Extracting Bitter gourd and Peppermint for Additives in Mosquito-repellant Candle Lights

A research

Presented to:

Faculty Development

In Partial Fulfillment in Course

Research II

Presented by:

de Leon, Danny Jr. M.

Florentino, Avea v.

Talimada, Richmond Cyrus

Philippine Yuh Chiau School

Del Pilar, Cabatuan, Isabela

 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Mosquitoes have been present for about 100 million years now and these creatures have

been a problem for many people in the world. And just like humans, mosquitoes have evolved in

their ways and schemes including specialized mouthparts for blood-feeding, incredible sensory

perception, and most amazingly, the development from an aquatic life stage through to an

airborne home.

Mosquitoes are tiny insects, but they carry a big economic bite and they transmit disease

in a variety of ways. In the case of malaria, parasites attach themselves to the gut of a female

mosquito and enter a host as she feeds. In other cases, such as yellow fever and dengue, a virus

enters the mosquito as it feeds on an infected human and is transmitted via the mosquito’s saliva

to a subsequent victim.

Beyond the nuisance factor, mosquitoes are carriers, or vectors, for some of humanity’s

most deadly illnesses, and they are public enemy number one in the fight against global

infectious disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed mosquitoes as among the

top threats to public health, especially in developing nations. Each year, nations suffer billions

of dollars in losses, spend billions on mosquito control programs and invest substantially in

treatments for patients who have suffered complications after mosquito bites..

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 Reduction of disease-carrying mosquitoes can help prevent further spreading of diseases

such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus. Hence, insect spray repellents,

mosquito coils, and fumigation are implemented.

The use of natural products poses an alternative method of control and/or eradication of

disease-carrying mosquitoes. It has been customarily considered to be one of the safest ways of

controlling pests.To find effective and affordable ways to control the mosquito and prevent the

spread of dengue, several plants have been tested(Cavalcanti et al. 2004, Pitasawat et al. 2007).

The study uses Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon for it has many recommended for various

health benefits by the physicians and Diabetologist. Juice controls blood sugar and hence it is

recommended for diabetic patients. It also makes your blood bitter, which mosquitoes don’t like.

Alkaloids are present in bitter gourd leaf, the chemical content which is responsible for repelling

mosquitoes.

Minty fragrances are unpleasant to a mosquito’s keen senses which makes it perfect to

infuse with the bitter gourd extract for a more effective product. The more presence of

peppermint plants can ward off theses perky flying insects to some degree. Mosquitoes won’t be

able to tolerate your presence. Peppermint oil is also effective at relieving itches caused by bug

bites.
 Obico and Ragrario (2014) revealed that most of the plant parts used are the leaves and

stems, which are dried and then burned since smoke is said to drive away from the insects.

The researchers decided to make a mosquito coil and insecticide spray alternative because it is
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much safer for the health of people who are going to be exposed to the candle and the smoke it

produces. Insecticide spray can lead to insecticide poisoning when a person inhales too much of

it. While the smoke of mosquito coils can pose significant acute and chronic health risks. For

example, burning one mosquito coil would release the same amount of PM(2.5) mass as burning

75-137 cigarettes.

Hence, the study engaged in making candles with an accompaniment of Bitter gourd leaf and

peppermint leaf as a mosquito repellent.

Statement of the problem

This research aims to determine the efficiency of candle made Ampalaya leaf extract to repel

mosquitoes, this research sought to answer the following question:

 Is there significant difference between the efficiency product compared to commercially

produce mosquito coils?

  Is there significant difference between the scent of the product compared to commercially

produced mosquito coils?

 Is there significant difference between the lifespan of the product compared to

commercially produced mosquito coils? Page 3 of 23

Hypotheses

1) Ho: There is no significant difference between the efficiency of the product and

commercially produced mosquito coils.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the efficiency of the product and

commercially produced mosquito coils.

2) Ho: There is no significant difference between the scent of the product and commercially

produced mosquito-repellants.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the scent of the product and commercially

produced mosquito-repellants.

3) Ho: There is no significant difference between the lifespan of the product and

commercially produced mosquito coils.

Ha: There is a significant difference between the lifespan of the product and

commercially produced mosquito coils.

Significance of the Study

The study is considered valuable to the following: Page 4 of 23

I. Knowledge

It will help in making people aware of the dangers of diseases caused by mosquitos and

prevent further damages it can cause.

II. People

If the product is completed, it can help lessen mosquito-related diseases for the safety of

people.

III. Environment

If the product is completed, it can help in the attainment of a mosquito-free environment

for people to live in.

