THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Throughout the biotic environments, organismic enemies such mosquitoes

are assaulting blood from humans and other living things. Its life cycle do not

differ from butterflies which undergo metamorphosis. From egg to larval stage

resulting into pupa as it reaches the adult stage as a mosquito. But their effect to

environment differs from other harmless insects. Mosquitoes in various genus

and species could transmit microorganisms and viruses which cause different

diseases like dengue fever, malaria, zika virus, chikungunya and etc.

Consciously, we are informed every year about the increasing death rates from

these mosquito dilemmas as they are multiplying and even transcending to

different parts of the cosmos. Aside from biting its target, a female mosquito

depending on its genus and species can harm us by passing viruses and

microorganisms inside its body to its host. In the Philippines, the most dominant

genus is the aedes. They could spread viruses that can harm the target and

leave it with sickness or even death. According to studies, only the female

mosquitoes bite not to feed on the host, but to imbibe blood from blood-

containing organisms. The blood can be used for the enrichment of mosquito

eggs and thus increase in number. As we know, this is a double purpose assault.

Scientists and different agencies tend to disseminate further information in

terminating these so called vamps of the air. They endow experiments for the

solution to impede or eradicate mosquitoes in many ways such as mosquito killer

and repellant. A further study to herbal insecticides could help to create

alternative products that can repel or even kill mosquitoes.

 One of those alternatives is the use of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and

lagundi (Vitex negundo) leaves extract. Oregano (Origanum vulgare), which is

hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8, is a tasty herb and its

endorsed as a traditional that can be used as remedy for illnesses such as

diabetes and spasms. However, it shows less evidence in supporting these

recommendations. On the other hand, Lagundi (Vitex negundo) is a large native

shrub that grows in Asia and Southeast Asia such as the Philippines and India

and has been traditionally used as herbal medicine and insect repellent (Chaves

Lopez, 2012). The extract from its leaves and roots are mostly considered to

provide the most health benefits (Bansod MS, Harle UN 2009).

Mosquitos can live for almost two months depending on the environmental

condition. This fact serves as a challenge to herbal insecticides under certain

control of the latter. Using these conditions, we can face the challenge by using

a scientific and experimental approach. Careful observations are also needed to

justify specific events in eradicating the targets. Oregano and Lagundi leaves

extract may be an insecticide, which is safe, affordable, and environment friendly.

Background of the Study

Insect repellents are important public health tools for the prevention of

vector-borne infectious diseases. Actions to reduce to reduce these diseases can

result in major health gains and relieve an important constraint on development

in poor regions. These insect repellents help to prevent and control the

outbreaks of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, lyme disease, dengue fever,

and bubonic plague. Technically, an insect repellent is any chemical or natural,

that causes insects or other arthropods to make directed, oriented movements

away from the source of repellent. As it was stated, Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

and lagundi (Vitex negundo) can be used as natural insect repellent

(Helmenstine, 2011).
 (Origanum vulgare) and Lagundi (Vitex negundo) as mosquito repellent.
This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Oregano
Statement of the Problem
Figure 1. Research Paradigm
Dependent Independent
Variable Variable
- Repelling time/minute Sample A
- 75ml Lagundi extract
- Mortality rate of -25ml Oregano extract
Mosquito - 10ml Ethyl Alcohol
Sample B
(% Percentage) - 75ml Oregano extract
- 25ml Lagundi extract
- 10ml Ethyl Alcohol
Conceptual Framework
Specifically, the study attempts to answer the following questions:

1. Which among the two solution of oregano and lagundi is more

effective in repelling or killing mosquitos?

2. What is the mortality rate and survival rate of mosquito after

using the Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lagundi (Vitex

negundo) as a mosquito repellent?

3. Is there a significant difference on the effectiveness on the two

formulations of the two herbal plants?

Significance of the Study

Natural ways of repelling and exterminating mosquitos are in the focus

of recent research nowadays. In addressing the increasing number of unwanted

cases of deaths and disease due to mosquito invasion, the researchers

responded to study herbal means of eradicating these insects. The study is also

conducted because the researchers seek to identify the effectiveness of two

herbal plants Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lagundi (Vitex negundo).

Scope and Limitation

This study will focus only on the mortality rate of mosquito using two herbal

plants extract namely; oregano (Origanum vulgare), and Lagundi (Vitex negundo) . The

leaf extract of each herbal plant will be mix with Ethyl Alcohol in two formulations. The

age of the mosquito and its life span will not be considered in the study. The study will

be conducted in three trials.

Definition of terms
Ethyl Alcohol- volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a slight chemical odor

Extract- to get or draw out a liquid substance extracted from a plant usually with special

effort and force.

Lagundi- large aromatic shrub with quadrangular, densely whitish, tomentose

branchlets

Mortality rate- a death rate, number of mosquito deaths through the effectiveness of

Tasmanian Blue Gum as a mosquito coils

Mosquito - small flying insect that bites the skin of people and animals and sucks their

blood

Mosquito repellent- a substance that deters mosquitoes from approaching or settling

Oregano- perennial herb and native to temperate western and south western Eurasia

and the Mediterranean region

Percentage- a number or rate that is expressed as a certain number of parts of

something divided into 100 parts.