Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region III
City Division of San Jose del Monte
CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE NATIONAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

RESEARCH TITLE:
An Ingredient for Mosquito Repellant
Liquid Soap: Lemongrass (Andropogon
Citratus / Cymbopogon) and Basil
(Ocimum basilicum)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Practical Research 2

S.Y. 2018-2019
 ABSTRACT

The real danger of mosquitos laid their abilities to transmit diseases such as

malaria, and dengue. People had used many tools to control the spread of mosquitos in

different places, especially at the houses. Researchers use a lemongrass and a basil for

their research. The two said variable were the main ingredients to be use in

researcher’s research that repels mosquitoes. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a

genus of Asian, African, Australian, and Tropical Island plants in the grass family.

Lemongrass is commonly used as a special ingredient or spices to enhance the aroma

of food in terms of cookery. Lemongrass also contains citronellal or rhodinal, the main

component in the mixture of terpenoid chemical compounds that give citronella oil its

distinctive lemon scent, which can be used as medicinal herb for asthmatic patients

attending a specialty care clinic. Basil also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-worth, is

a culinary herb of the family Labiatae (mints). Basil is native to tropical regions from

central Africa to Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide.

Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with

a strong, pungent, often sweet smell. Basil is called by many names like sweet basil or

even Thai basil, but all of its common names refer to the herb's botanical name,

Ocimum basilicum.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to acknowledge the help of each member’s residence for having a place

to gather and plan. The cooperation of each members for a successful research. Also,

by the help of Savemore Muzon for completing our materials in research. Lastly, the

help of San Jose del Monte National Science Highschool’s laboratory that allows us to

use their equipment for our research.

 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Research Problem:

The real danger of mosquitos laid their abilities to transmit diseases such as

malaria, and dengue. People had used many tools to control the spread of mosquitos in

different places, especially at the houses. The most commonly used repellent is

composed of strong chemicals that can harm an individual, most of these can kill

mosquitos but they can also do a serious damage to human as well. We decided to

make a new product that is as similar as to other repellent. The product that we will

conduct is not only affordable, but also safe to use, not likely in chemical, which is

harmful for human and to the environment.

Background of the Study:

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and

Tropical Island plants in the grass family. Lemongrass is commonly used as a special

ingredient or spices to enhance the aroma of food in terms of cookery. Lemongrass also

contains citronellal or rhodinal, the main component in the mixture of terpenoid chemical

compounds that give citronella oil its distinctive lemon scent, which can be used as

medicinal herb for asthmatic patients attending a specialty care clinic.

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus) grow to

about 2 m (6.6 ft.) and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for

the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent (especially
mosquitos) in insect sprays and candles, and in aromatherapy. The principal chemical

constituents of citronella, geranial and citronellal, are antiseptics, hence their use in

household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used

for culinary purposes, as a flavoring. Citronella is usually planted in home gardens to

ward off insects such as whitefly adults. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) is a group of about

55 related grass species or varieties. Citronella oil, common mosquito repellent, is

extracted from citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus).

Lemongrass contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as

luteolin, glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elemicin, catechol, chlorogenic acid, and

caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal aids. The

main component of this fragrant herb is lemonal or citral, which has anti-fungal and

anti-microbial quality. It also provides distinct lemony smell.

Basil also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-worth, is a culinary herb of the

family Labiatae (mints). Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to

Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Depending on

the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste somewhat like anise, with a strong,

pungent, often sweet smell. Basil is called by many names like sweet basil or even Thai

basil, but all of its common names refer to the herb's botanical name, Ocimum

basilicum. Basil is a member of the large mint family, or Labiate family, along with other

culinary herbs like rosemary, sage, and even lavender.

 Basil continues to have diverse applications in modern kitchens and science

labs. In cooking, basil is most commonly used fresh in cooked recipes. More often than

not, the fresh leaves are added at the last moment, as cooking quickly destroys the

herb's distinct flavor. But today as also seen throughout history, basil is not only used as

a food flavoring, but also in perfumery, incense, and herbal holistic remedies. Recent

scientific studies have established that compounds the essential oil of basil plants

possess potent antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

Justification:

The world wide’s one biggest issue is the rapidly spreading of dengue virus

carried by mosquitoes that which of transmitted to humans that lead to their death.