IV. Researchers

This study may be used by future researchers as guide for future studies or research and

improvement of the study itself.

 Conceptual Framework
MATERIALS: The leaves of peppermint and
1) Paraffin wax bitter gourd will be extracted
2) Peppermint leaf through boiling then the
extract paraffin wax will be melted
3) Bitter gourd leaf and then combined with the
extract extracts. Then, it is placed on
4) Wick a mold together with the wick
placed on the center then it
will be left to solidify.
Finally, it will be ready to
use.
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Test the candle in a
mosquito infested area by
lighting the candle and
placing it in a stable area
to prevent it from causing
any damages. Then
observe the effects on the
mosquitoes
Definition of terms

Mosquitoes are a group of about 3500 species of small insects that are flies. Within Diptera they

constitute the family Culicidae. Mosquito acts as the dependent variable in the research.

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is a vine-type plant that originated in the South Indian state.

It also helps to control blood sugar levels. The bitter gourd leaf extract was used as an additive in

the study.

Peppermint (mentha piperita) is an aromatic perennial plant. It has light purple flowers and green

leaves with serrated edges.Peppermint belongs to the Lamiaceae family and grows throughout

North America, Asia, and Europe. Its leaf extract was used as an additivein the study.

Leaf is an organ of a vascular plant and is the principal lateral appendage of the stem.

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. It serves as a base in the study.

Extract is a substance made by extracting a part of a raw material, often by using a solvent such

as ethanol or water.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Candle Wax  

Candle making has been practiced for thousands of years. Most people have grown up

with candles around them – as decoration and as emergency lighting when the power goes out.

A Candle is a light source consisting of a wick embedded in a solid, flammable

substance. (Wikipedia Dictionary)

According to David Fisher (2012 ), there are a lot of types of waxes that can be used for

producing candles.  Some natural, some synthetic, some a little bit of both, and each of them has

their own particular qualities. Paraffin wax is one of the most versatile and most common waxes

used to this day. Paraffin wax comes in many different melt points, appropriate for many

different applications, from votives to pillars to containers.

Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft, solid wax. It’s made from saturated

hydrocarbons. It’s often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments on the hands, cuticles,

and feet because it’s colorless, tasteless, and odorless. It can also be used to provide pain relief to

sore joints and muscles. Paraffin wax has many other uses, too. It’s often used as lubrication,

electrical insulation, and to make candles and crayons. According to the National Candle

Association (NCA), all waxes have the same chemical composition and has the manner in terms

of burning. (Rustico S.Baydo III, 2016)

Furthermore the (NCA) stated that there is no specific type of wax or wax blend that is

considered the “best” for candle making. All waxes – only when it is provided high quality

Page 8 of 23
format– have been shown to burn safely. and ,cleanly. And toxic or harmful to human health on

candle wax has never been shown or proved. (National Candle Association,2014)

Hence, the researchers decided to use paraffin wax mixed with Ampalaya and peppermint leaf

extract as mosquito candle-repellent

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is an aromatic plant, created from the blending of watermint and spearmint.

It is used to add flavor or fragrance to foods, cosmetics, soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and

other products, and it may have some medicinal uses.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaves can be used dried or fresh in teas.

Originally from Europe, peppermint today is cultivated all over the world.

Peppermint can consist of fresh or dry leaves for use in food or as a tea. Peppermint essential oil

is used in tinctures, chest rubs, and creams.

It can also be taken in enteric-coated capsules for swallowing. This allows the peppermint

to pass into the intestine.

Peppermint essential oil is a concentrated oil that is extracted from the peppermint plant

by steam distillation. The whole fresh or partly dried plant is used before it starts to flower.

Peppermint essential oil is a natural deterrent against mosquitoes and flying insects. Use

peppermint oil alone or in a homemade insect spray to effectively repel mosquitoes, gnats and

horseflies. Bugs may not like peppermint oil, but kids and adults usually enjoy its fresh,

energizing scent. Plus it creates a cooling sensation that's perfect for hot summer days. (Gerber,

2018)
 The researcher would rather a choose fresh and minty clean aroma in the bug spray than

that icky chemical smell, peppermint is the perfect choice. Peppermint is a natural insecticide

that kills as well as repels mosquitoes.

