provide knowledge and information about lemon grass as insect repellent.

Additionally, this study will produce significant and relevant information for future studies

regarding to insect repellent.

Therefore, the aim of this study is in order to prevent such diseases and help people become

sensible of the ways on how to prevent mosquitoes naturally at the same time preserve the

atmosphere. In such a way, the problem of mosquitoes and the spread of diseases may be

minimized through increasing safety measures and informing people about the potential danger.

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Conceptual Framework

EXTRACTS AMOUNT OF INSECT REPELLENT

FROM LEMON GRASS EXTRACTS FROM THE AGAINST
ROOTS ROOTS OF THE LEMON MOSQUITOES
GRASS

FIGURE 1: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

SHOWING THE RELATIONSHIP OF INPUT, THRU PUT AND OUTPUT OF THE
STUDY.

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Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this study is to determine how to prevent mosquito larvae by the use of

mosquito repellent plants.

Sub-problems:

1. What is the significance of the lemon grass mosquito repellent?

2. How can this benefit the people in the community?

3. How effective is the mosquito repellent plant in decreasing the number of mosquitoes

present in the surroundings?

4. What are the advantages of using natural repellents?

5. What is the difference between natural and artificial repellents?

Statement of the Hypothesis

If the lemon grass will be extracted with its natural components, and observe it by applying

the lemon grass over a subject that can easily be approached by mosquitoes, then if it repels the

mosquito away, it is an effective lemon grass mosquito repellent.

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Scope and Limitation

The focus of this study is to determine the effectiveness of lemon grass as mosquito

repellent. This study also focuses on the natural way of repelling insects through usage of mosquito

repellent plants and its effectiveness on preventing mosquitoes to spread diseases. In this study,

researchers will conduct the ways of insect repelling and will test the product’s effectivity and

lifespan through individual research.

Significance of the study

The study will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of lemon grass as natural insect

repellent. Extraction of lemon grass is through Double Boiling Method. The result of the study

will be useful for the determination of which repellents are better and it will also be useful to

families, companies, environmentalists and researchers in taking safety precautions for the

prevention of any mosquito-related disease that may cause bad effects to their health.

Definition of terms

There are important terms which are defined so that the thrust of the study can be clearly

understood.

Dengue – this term refers to a virus that is transmitted by an aedes mosquito and cannot be treated

by any kind of medicine.

Mosquito – this term refers to a small insect that can transmit mosquito-borne diseases.

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Vector – this term refers to any agent that carries and transmits infectious diseases into another

living organism.

Host – this term refers to an organism that harbours a parasitic, a mutualistic, or a commensalism

guest, typically providing nourishment and shelter.

Mosquito Repellent Plant – this term refers to a type of plant that irritates mosquitoes surrounding

it.

Infectious – capable of causing infection.

Ethnobotanical – the plant lore of indigenous cultures, volatile likely to change in a very sudden

or extreme way.

Stagnant – not active, changing or progessing

Longetivity – the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues.

Picaridin – a clear, nearly odourless liquid, used as an insect repellent.

Lemon Grass – a fragrant tropical grass that yields an oil that smells lemon. It is widely used in

Asian cooking and in perfumery and medicine.

Double Boiling Method – to heat your recipe or project using steam or a saucepan with a

detachable upper compartment heated by boiling water in the lower one.

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 CHAPTER II

Related Literature on Natural Mosquito Repellent Plant

Review on Related Literature

According to Wikipedia, Mosquitoes are small, midge-like flies that belong to

the family Culicidae. Females of most species are ectoparasites, whose tube-like mouthparts

(called a proboscis) pierce the host’s skin to consume blood. The word "mosquito" (formed

by mosca and diminutive -ito) is Spanish for "little fly “. According to Bill Gates in his article

“The Deadliest Animal in the World” on year 2014 that there are thousands of species that feed on

the blood of various kinds of hosts. They mainly feed on Vertebrates that

includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even different types of fish. Some mosquitoes

also attack invertebrates, mainly other arthropods. Though the loss of blood is seldom of any

importance to the victim, the saliva of the mosquito often causes an irritating rash that is a serious

nuisance. Much more serious though, are the roles of many species of mosquitoes as vectors of

diseases. In passing from host to host, some transmit extremely serious infections such

as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue fever, filariasis, Zika virus and

other viruses rendering it the deadliest insect in the world.

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 According to the researchers, Marta Ferreira Maia and Sarah J Moore, that plants are one

of the best mosquito repellents. The researchers analyzed the human use of plants that keep

mosquitoes away, from the time of ancient Greece to the present day. They gained information

that Greeks use handy strong-smelling plants because these plants have the best effectiveness. We

know from experience that plant-based mosquito repellents are that successful in many countries

around the world. According to their research repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) are

more effective. There are still people that use plant-based repellents because according to

researchers that these plant-based repellents are safer to use. They do not contain chemicals that

can harm people’s skin especially the children’s skin. The entomologists have done a great job

summarizing the results of dozens of biologist’s research. They compared their field and lab

studies and identified the plants that still do a great job on repelling mosquitoes. Even though

plant-based repellents are not the best, they still keep mosquitoes away from people.