According to the study of WHO (World Health Organization), 26,433 people that been

affected as of April 1, 2017 were suspected cases of dengue reported from January 1,

2017. Many researchers tried their best to conduct a research regarding on how to

lessen the cases of Dengue. Lemongrass and basil are some of the best repellent they

have seen so far which it is non-hazardous to human use. The two plants that have

been mentioned earlier have an aromatic scent that drives away mosquitoes from

transmitting virus to human.

Significance / Importance of the Study:

Students

The research can provide students insight about the effect of common organic

household insect repellent such as liquid soap that affect the disease rate of dengue

and other mosquito-related diseases. Their knowledge will be enhance and widen all

about science that is related to this study. These can be a guide for them to learn and

help them to observe how common organic household insect repellent such as liquid

soap can reduced the rate of mosquito-related diseases and its importance.

Society

The effectiveness of common organic household insect repellent such as liquid

soap gives us idea specifically people on rural areas who disposed their stocked water

everywhere and also in secluded areas which are prone to mosquitoes. This may give

us knowledge on how to maintain cleanliness and prevention of mosquito-borne

diseases.

Contribution of Knowledge to the Field of Science

The research gives the conclusion that the concentration of essential oils in the

product which is insect repellent liquid soap may affect the duration of the effectiveness

of it. The authentic concentration of the essential oils is very important because it can

have a positive or negative effect to the human. It will give us idea especially to the
future researchers that Lemongrass and basil essential oils are as effective as the

Commercial Insect Repellent.

Research Questions:

 What are the components of the lemongrass and basil that makes it possible to

repel mosquitoes?

 How is it effective to use the mosquito repellent liquid soap?

 What are the benefits of using lemongrass and basil soap?

 How long does this soap last in repelling a mosquito? Can it be used in long

ranges?

 What are the procedures in making lemongrass and basil mosquito repellent

liquid soap?

 How safe is the lemongrass and basil mosquito repellent liquid soap to use?

Scope and Limitation:

The scope of this study was only limited by using two plants that has the ability to

repel mosquitoes. Our main objective is to lessen the rate of having a dengue here, in

the Philippines. This study covers how lemongrass and basil can repel mosquito in the

form of liquid soap.

Definition of Terms:

For the purpose of clarification, the important terms used in the study have been

defined.

The following terms are:

 Apoptosis-inducing and chemo preventive activities.

 Caffeic acid - an organic compound and a potent antioxidant. It can be found

naturally in a wide range of plants

 Catechol - an organic compound with the molecular formula.

 Elemicin - a natural organic compound, which is found in a number of different

essential oils.

 Glycosides - a compound formed from a simple sugar and another compound

by replacement of a hydroxyl group in the sugar molecule.

 Kaempferol - a natural flavonol; type of flavonoid, found in a variety of plants

and plant-derived foods.

 Luteolin - a naturally-occurring flavonoid, with potential anti-oxidant, anti-

inflammatory,

 Quercetin - a plant pigment (flavonoid).

 Repellent - able to repel a particular thing

 Rhodinal - is a genus of moths of the family Noctuidae (known as owlet moths,

cutworms or armyworms).

 Terpenoid - any of a large class of organic compounds

 CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH – RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the review of related literature of the research. Each

variable were discussed with giving brief description on it. Moreover, the researchers

give some related literature in which review were presented.

Literature Review

Introduction of Plant-based Insect Repellent

According to the study of S. Moore and M. Maia (2011) in” WHO Pesticide

Evaluation Scheme”, plant-based repellents have been used for generations in

traditional practice as a personal protection measured against host-seeking mosquitoes.

Nowhere are these knowledge on traditional repellent plants were obtained throughout

ethno botanical studies is a sole resources for the development of new natural products.

Recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have

gained increasing popularity among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as

“safe” in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents although this is sometimes

a misconception. There is a need for further standardized studies in order to better

evaluate repellent compounds and develop new products that offer high repellency as

well as good consumer safety.

The advancement of insect repellent science shows how chemicals can influence

mosquitoes. Universities have played an important role in the advancement of insect

repellent science by providing verification of new product efficacy for registration, as

well as exploring novel repellent chemistries throughout the year. (G. Paluch, L.