The researcher can also use the power of peppermint to deter bugs in a homemade bug

spray that's easy to make and easy to use on a wider area. The researcher can also add additional
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essential oils to make the spray last longer and repel different types of bugs.(Ansari, 2000)

Hence, the researchers decided to use peppermint in making of Ampalaya and

Peppermint leaf as a component in producing a mosquito candle-repellent

Ampalaya  (Momordica charantia)

Ampalaya is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in

Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the

shape and bitterness of the fruit(Wikipedia Dictionary). Bitter melon originated from the South

Indian state of Kerala and was introduced into China in the 14th century. It is widely used in the

cuisines of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. as one of the indigenous plants used by

Ayta people of Pampanga to repel mosquitoes. The plant part that was primarily used is a

combination of stems and leaves specifically dried and fallen ones.  This mode is relatively more

sustainable than gathering the whole plant (including the roots) since the plants can grow new

stems and leaves.  The use of leaves and stems  could  imply  that  compounds  with  repellent 

activity  are more  concentrated  in  these  parts. The secondary metabolites of plants are usually

found in the leaves and stem since these chemicals function to deter herbivores.

A phytochemical study in 1898 yielded alkaloids, glycosides, aglycone, tannin, sterol,

phenol and protein as the prominent phytocompound found in Ampalaya(Momordica charantia).

The leaves and fruits yielded a bitter principle, momordicin. A petroleum ether extractive yielded

highly aromatic ethereal oil, a fixed oil, traces of free fatty acids and carotene. Ethyl ether

fraction yielded chlorophyll, a glucoside-like substance and resin. Water soluble extractive

yielded a saponin-like substance and mucilaginous bodies.

This study made a strong support that indeed Alkaloids is present in

Ampalaya(Momordica charantia) leaf, the chemical content which is responsible in repelling a

Mosquito.

Insect Repellents

Insect repellents also known as “bug spray” are materials that doesn’t exterminate but

prevent insects and avoid negative factors brought by it. It is applied to skin, clothing, or other

surfaces which discourages insects (and arthopods in general) from landing or climbing on that

surface. Insect repellents are broadly used in pest-infested areas such by mosquitos and

cockroaches. Insect repellents contain ingredients such as diethyl phthalate, diethyl carbate; N,

N-D Diethyl-3-Methylbenzamide (DEET), metofluthrin, oil of lemon-eucalyptus, picaridin and

ethyl hexanediol. Repellent can be found as aerosols, creams, pump sprays and liquids.

Plants and Herbs as Mosquito Repellents

Some plants and herbs have a distinct characteristic that repels mosquitos such as their

natural fragrance. Plant-based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as

personal protection measure against host-seeking mosquitos. 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), terpenoids, phenolics, proteinase inhibitors, and growth regulators. Plants commonly

produce volatile when leaves are damaged in order to deter herbivores, and several authors have

shown strong responses of mosquito odour receptors to this class of volatiles including geranyl

acetate and citronellal, 6 methyl-5-hepten-2-one and geranylacetone.

Known plants such as Citronella, Peppermint, and Gum trees (Eucalyptus) are very

effective mosquito repellents. Citronella oil which came from lemongrass is commonly used in

commercial bug sprays and candles. It features a lemon-like citrusy scent that is irritating to

mosquitoes, but ideally pleasant to people.

Similar to Citronella, Eucalyptus has a powerful smell that interferes with mosquitoes’

delicate senses and can make them difficult to locate their food sources. The oil from these trees

also repels other insects such as ticks, midges and sandflies. The oil can be applied directly to the

skin, but should be applied regularly for optimum protection.

Peppermint plants can also fend off insects specially mosquitos to some degree. Minty

fragrances are unpleasant to a mosquito’s keen senses. Crushing the leaves and rubbing

peppermint on the skin is effective as a repellent.

DEET

N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, also called DEET or diethyltoluamide, is the most

common active ingredient in insect repellents. It is slightly yellow oil intended to be applied to

the skin or to clothing and provides protection against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, leeches

and many biting insects. Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as

safe for kids, but you must still take some precautions. DEET can be used on exposed skin but

should not be used on face, under clothing, on cuts or irritated skin, or on the hands of young

children.
 EWG’s science review concluded that although DEET certainly isn’t perfect, its safety

profile is actually better than a lot of people think. Given that it is highly effective, reasonably

safe and has been used billions of times, it is concluded that it’s a reasonable choice when you

need a repellent that really works. The human health risk assessment concluded that there are no

risks of concern because no toxic effects have been identified when used as a dermally applied
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insect repellent, and there is no dietary or occupational exposure for DEET.

Even though DEET is safe and not poisonous, researchers say that it is neurotoxic. It has

been found that DEET is toxic to the central nervous system. Researchers say that more

investigations are urgently needed to confirm or dismiss any potential neurotoxicity to humans,

especially when deet-based repellents are used in combination with other neurotoxic insecticides.
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY
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Methods used in the research are present in this chapter of the study. The type of research

conducted, location of the conducted and testing, materials and equipment used, the collection of

data, and data analysis can be seen in this chapter.

