Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and

Garlic (Allium sativum) extract

1

CHAPTER I
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Nowadays, mosquito one of the deadliest animals in the world. Their ability to carry
and spread disease to humans causes millions of deaths every year such as malaria, filariasis,
dengue fever and yellow fever (Ukpong et al., 2016). In the Philippines, during week 50 in
December, 2019, a total of 764 dengue cases were reported nationwide. As of December 14,
2019, the cumulative number of cases was 420,453 including 1,565 deaths. This is higher
compared to 235,994 cases including 1,181 deaths reported during the same period in 2018
(World Health Organization, 2019). Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes of the
genus Aedes, specifically Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, a mosquito that bite during the
day. These mosquitos are widely distributed in subtropical and tropical areas of the world.
The incidence of dengue has increased dramatically in recent decades, with estimates of
40%-50% of the world’s population at risk for the disease in tropical, subtropical, and, most
recently, more temperate areas such as Philippines which is close to equator (Smith, 2019;
California Department of Public Health, 2019).

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chair Secretary
Delfin N. Lorenzana (2019), convene a full council meeting and declared a national dengue
epidemic in the wake of the 146,062 cases recorded since January up to July 20 this year,
98% higher than the same period in 2018 were 622 deaths. This might worsen as climate
change and global warming increase the likelihood and spread of many vector-borne
diseases.

To address this problem, efforts have been made in the scientific communities to
conduct varied researches that look into other sources for mosquito insecticide– the plant
species. It is really important to create an alternative mosquito insecticide that is efficient and
safety for the fact that mosquitoes are one of the deadliest living creatures in this world for
they carry such disease that could kill tons of human being. The diseases cause by
mosquitoes such as dengue is increasing in an alarming rate and its death rate is also,
increasing each year.
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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The researchers are encouraged to continue the exploration of medicinal benefits that
is abundant in the Philippines. Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifollius) and Garlic (Allium
sativum) has been investigated by the researchers for its safety and efficacy as an alternative
mosquito insecticide. This alternative mosquito insecticide made out of candle added with
Pandan leaves and Garlic extract, it can burn longer and considered non-toxic. If proven safe
and effective, it may help to the prevention of dengue worldwide and also to give an
accessible and affordable insecticide to the society.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to find the efficacy of Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifollius) and Garlic
(Allium sativum) as an alternative repellent.

It specifically sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the taxonomic hierarchy of Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifollius)?

Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Family:
Order:
Genus:
species:
Garlic (Allium sativum)?
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Family:
Order:
Genus:
species:
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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2. What are the effects of Pandan and Garlic extract as an alternative insecticide for
mosquito?
3. What will be the desired solvent that will be best suited for Pandan and Garlic extract
mosquito insecticide in terms of:
a. 70% Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH)
b. Water (H2O)
4. What concentration level of Pandan and Garlic extract is effective as mosquito
insecticide, given by the ff. concentration:
a. 10% concentration of Pandan and Garlic extract
b. 40% concentration of Pandan and Garlic extract
c. 90% concentration of Pandan and Garlic extract
5. Is there any significant difference between commercial repellent and an alternative
insecticide candle with Pandan leaves and Garlic extract?
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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Conceptual Framework

The paradigm of the stated study is shown in Figure 1 as it represents the conceptual
framework of the study. It shows the variables, intervening process and their relationship
necessary for the completion of the research.

Independent Variable Intervening Process Dependent Variable

Pandan (Pandanus amaryfollius) Pandan and Garlic mixed with

Kingdom: Plantae water in different concentration:
Phylum: Magnoliophyta a. 10% concentration
Class: Liliopsida b. 40% concentration
Family: Pandanaceae c. 90% concentration
Order: Pandanales Level of efficacy of
Genus: Pandanus Kinds off solvents Pandan and Garlic
species: P. amaryllifolius A.Ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) Extract
a. 1:1:1
Garlic (Allium sativum) b. 1:1:2
Kingdom: Plantae c. 1:1:3
Phylum: Spermatophyta B.Water (H2O)
Class: Monocotyledonae a. 1:1:1
Family: Liliaceae b. 1:1:2
Order: Liliales c. 1:1:3
Genus: Allium
species: A. sativum