Bartholomay & J. Coats, 2010)

Overview of Mosquitoes and Mosquito-related Diseases

Mosquitoes with a scientific name of Culicidae are slender, elongated body

covered with scales as are the veins of the wings. Mosquitoes are also characterized by

long, fragile-looking legs and elongated, piercing mouthparts. The feathery antennae of

the male are generally bushier than those of the female. The males, and sometimes the

females, feed on nectar and other plant juices. In most species, however, the females

require the proteins obtained from a blood meal in order to mature their eggs. Different

species of mosquitoes show preferences and, in many cases, narrow restrictions as to

host animals. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018)

Severe human tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and

filariasis are transmitted by mosquito bites of infected female mosquitoes. Human

malaria is caused by infections by unicellular protozoan parasites which are transmitted

by about 20 Anopheles species. Another important disease is dengue hemorrhagic

fever which is a viral infection caused by several Flavivirus species whose most

important vector is Aedes aegypti L. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fevers threaten

an estimated 2.5 billion people or almost 50 million people per year. Another serious

tropical disease is filariasis or elephantiasis which threatens about 1 million people over
80 countries. Filariasis is caused by infections by several roundworm species of which

Wuchereria bancrofti Cobbold is the most essential and is transmitted by the common

house mosquito bites (T. Burfield, 2005).

The Isolation of Ocimum basilicum

Ocimum basilicum or Basil is the common narrow-leaved variety, grows 1 to 3

feet high (in gardens, occasionally somewhat taller), with a short, but irregular, crooked,

much-branched stem, covered with a yellowish-grey bark, which comes off in flakes,

and very numerous, erect, straight, broom-like, slender, bluntly-quadrangular branches,

finely pubescent, with stellate hairs. Quantification of phenol acids was determined

using high-performance liquid chromatography and showed drastic variations between

accessions. Chemical studies revealed the rosmarinic acid is the predominant phenolic

acid present in Basil’s stem and leaf tissues. (A. Kashi, [Link], 2002)

The Description and Explanation of Cymbopogon and its Uses

Lemongrass or Cymbopogon is a genus of about 70 species of mostly perennial

tropical grasses in the Poaceae (grass family) for their production of aromatic essential

oils, including citronella oil (from C. nardus) and geranial (from C. martini), used in

perfume and as natural insecticides. The species C. citratus, lemongrass, is widely used

in Asian cooking to flavor soups, stews, and curries (including Vietnamese lemongrass

soup), as well as meat, fish, and poultry dishes (including Indonesian “satay”); it is also
used in herbal teas. Cymbopogon species originated in the Old World tropics, and

generally form dense clumps with wide blades. Different species grow from 0.5 to 2 m

(2 to 6 ft) tall. The fleshy leaf bases (pseudo stems) are harvested to be used in cooking

or to be pressed for oil. Some species are also used in agroforestry for soil

improvement and erosion control. (Wang and Weller, 2006)

The use of herbal preparations remained the main approach of folk medicine to

the treatment of ailments and debilitating diseases. Initial intensive researches

conducted on Lemongrass extracts (tea) may have showed conflicting evidences,

however the resurgence in claims of folk medicine practitioners necessitated further

inquiry into the efficacy of the tea. Lemongrass tea contains several bio compounds in

its decoction, infusion and essential oil extracts. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-

bacterial, anti-obesity, ant nociceptive, anxiolytic and antihypertensive evidences of

lemongrass tea were clearly elucidated to support initial pharmacological claims.

Lemongrass tea was non-toxic, non-mutagenic and receives wide acceptance among

alternative medicine practitioners in several developing countries. This review therefore

presents previous research activities, technologies and information surrounding

bioactivities of lemongrass tea. (A. Hammed, [Link], 2013)

Overall, based on the related literature given above, the two plants: Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) have a big similarity regarding their

chemical composition for which they have an aromatic scent that drives away the

insects such as mosquitoes. The two plants have the common ground which is phenolic
acid that functions as insect repellent due to its natural smell which negates the

attractiveness of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Research-Related Literature

According to the study of Meister (2007), a numerous population of mosquitoes

are vectors of parasitic and viral diseases of immense importance for public health. The

acquisition of the genome sequence of the yellow fever and Dengue vector, Aedes

aegypti, has enabled a comparative phylogenomic analysis of the insect immune

repertoire: in Aedes aegypti, the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, and the fruit fly

Drosophila melanogaster. Analysis of immune signaling pathways and response

modules reveals both conservative and rapidly evolving features associated with

different functional gene categories and particular aspects of immune reactions. These

dynamics reflect in part continuous readjustment between accommodation and rejection

of pathogens and suggest how innate immunity may have evolved.

