NOTRE DAME OF GREATER MANILA

Mother Ignacia Avenue, Grace Park, Caloocan City

A Functional Project

Creating an eucalyptus scented candle as an alternative mosquito repellent

In partial fulfillment

of the requirements

for the subject

SCIENCE 10

Submitted by:

Azucena, Almario Joaquin

Bernardo, Miguel Niccolo

Esguerra, Sean Yuan

Febrada, Pete Michael

Gonzales, Toks

Submitted to:

Mr. John Christopher Seridio

Teacher, Science 10

October 18, 2019

CHAPTER II – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and

comprehensively done by the researchers, to explore existing information, to provide context in

this research, and to serve as a guide for the future researchers. The researchers also looked for

ways on creating an eucalyptus scented candle as an alternative mosquito repellent that may help

the audience with their problems. The following are the research that the researchers found:

Related Literature / Studies

Nasal Hygiene (see Table 17.1)

Steam Inhaler, This acts as a decongestant17, 18 and mucolytic. Highly medicinal

EUCALYPTUS OIL, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil should be added to the steam. Use three to

four times a day for at least 15 to 20 minutes if treating an infection, and once or twice daily

preventively for treating chronic inflammation. Irrigation, Perform three to four times a day for

treating a sinus infection, immediately following the use of the steam inhaler.19,20 A pulsatile

irrigator is the most effective irrigating device and the only device shown to remove the biofilms.

Irrigation is one of the best methods for quickly eliminating (and preventing, once or twice daily)

sinus infections, in addition to treating chronic and fungal sinusitis (see Chapter 113). [1]

Footnote:

1. Chronic Sinusitis, Robert S. Ivker DO, Integrative Medicine (Fourth Edition), 2018

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033?

fbclid=IwAR1ty0Q3d2N76TR8w53gXAlYHqWPIdk6GKal23s7XW_SUmtubfjxiR-146A
Related Literature/ Studies

Treatment for all Types of Lice, lice are commonly treated with over-the-counter

products containing agents such as pyrethrins, permethrin, malathion, essential oils (e.g.

eucalyptus oil) and products that physically suffocate the ectoparasite. The emergence of drug-

resistant lice and concerns about the neurotoxic effects of malathion have created the need for

new therapies. Results from trials of mechanical removal, suffocation-based pediculicide

treatments, shampoos containing complex plant-based compounds, topical application of

dimethicones, and home remedies (vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, olive oil, mayonnaise, melted

butter and petroleum jelly) are inconsistent. Head shaving is effective but is distressing for

children. Because no approved pediculicide is completely ovicidal, topical treatment failure is

most commonly due to the lack of repeat treatment to ensure emerging nymphs are killed.

Treatment failure can also be the result of inadequate application of the treatment product,

resistance in the lice or re-infestation.5–7 Oral and topical ivermectin have demonstrated both

efficacy against head lice and acceptability in several studies, 8–11 but only the topical route of

administration is currently licensed for use against lice by the United States Food and Drug

Authority (FDA). [1] Mosquitoes, how we hate these pesky creatures, and for good reasons: they

are annoying, give us an itch, and carry a number of deadly diseases. If you ask your friendly-

neighbour-hood plant enthusiast, there are a number of plants that can ward off these blood-

suckers like garlic to a vampire. Go to the nearest plant nursery and ask if they have any of these

plants available. Eucalyptus, a natural oil from the eucalyptus tree repels most insects because of

its strong scent, mosquitoes included [2]

Footnote:

2. Louse Infestation, Marian J. Currie, James S. McCarthy, in Manson's Tropical

Infectious Diseases (Twenty-third Edition), 2014

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033?

fbclid=IwAR1WzQgtWec9fX2BETN_bO4Xm1ZaCEkd9-

prABpsyM3AX36ElYjZTys2AiQ

3. Normandy A. Dela Paz, Plants versus skeeters, 2016

https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippinedailyinquired1109/20160313/282

905204662072?fbclid=IwAR1WzQgtWec9fX2BETN_bO4Xm1ZaCEkd9-

prABpsyM3AX36ElYjZTys2AiQ

Related Literature/ Studies

Eucalyptus [Eucalyptus globulus Labill (E. globulus)] belonging to the family of

Myrtaceae, is a long evergreen plant with a height up to 250 feet (Figure 2). It is known for its

constituents like cineole (70%–85%), aromadendrene limonene terpinene, cymene, phellandrene,

and pinene . Its oils have been used to regulate and activate the various systems like nervous

system for neuralgia, headache and debility. The immune system boosts the immunity against

measles, flu, cold and chickenpox. Leucorrhea and cystitis of genitourinary system can also be

well treated with it. Throat infections, catarrh, coughs, bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis associated
with respiratory system have been taken care of by oils of this plant. Moreover, skin problems

like wounds, cuts, burns, herpes, lice, insect repellent and insect bites can be treated with it.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, muscle and joint pains and aches is well reported from the

essential oils of this plant. Eucalyptus oil has demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,

anti-proliferative and antibacterial activities and researchers have proved its efficiency beyond

doubt in treatment of various metabolic and infectious diseases. The results are promising and

can be utilized for treatment of multifactorial diseases of various origins in humans. [1]