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the study

The first box represents the independent variable which are Pandan leaves and Garlic.
The taxonomic hierarchy of Pandan that sates it belongs to the Kingdom of Plantae its
Phylum is Magnoliophyta, the Class is Liliopsida, belonging to the family is Pandanaceae,
order of Pandanales, genus of Pandanus and species of P. amaryllifolius. The taxonomic
hierarchy of Garlic that sates it belongs to the Kingdom of Plantae its Phylum is
Spermatophyta, the Class is Monocotyledonae, belonging to the family is Liliaceae, order of
Liliales, genus of Allium and species of A. sativum.
The second box presents the intervening process of the study showing the percentages
of the level of concentration of Pandan and Garlic extract mixed with different solvents
which are water and Ethyl alcohol. The control variable in this study is water and Ethyl
Alcohol The level of concentration first used in the attempt is 10 percent of the second
attempt of Pandan and Garlic extract, 40 percent is being use as a level of concentration of
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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Pandan and Garlic extract and lastly, 90 percent of water is used as a level of concentration
of Pandan and Garlic extract.
The 70% ethyl alcohol is being used as solvent and using the Ratio and Proportion,
the first the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 1 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol.
In the second attempt, the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 2 ml of 70%
ethyl alcohol. In the third attempt, the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 3
ml of 70% ethyl alcohol.The water is being used as solvent and using the Ratio and
Proportion, the first the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 1 ml of water.
In the second attempt, the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 2 ml of
water. In the third attempt, the 1ml of Pandan extract is to 1 ml of Garlic extract and 3 ml of
water.
The third box represents the dependent variable which are Pandan and Garlic. The
result will be different using varied levels of solvent such as Water (H2O) and 70% Ethyl
Alcohol (C2H5OH) on the insecticide candle.

Theoretical Framework

This research aims to develop an efficient mosquito insecticide that is eco-friendly

and safe. The number of mosquitoes it can repel is the main target of this research; this
include the safeties and efficacy of our candle repellant. The following theories strengthen
the researcher’s visions.

In chemistry, the concentration of a solution is the quantity of a solute that is

contained in a particular quantity of solvent or solution. Knowing the concentration of solutes
is important in controlling the stoichiometry of reactants for solution reactions. Chemists use
many different methods to define concentrations, some of which are described in this section.
Molarity
The most common unit of concentration is molarity, which is also the most useful for
calculations involving the stoichiometry of reactions in solution. The molarity (M) is defined
as the number of moles of solute present in exactly 1 L of solution. It is, equivalently, the
number of mill moles of solute present in exactly 1 mL of solution:
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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Molarity=molesofsolutelitersofsolution=mmolesofsolutemillilitersofsolution (4.5.1)
The units of molarity are therefore moles per liter of solution (mol/L), abbreviated as M
. An aqueous solution that contains 1 mol (342 g) of sucrose in enough water to give a final
volume of 1.00 L has a sucrose concentration of 1.00 mol/L or 1.00 M. In chemical notation,
square brackets around the name or formula of the solute represent the molar concentration
of a solute. Therefore, [Sucrose]=1.00 (4.5.2) is read as “the concentration of sucrose is 1.00
molar.” The relationships between volume, molarity, and moles may be expressed as either
VLMmol/L=L
(molL)=moles (4.5.3)
Or VmLMmmol/mL=mL
(mmolmL)=mmoles(4.5.4)

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focuses on the Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan
(Pandanus amaryllifollius) and Garlic (Allium sativum) extract. The plant was collected at
San Agustin, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur. This study is limited on the in Vitro testing
through the living materials such as mosquito.

Significance of the Study

The importance of our study is to find an alternative mosquito insecticide candle

made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifollius) and Garlic (Allium sativum) extract.

The investigation of the safety and efficacy of plant extract are beneficial to the
following:

To the Department of Health. This study may be beneficial to the Department of Health for
the possible production of alternative insecticide that might contribute to the prevention of
mosquito related diseases.
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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To the DENR. The study will give them knowledge that Pandan leaves and Garlic should be
protected and preserved due to their potential as mosquito insecticide.
To the FDA. The result of the study may give additional information of the importance of
Pandan leaves and Garlic as alternative mosquito insecticide. Also, the study will lead to the
agencies to push through the use of plant.
To the Community. This study may provide them knowledge that Pandan leaves and Garlic
extract can be used as mosquito insecticide.
To Future Researchers. This study aims to evaluate the Pandan and Garlic extract as an
alternative mosquito insecticide. The result of this study may provide them knowledge that
Pandan leaves and Garlic extract can be used as mosquito insecticide for the future
researchers.
The result of the study will be a source of information on another research problem.
Also, it can be a source of information relating to Alternative mosquito repellent candle made
from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifollius) and Garlic (Allium sativum) extract. This study may
serve as encouragement for other researchers to conduct investigations on the other plant
materials. Furthermore, the study would be able to find another use for the Pandan and Garlic
extract other than from its discovered property usage.