Since dengue virus spreads fast all over the world, millions of people are on risk

regarding to this phenomenon. The dengue was one of the leading causes of death

according to WHO. A synthetic compound has been the most effective single repellent

for mosquito species and is the basis for many commercial repellent products on the

market. (Brown, Hebert, 2010)

 Plants have historically been valuable sources of agents for the control of

insects. They are the sources of the natural insecticidal and larvicidal substances

nicotine (Nicotiana L.), quassin (Quassia amara L.), rotenone (Derris sp.) pyrethrins like

chrysanthamic acid and its derivatives present in pyrethrum and azadirachtin. These

and other natural insect control agents have served as the basis for the development of

the structurally-related synthetic pyrethroid, nicotinoid and rotenoid classes of

insecticides and piperonyl butoxide synergist. Also, pyrethroids and piperonyl butoxide

synergism are the basis for a number of commercially available mosquito control

products today. (Reekie, 2005)

Citronella essential oils are obtained mainly from varieties of Cymbopogon

nardus. They have been used in mosquito repellency and are the most widely used

natural repellents today. Also Eucalyptus essential oils (Eucalyptus l’her spp.) are

widely used to repel insects, including mosquitoes, and contain insecticidal and

repellent components p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, p-cymene and

γ-terpinene among other active com-pounds. (Batish, 2008)

A study conducted by The United States Environmental Protection Agency

(Kholi, 2006) Citronella essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and other plant oils

registered as safe and effective ingredients for use in topical insect repellents. However,

caution is recommended in the use of essential oils in general due to a number of

potential toxic effects.

 A study about the effectiveness and duration of insect repellents against

mosquito bites was tested. For each test, 10 disease-free, laboratory-reared Aedes

aegypti female mosquitoes that were 7 to 24 days old were placed into separate

laboratory cages measuring 30 cm by 22 cm by 22 cm. A batch of 10 mosquitoes that

had not been exposed to the repellent being tested was used for each arm insertion.

Mosquitoes were provided with a constantly supply of 5% sucrose solution. Cages were

placed in a walk-in incubator measuring 2.2 m by 2.2 m by 2.2 m, in which the

temperature was maintained at 24 to 32 °C, the relative humidity at 60 to 70%, and the

light-dark cycle at 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness. Fifteen volunteers

(5 men and 10 women) were recruited from the staff of the Medical Entomology

Laboratory at the University of Florida. Subjects conducted their first test of each

repellent by inserting the treated arm into a test cage for 1 minute every 5 minutes. If

they were not bitten within 20 minutes, then the arm was reinserted for 1 full minute

every 15 minutes, until the first bite occurred. On the basis of this initial complete-

protection time, the subject's next two tests of that particular repellent were conducted

as follows: if the repellent had initially worked for less than 20 minutes, the subject

placed his or her arm in the cage for 1 minute every 5 minutes; if the repellent had

initially worked for 20 minutes to 4 hours, the subject placed his or her arm in the cage

for 1 minute every 15 minutes; and if the repellent had initially worked for more than 4

hours, the subject placed his or her arm in the cage for 1 minute every hour (up to 4

hours). If a repellent was still working after 4 hours, then the subject continued to place

his or her arm in the cage every 15 minutes thereafter, until the first bite occurred. If at

any point during testing, subjects noted mosquitoes landing but not biting (a behavior
that typically occurs when the efficacy of a repellent begins to wane), then the intervals

between insertions were decreased to five minutes.

The study concludes that mosquitoes landing on the surface of the skin but not

biting on it. The study also concludes that the repellent still good and effective until 4

hours. Only products containing DEET offer long-lasting protection after a single

application. (Fradin, Day, 2002)

Overall, based on the related studies given above, the researchers have an

insight on how does the Lemongrass and Basil will be as effective as commercial DEET

repellents. This will be the guide on them on how could the experimentation and

observation will be conducted and presented over a period of time.

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