Footnote:

4. Parija SC, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2015

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033?

fbclid=IwAR1WzQgtWec9fX2BETN_bO4Xm1ZaCEkd9-prABpsyM3AX36ElYjZTys2AiQ

Related Literature/ Studies

Used since the 1940s, lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the more well-known natural

repellents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved eucalyptus oil

as an effective ingredient in mosquito repellent. A recent study trusted Source showed that a

mixture of 32 percent lemon eucalyptus oil provided more than 95 percent protection against

mosquitoes for three hours. [1] Eucalyptus (Eucapyptus spp.), an evergreen tall tree native to

Australia and Tasmania, has been used since ancient times by the aboriginal population for

several purposes. In particular, the species E. globulus is widely used in the pulp industry, as

well as for the production of eucalyptus oil extracted on a commercial scale in many countries as
raw materials in perfumery, cosmetics, food, beverages, aromatherapy and phytotherapy. The

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the principal and the most important constituent extracted from

eucalyptus leaves, demonstrated an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Despite the

fact that the healthy effects of eucalyptus have been well established by research, further studies

are necessary to investigate other prime effects of the plant and its possible implication in the

treatment of a greater number of pathological conditions. [2]

Footnote:

5. 10 Natural Ingredients That Repel Mosquitos, Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN,

RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, and CHT on January 24, 2017

https://www.healthline.com/health/kinds-of-natural-mosquito-repellant

6. Vecchio, Maria & Loganes, Claudia & Minto, Clara. (2016). Beneficial and

Healthy Properties of Eucalyptus Plants: A Great Potential Use. The Open

Agriculture Journal. 10. 52-57. 10.2174/1874331501610010052.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307869709_Beneficial_and_Healthy_Propertie

s_of_Eucalyptus_Plants_A_Great_Potential_Use/citation/download

Related Literature/ Studies

Mosquitoes are vectors of many diseases such as malaria and dengue. These

hematophagous insects have mouthparts that can penetrate the skin thus infecting the host

with viruses or plasmodia. At present, the incidence of dengue is increasing in the

Philippines (Sia Su et al. 2008, WPRO 2014) and is considered an important public health
problem in Southeast Asia (WHO 2007). The rapid spread of dengue in the country is

primarily due to the primary vector, the mosquito A edes aegypti. One of the on-going

researches undertaken by the health agencies in the Philippines and by the World Health

Organization is vector control. Eradication or reduction of disease-carrying mosquitoes can help

prevent the spread of dengue, hence, pesticide spraying and fumigation have been practiced.

However, environmental and health-hazard issues that arise from the use of these methods are

well documented (US EPA 2012). The most important plant species are mostly exotic

(non-native) species such as Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Eucalyptus sp.,

Gmelina arborea, and Azadirachta indica. Only 2 are indigenous: B lumea balsamifera and

Phyllodium pulchellum. The exotic plants were either natura l recruits or planted intentionally

for utility. L. leucocephala is a native of South America and is a known weed in the

Philippines. It usually grows in wastelands or in pioneer-stage secondary forests. The three

of these species have been reported in published

papers to have insect-repellent property. L. leucocephala has been tested for its repellent

activity against the pest of Brassica oleracea L. (Vasconcelos et al. 2006), but the results

showed it is more effective as an insecticidal than as a pest repellent. Gliricidia sepium

has been tested for its repellent property on the mosquito, Aedes aegypti by Nazli et al.

(2008) and has been shown to have maximum repellency of 78%. The same plant has been

shown to have a potential deterrence effect against a plant pest by Flores et al. [1] Steve

Humpries, Mosquito repellents:‘Lemon Eucalyptus Oil’ is not ‘Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus’! There

is considerable confusion between ‘lemon eucalyptus essential oil’ and ‘oil of lemon eucalyptus’.