Cymbopogon, also well known as lemongrass, is a tropical plant in the grass family. It is

commonly found in tropical countries, such as the Philippines. Not only it is used for culinary

purposes, but also used for repelling mosquitoes. It has components that repel insects. According

to Wikipedia on year 2012¸ it has the ability to repel insects, such as mosquitoes. This plant can

be used as products. Its oil is commonly used as a lure to attract honey bees. Lemongrass oil is

also used as pesticide and a preservative. It has many purposes and prevents mosquitoes from

transmitting airborne diseases to humans by planting it nearby or using lemongrass products.

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 Based from an article by essential oils, some of the other components of lemongrass oil

are mycrene, and citronellal. Citronellal is the chemical compound that gives citronella oil a

recognizable scent. The components of chemical insect repellents are DEET, the most effective

and long-lasting ingredient used to repel insects are Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus which is

applicable in both lotion and spray insect repellents, and IR3535 (Aminopropionic Acid) which

contains alcohol that creates a fragrance to emit a pleasant and sweet smell of the repellent. This

is the main reason why insects have a short life span. These ingredients have chemical

substances that children cannot handle. However, using natural ingredients such as oil in lemon

eucalyptus, citronella and lemongrass are the safest and can be used in lotion and other products.

Insect repellents are usually used to avoid insect bites and to keep away from your skin and

clothing. As said by the healthverment.gov, natural insect repellents are safer than DEET

components of a repellent.

An article created by HerbalGram on November 10, 2011 to October 2012 contains

information about plant-based insect repellents. Plants produce chemicals that act as natural

deterrents to pests, and they have been used since ancient times to repel insects, most commonly

by burning plant material. The established use of plants as insect repellents in part contributes to

their acceptability among consumers. Plant-based active ingredients are also thought by some to

pose fewer risks to users. And since repellents are often applied directly to the skin, consumers

tend to favour products without the harsh chemical scent. Although, according to some experts, an

effective active ingredient is the most important consideration when choosing an insect repellent.

Perhaps more importantly, insect repellents derived from plants can be an inexpensive, sustainable

method of preventing disease in high-risk regions of the world. “If plant-based

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repellents are ethically sourced and produced then they can bring trade to developing countries

and are less damaging to the environment,” said Dr. Moore. Plants are occasionally named in

accordance with their traditional uses, the Chinese name for lemon eucalyptus, quwenling,

translates roughly to effective mosquito repellent. Plant-based repellents provide very high

protection from a broad range of insect vectors over several hours.

According to Kalita B, in year 2013 shows that plants are alternative source of repellent

agent, reported in numerous ethno botanical evaluation. These plants repel mosquitoes in its

surrounding, preventing airborne diseases transmitting to the human body. These plants have been

used traditionally to the world. Majority are tropical countries. The repelling components present

in these plants are well known before the advent of artificial or synthetic chemicals. Compared to

artificial components, natural mosquito repellent plants are safer to use to humankind. Since plants

have natural components and doesn’t have synthetic chemicals present, in contrast with artificial

repellents, that threatens the environment. These have chemicals that kill plants and it can also

contaminate the soil and air.

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 CHAPTER III

Research Methodology

Methodology

Materials:

Lemon Grass Stalks (About 15 stalks)

Any unscented oil (We used Mineral oil)

Mortar and Pestle

Knife and Cutting Board

1 metal pot and bowl

1 glass bowl

Tightly sealed container

Spatula or Ladle

Strainer

Funnel (optional)

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Procedure:

1) Prepare all the materials needed

2) Clean the lemon grass stalks with water

3) Crush The Lemon Grass Stalks using a Pestle

4) Slice the stalks into small fine pieces

5) Place the Sliced Lemon Grass Stalks in the Mortar and crush again using the pestle to

extract the oil.

6) In a bowl, place the cut pieces of lemongrass

7) Using a double-boiler or, as we have done, a pot and a glass bowl, allow 2 cups of water

to simmer in the pot.

8) Once steaming / boiling, pour oil into glass bowl that is placed above water pot.

9) Allow oil to warm. Scrape crushed lemongrass into oil and stir.

10) Keep mixture on low heat for a minimum of 60 minutes. The longer the infusion the

greater the extraction of lemongrass oil.

11) After 60 minutes, turn off heat. Allow the bowl to cool on the counter for about 10

minutes.

12) Strain the lemongrass remnants from the oil and compost the strained lemongrass.

13) Pour oil using a funnel into a clean, dry jar with tight fitting lid.

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 CHAPTER IV

Results of the Experiment

Results

In the experiment we have conducted, it was proven effective through successful tests. The

mosquito repellent oil we have made through the process of Double Boiling method was

productive. We had several volunteers that were tested through using our mosquito repellent oil.

Some volunteers applied the oil on their body while others did not. This is one way of knowing

whether our product is efficient or inefficient. After applying the oil, volunteers were placed in a

mosquito-prone area to test the oil’s effectiveness for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, results

showed that the volunteers that exerted the oil on their body were unattractive to mosquitoes while

the other participants reported that evidences of mosquito bites were found on their skin.

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 CHAPTER V

Conclusion of the Experiment

Conclusion

Therefore we conclude that our experiment was a success. The product that uses Lemon

Grass extracts that we have made and tested reached our expectations. This experiment has also

proven to be very effective and productive, especially in repelling mosquitoes. Thus, the results

give motivation to all the people living especially in tropical countries. This is a great opportunity

that people should use natural mosquito repellents such as lemon grass in order to prevent

mosquitoes and decrease the number of mosquito-borne diseases.

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