PROCEDURAL FRAMEWORK

Requirement of Analysis

Planning of Design

Gathering of Data

Construction of Design

Testing of Design

RESEARCH DESIGN

Developmental research is the type of research used in this study. Indicated in the research’s

procedural framework are the steps used in the research, requirement of analysis, planning of

design, construction of design, testing of design, the integration of design, then analysis once
again, then the product of the research which is the bitter gourd and peppermint extracts in

mosquito-repellant candle lights.

First, the requirement of analysis was shown through analyzing mosquito-prone environments

and the identification of problems concerning about the dangers caused by mosquitos, and the

analyzing of anti-mosquito materials.

Second, the planning of design was developed by gathering the data analyzed in the

analyzing of requirements and the factors that can or may affect the design of the research.

Third, in the construction of design, equipment for creating the product and the materials

to produce it are brought, prepared, and used based on the research’s design.

Fourth, the testing of design was performed through testing the efficiency of the product

to determine if it is in its best form. Then further analysis is performed.

Fifth, the integration of design was conducted to search for further issues and problems

the product has and to further improve the product itself. Then, analyzing of requirements are

again performed.

RESEARCH LOCALE

The study was developed and constructed in Philippine Yuh Chiau School in Del Pilar,

Cabatuan, Isabela from October to December 2019 by students of the said school.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

1. Paraffin Wax – used as the main foundation of the product (Candle)

2. Ampalaya Leaves Extract – used as the main ingredient for the candle as a mosquito

repellant.
3. Peppermint Extract – used as secondary ingredient for mosquito repelling and adds good

scent to the product.

4. 3 Paper Cups – used to from the candles

5. Gloves - this a material used for covering a whole hand. (Encarta Dictionary, 2003)
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6. Mask - this is an object normally worn out on face typically for protection. (Encarta

Dictionary, 2003)

7. Plastic bottle - this used to store liquids. (Encarta Dictionary, 2003)

8. Scissors - cutting implement with handles are a pair of blades pivoted face by face.

(Encarta Dictionary, 2003)

9. Mosquito - a small flying insect of the family of a Culicidae, known for biting and

sucking blood (Encarta Dictionary, 2003)

10. Mold - also spelled Mould, in manufacturing, a cavity or matrix in which a fluid or

plastic substance is shaped into a desired finished product. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia

Britannica (November 15, 2007). Mold. Encyclopædia Britannica)

11. Wick - thread, strip, or bundle of fibers that, by capillary action, draws up the oil of a

lamp or the melted wax in a candle to be burned. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia

Britannica (March 27, 2017). Wick. Encyclopædia Britannica)

12. Match - a splinter of wood, a strip of cardboard, or other suitable flammable material

tipped with a substance ignitable by friction. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

(May 28, 2019). Match.Encyclopædia Britannica

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURES

1. Preparation of the Setup

 The materials needed to construct the product are bought and prepared. The ampalaya

and peppermint leaves are extracted for the making of the product. The materials

were brought to Philippine Yuh Chiau School where the study was developed and

produced.

2. Construction of the Product

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Three different candle sticks were made (Plain candle stick, with Peppermint Extract, and

with both peppermint and ampalaya extract) for observation. The final product which

was the one with peppermint and ampalaya extract was made by putting together the

melted paraffin wax and extracts in a paper cup to form a candle stick.

3. Testing

The three different candles were observed. Their efficiency and advantages from each

other were analyzed.

First, all three candles were put in a mosquito-filled environment.

Table of Description of Mixtures

Mixture 1 2 3 4

Percentage Paraffin Wax Paraffin Wax Paraffin Wax Commerical

composition of (10 ml) (20 ml) (30 ml) Product

mixture Ampalaya Leaf Ampalaya Leaf Ampalaya Leaf

Extract Extract Extract

(62 ml) (52 ml) (42 ml)

Characteristics Effectiveness Effectiveness Effectiveness Effectiveness

 Each treatment is given a different amount of essence to test, which amount of ampalaya can

repel mosquitoes in a given amount of time.

CHAPTER IV

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This section includes facts and different figures gathered in the experimentation process

of utilizing Ampalaya fruit (Momordica Charantia) essence as a candle to mosquitoes. The result

of the study was described in the preceding section.

Testing for Potential Results of the Product

The potential of the products in terms of creating candles with an additive ampalaya is the

most important part of the study to clarify the statements where this whole study based upon.