Both are used as mosquito repellents but they have quite different chemical compositions and

efficacy. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil (sometimes simply called Lemon eucalyptus oil) is
made by steam distilling the dried leaves and twigs of the lemon eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus

citriodora or Corymbia citriodora). A typical chemical profile for this essential oil is: citronellal

(70-90%), citronellol (4-12%), and isopulegol (1-16%). In a nutshell, lemon eucalyptus essential

oil is mainly citronellal with a small variable amount of PMD and is not approved for use in

disease endemic areas due to its lack of efficacy. In contrast ‘oil of lemon eucalyptus’ is mainly

PMD, which provides highly effective mosquito protection, and is approved for use in all disease

endemic areas. Unfortunately people often confuse these two quite distinct products. For

example, journalists often report ‘oil of lemon eucalyptus’ studies as showing the efficacy of

lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Even some aromatherapists, who should know better, perpetuate

this confusion by recommending lemon eucalyptus essential oil as a mosquito repellent for

protection against the zika virus. It is not approved for this purpose for good reason. [2]

Footnote:

7. Ragragio, Elena. (2014). A Survey of Plants Used as Repellents against

Hematophagous Insects by the Ayta People of Porac, Pampanga Province,

Philippines. Philippine Science Letters. Volume7.179186

.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282246870_A_Survey_of_Plants_Used

_aRepellents_against_Hematophagous_Insects_by_the_Ayta_People_of_Porac_P

ampanga_Province_Philippines

8. Steve Humpries, Mosquito repellents: ‘Lemon Eucalyptus Oil’ is not ‘Oil of

Lemon Eucalyptus’, 2019

 https://www.hebebotanicals.co.nz/mosquitorepellents/?

fbclid=IwAR29bl5RcOLTX9xgi0QWRIRu9JL6Mq3a9uPI_H_-

WBg6SQGB48GOe5_VgjM

Related Literature/ Studies

According to Goddard, insect repellents are important tools for prevention of insect-borne

diseases as well as painful or uncomfortable insect bites. There are two most effective and

widely used products and they are to follow: N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, which is applied

to exposed skin, and permethrin, which is applied to clothes. Goddard adds, both are safe when

used according to directions. Other repellents, including a variety of plant-derived products, have

also been used but generally have a weaker or shorter-lived repellent effect. Furthermore, there

are a lot of people who uses chemical-based repellents. According to scientists, insect repellents

containing deet are safe to use especially when the directions are followed correctly. Although

there are concerns regarding the use of repellents, researchers have not found any evidence that

DEET causes cancer in animals or humans. DEET has been classified by the United States

Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) as "Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.” [1]

According to Heather, if a person is in need of relaxation and a proper way to meditate, a perfect

way to be treated in a luxury meditation is with the use of a scented candle. She adds, people use

scented candle as a Mind Retreat. As there are several benefits of a scented candle, each scent

from a certain collection has been carefully tried and tested to find the perfect blends, not only

smell unbelievable, but offer health benefits too. Furthermore, scented candles that reduces
anxiety and stress, especially in this modern world that we live in, is a winner for the audience.

[2] Products containing DEET currently are available to the public in a variety of liquids, lotions,

sprays, and impregnated materials like wrist bands. Formulations registered for direct application

to human skin contain 4 to 100 percent DEET. Although effective, the safety of topical DEET

and DEET-based mosquito repellents has not yet been established in the Philippines. Researchers

from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) conducted a study entitled, Acute

Systemic and Dermal Toxicity Testing in ICR Mice of N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET): An

Effective Mosquito Repelling Compound which showed that 100 percent DEET concentration in

repellent lotions may cause skin irritation and allergies. Checking the dermal effects of DEET in

varying concentration using mice, results of the study revealed that applying DEET with 50

percent or less concentration did not produce skin irritation or allergies. The 100 percent DEET

concentration applied, on the other hand, produced second degree redness. The researchers

concluded, “Lower concentrations of DEET can be considered as non-irritating compounds and

relatively safe to use. However, 100 percent DEET can be classified as potential irritant and

allergen based on the shown reactions of tested animals.” Researchers, Venny Rose Y. Bico,

Jussiaea V. Bariuan and Maria Amelita C. Estacio, warned that though insect repellents

containing DEET do not pose serious health concern and, in fact, beneficial in repelling dengue

mosquitoes, consumers should follow label directions and take proper precautions. They advised,

“Public should be extra careful in choosing products such as insect repellents. Knowing the

dosage of chemicals present in the products should not be overlooked. In case of adverse

reactions to products with high DEET, discontinue use of the product, wash treated skin, and call

physician for help. If you go to a doctor, take the repellent container with you.” [3]

Footnote:
9. Jerome Goddard, PhD, Health Risks and Benefits of Insect Repellents, 2002;19(6)

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/438257

10. Heather, The true health benefits of candles, March

18,2019http://mindretreatcandles.com/the-true-health-benefits-of-candles?

fbclid=IwAR2Tx5-hc104OZyKmgKjx-

jXq4bBzLucyMpiBZuiY0O1eOPkiw9kBlu-XCY

11. Ana Ciaren P. Hipolito, 100% DEET in mosquito repellent lotion may induce

allergies, study says, 22 June 2012

http://pchrd.dost.gov.ph/index.php/r-d-updates/3123-100-deet-in-mosquito-

repellent-lotion-may-induce-allergies-study-says