Definition of Terms
This page further give the meanings of the following unusual terms present in this study:
Candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax, or another flammable solid substance
such as tallow, that provides light, and in some cases, a fragrance.
Garlic it is used as a subject of the study in which this also helps in repelling
mosquitoes because of its compound.
Mosquito this is the test subject of the study.
Pandan it is used as a subject of the study in which this also helps in repelling
mosquitoes because of its compound.
Insecticide it is a substance used to kill or repel insect such as mosquito.
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE

Foreign
Mosquitoes have been implicated in the transmission of very debilitating and deadly
diseases to humans; such as malaria, filariasis, dengue fever and yellow fever (Ukpong et al.,
2016). According to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (2019), reported 3 104 000
suspected and confirmed dengue cases in the Americas Region. Brazil accounted for 71% of
the cases (2 201 000, cases), recording a ten-fold increase compared with the same period in
2018 when 247 393 cases were reported.
In the Philippines, during week 50 in December, 2019, a total of 764 dengue cases
were reported nationwide. As of December 14, 2019, the cumulative number of cases was
420,453 including 1,565 deaths. This is higher compared to 235,994 cases including 1,181
deaths reported during the same period in 2018 (World Health Organization, 2019).
Dengue is the most common and important arthropod-borne viral (arboviral) illness in
humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, specifically Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus, a mosquito that bite during the day. They are both small black mosquitoes
with white stripes on their back and on their legs and can lay eggs in any small artificial or
natural container that holds water. These mosquitos are widely distributed in subtropical and
tropical areas of the world. The incidence of dengue has increased dramatically in recent
decades, with estimates of 40%-50% of the world’s population at risk for the disease in
tropical, subtropical, and, most recently, more temperate areas (Smith, 2019; California
Department of Public Health, 2019).
The number of cases having dengue around the world increased every year instead of
decreasing as well as the number of deaths inflicted by the disease. The Philippines is close
to equator that has a tropical season in which mosquitos more likely to breed. Through this,
the researchers find an alternative mosquito insecticide made from the extract of Pandan
leaves and Garlic.
Plant-based repellents are still extensively used in this traditional way throughout
rural communities in the tropics because for many of the poorest communities the only
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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means of protection from mosquito bites that are available, and indeed for some of these
communities, as in the Europe and North America “natural” smelling repellents are preferred
because plants are perceived as a safe and trusted means of mosquito bite prevention.
Pandanus amaryllifolius is a tropical plant variously known as Pandanus leaf, Pandan,
and Screwpine in English is a beloved aromatic throughout Southeast Asia, referring it as
“The Vanilla of Southeast Asian Cooking” through producing a sweet-smelling attractive
aroma when the leaves are crushed or cut, it can also act as a natural insect repellent (Wong,
2014).
Garlic is a plant of Allium (onion) family. It grows in many parts of the world and is
a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste. However, the main
use of garlic was for its health and medicinal properties. its health benefits are caused by
sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed (Leech, 2018).
Fresh garlic contains an amino acid called alliin. When the clove is crushed or chopped, an
enzyme, alliinase, is released. Alliin and alliinase interact to form allicin, which is considered
the major biologically active component of garlic (Fogoros & Wong, 2019).
The compound inside the garlic called alliin which is converted to allicin by cutting
or crushing is similar to Pandan leaves that released an aroma that can act as an insect
repellent when crushed or cut.
There is a myth rise out following the fact that mosquitos bite some people, but not
the others, is because of their blood. Mosquitos are not attracted by blood type, but they
concern more on scents. Carbon dioxide and lactic acid are the two best-studied mosquito
attractants. Female mosquitos are looking for people with attractive scents that they need in
order to produce their eggs using iron and protein contained in the human blood (Med, 2016).
People have different smells from one another. Certain people are not interesting for
mosquitos and some are magnets for mosquitoes since their smells are appealing. Adults
produce more carbon dioxide than children that is why they are more appealing to mosquitos.
In addition, female mosquitoes are those who bites off the human carrying various diseases,
infecting people
Repellents make humans unattractive to a mosquito so that it will avoid areas of the
body that have been treated with the product. The intake of garlic can affect the odor and
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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carbon dioxide released by a person making it a mosquito repellant. When the composition of
candle is added with the extract of garlic and pandan it can affect the odor composition
released making it an insect repellent.
Local
Pandanus locally known as Pandan is a genus of monocots of about 600 known
species, varying in size from small shrubs less than a meter to medium-sized trees of about 2
meters. In the Philippines there are 48 species of Pandanus, many of them are endemic,
growing in various habitats, from sandy beaches, mangroves and primary forests. (Flores,
n.d.).
Allium sativum L. locally known as ahos is a perennial herb of the Amaryllidaceae
family. The bulb let in fresh or in processed form has been used as food, condiment, and for
medicinal purposes. Aside from being an indispensable recado (ingredient), garlic is also
used in preparation of drugs, insecticide and explosives. The crop is widely cultivated in the
Ilocos, Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon Regions. All varieties grown in the Philippines
are of native origin. These are batangas white, Ilocos white and Batanes white. Ilocos White‟
is the most common variety of garlic planted for commercial production in the country. It has
purple to white scales. It is moderately resistant to insect pests and diseases. It matures 90 to
110 days after planting and has a potential yield of 3.5 tons per hectare. It has a prolonged
span of shelf life. (Andu, 2009)
Garlic contains at least 33 sulfurs compounds, several enzymes, 17 amino acids and
minerals. The sulphur compounds are responsible for the pungent odor and many of its
medicinal effects. Garlic has been used both as spice and medicine for thousands of years
with the present craze on use of natural products, health maintenance or as therapeutic
agents, garlic, in its various preparations, has been popularly used for high blood pressure,
for high cholesterol, and for heart disease. (Sia, 2008).
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chair Secretary
Delfin N. Lorenzana (2019), convene a full council meeting and declared a national dengue
epidemic in the wake of the 146,062 cases recorded since January up to July 20 this year,
98% higher than the same period in 2018 were 622 deaths. This might worsen as climate
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
11