The test is done to measure the capacity of the product in repelling mosquitoes. This was done

through the lighting of the product with a different number of times.

Research Questions:

1. What is the best treatment in order to get the target outcome?

2. Is there a significant difference between the best Set-up and the ordinary candle?

3. Is there a significant difference between the best Set-up and the commercial Product?

Per table testing result:

Table 2: The Effectivity of the Candle in a given amount of time

 Set-Ups Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

(20 minutes) (40 minutes) (1 hour)

Set- Up A 10% 15% 20%

(w/Ampalaya)
Set-Up B 20% 20% 24%

(ordinary candle)
Set-Up C 100% 100% 100%

(commercial

product)

Each treatment is set to a different amount of time to test its effectivity when in use.

Table 4:The Effectivity of the Candle in an extensive amount of time

Set-Ups Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

(20 minutes) (40 minutes) (1 hour)

Set- Up A 40% 60% 85%

(w/Ampalaya)
Set-Up B 20% 20% 24%

(ordinary candle)
Set-Up C 100% 100% 100%

(commercial

product)

Each treatment is set to a longer amount of time to test its effectivity when in use to compare

its efficiency.

Researcher’s Analysis

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 to determine if there is a significant difference between each set of the results are subjected

to Analysis of variance. The result shows that there is a significant difference in the percentage

of repelled mosquitoes among treatments, the candle made with an additive of

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaf extract, an ordinary white candle and a commercial

mosquito coil as mosquito repellents. And as effective as set-up c. Set-up A is far more effective

than that of the set-up B.

CHAPTER V

Results and Discussion

This experimental study aimed to determine if a candle made with an additive of

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaf extract and Peppermint oil is effective to repel Mosquito

in a specific area and to further compare its repelling ability with an ordinary white candle and

commercial mosquito repellent. Candle made with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica

charantia) leaf extract, peppermint oil, ordinary white candle and commercial mosquito

repellent.

Each received different solutions as follows: Candle made with an additive of Ampalaya

(Momordica charantia) leaf extract, ordinary white candle and commercial mosquito repellent. It

have showed that within the experientations (Treatment 1, Treatment 2, Treatment 3,) treatment

3 showed the best result with the an average of 61.67. It was founded that it has a significant

difference from treatment 2 and treatment 1.

 The result of the study shows that a candle made with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica

charantia) leaf extract can repel mosquito but not as effective as commercial mosquito repellent.

Researcher’s Findings
Page 20 of 23

Some findings of the study while conducting the research may include the following:

1. The candle made with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaf extract has

the ability in repelling Mosquitoes (Culicidae).

2. The ordinary white candle has low percentage effectivity level of repelling mosquitoes, if

compared with different products used in the study

3. The commercial Mosquito Coil has very high effectivity level of repelling Mosquito, if

compared to the different products used in the study.

4. There was a significant difference among the percentage of repelled Mosquito in a set-up

with a lighted candle made with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica Charantia) leaf

extract, ordinary white candle and commercial mosquito coil as mosquito repellents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The result of the study shows that a candle made with an additive of

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaf extract can repel mosquito but not as effective as

commercial mosquito repellent. However, candle with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica

charantia) leaf extract could still be used as an alternative repellent agent of mosquito since the

experiments done showed its ability to repel mosquitoes.

Recommendation Page 21 of 23

1. Candle made with an additive of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) leaf extract can be a

repellent agent of mosquito in case of absence of light or no electricity available in a certain

area.

2. The use of Ampalaya(Momordica charantia) by burning its dried leaves or vine as

smoke-fogging to repel mosquitoes, or directly apply its extract on skin not only because it is

safe to use but it could also save money in buying those very expensive chemicals used in

other products.

 
 

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Bitter Melon. (n.d.). In TheFreeDictionary. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Ampalaya

Momordica Charantia. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved October 5, 2019, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momordica_charantia

Sultan, M.J., Sabri, M.A., & Tariq, M. (2000). Different control measures against the insect pests

of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). Retrieved from http://agris.fao.org/agris-

search/search.do?recordID=PK2001000879

Amtul, N., Asunala, R.K., Chevagoni, S., Doddaka, G.K., Gollapally, V.G., Kosaraju, N.K.,…

Uppugalla, R.R. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/doc/212785184/LARVICIDAL-

EFFECT-OF-AMPALAYA-Momordica-charantia-FRUIT-JUICE-ON-Aedes-MOSQUITO-

LARVAE

Sultan, M.J., Sabri, M.A., & Tariq, M. (2000). Different Control Measures Against the Insect

Pests of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.). Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 3:

1054-1055. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2000.1054.1055

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