change and global warming increase the likelihood and spread of many vector-borne
diseases.
Mosquito carry diseases that can afflict humans such as dengue which caused an
endemic uproar in the Philippines. As time goes by, the case recorded with dengue has
increased as well as the number of deaths. This might continue as climate change and global
warning worsen every year. Through this, the researchers sought to find an alternative
mosquito repellent which efficient and eco-friendly.
A well-made candle does not emit smoke when burning properly, but it is always
good and safe to remember to burn candles in a well-ventilated area. Something as simple as
lighting a candle can elevate the ambience. A warm, flickering light and pleasant fragrance
can make all the difference between a post-work routine and a relaxing nighttime ritual
(Jaymalin, 2013; Alberto, 2018). The extraction method in producing the pandan extract gel
and candles is simple and not costly making the aim of this study simple which is to repel
mosquitos with scented candles as the medium.
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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Related Studies
Foreign
According Shirai et al.(2007), carbon dioxide and lactic acid are the two best-studied
mosquito attractants. Carbon dioxide, released mainly from breath but also from skin, serves
as a long-range airborne attractant and can be detected by mosquitoes at distances of up to 36
meters. Lactic acid, in combination with carbon dioxide, is also an attractant. Mosquitoes
have chemoreceptors on their antennae that are stimulated by lactic acid.
Most plants contain compounds that they use in preventing attack from phytophagous
(plant eating) insects. These chemicals fall into several categories, including repellents,
feeding deterrents, toxins, and growth regulators. Most can be grouped into five major
chemical categories: Nitrogen compounds (primarily alkaloids), (2) terpenoids, (3) phenolics,
(4) proteinase inhibitors, and (5) growth regulators. Although the primary functions of these
compounds is defence against phytophagous insects, many are also effective against
mosquitoes and other biting Diptera, especially those volatile components released as a
consequence of herbivory (Maia & Mooreh, 2011).
Pandanus amaryllifolius extract contained several compounds that act as a natural
antioxidant and antidiabetic agents, such as essential oils, tocopherols, tocotrienols, alkaloid,
thiamine, fatty acids, esters non-specific lipid transfer protein, and carotinoids and flavonoid
(Mohammed et al, 2008).
B1, also known as thiamine, can definitely help to reduce the amount of mosquito
bites when taken in high doses. Vitamin B1 helps to keep mosquitoes away because when it
is excreted by the skin it helps to mask the natural human odors that are attractive to insects
(Johnson, 2016). The Thiamine ingredients absorb into the skin and provides protection
against insects for upwards of 48 hours (Borland, 2014).
Alkaloids are basic substances which contain one or more nitrogen atoms, usually in a
heterocyclic ring. Alkaloids can be used as repellents by burning plant material, either on a
fire or in a mosquito coil to create an insecticidal smoke that repels the insects through direct
toxicity (Debela, 2002; Bekele,2017).
Alternative mosquito repellent candle made from Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) and
Garlic (Allium sativum) extract
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Pandan leaves contained quite a lot of compounds such as thiamine and alkaloids that
can help repel mosquitos. Thiamine can mask the natural human odor in which is attractive to
female mosquitos while Alkaloid can repel mosquitos through smoke.
Local
The tiny mosquito is not only the Philippines’ but the world’s deadliest predator.
Mosquitoes can transmit many infectious diseases but these diseases are mostly confined to
certain geographical areas. In the Philippines, the deadliest mosquito-borne illness is dengue.
A mosquito-borne disease is transmitted to us human when we are bitten by a mosquito that
is infected with a disease-causing microorganism. (Gozales, 2019)
Insect repellents are important public health tools for the prevention of mosquito
diseases. Insect repellent can help prevent and control the outbreaks of diseases (Valbuena,
2003). To find effective and affordable ways to control the mosquito and prevent the spread
of dengue, several plants have been tested (Ragragio, 2014).
The garlic helps the insecticide more effective due to its smell that usually insects
don’t want. Garlic is said to be the foundation of many insecticidal formulations. It also lets
the insecticide to be more secure and natural. (De Lara, 2014)