Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus) Tea as a

Natural Dog Ectoparasiticide

Tagum City, Davao del Norte

St. Mary’s College of Tagum, Inc.

A study presented to the Basic Education High School

Department

By
Buma-at, Dwight
Manantan, Andre
Marcelino, Hazel
Malagamba, Bea
Quillope, Chanz
Manuel, Marijan
Sameon, Cy
Dilag, Jojie
Llana, Neil

February 2020
 CHAPTER I

Introduction

Lemongrass also known as ‘tangad’ or ‘tanglad’ in the Philippines, is an herb with

a lemony scent. This plant grows in many tropical climates, most notably in Southeast

Asia. It can also be used in making vitamin A supplements. The citral compound found

in lemongrass can act as a natural insect repellent along with citronella (Schmidt, 2020).

Moreover, the herb (lemongrass) has a compound named Myrcene and studies have

demonstrated that it has been found to reduce toxic and mutagenic effects (Variziana et

al., 2012).

Ectoparasites are organisms that live on the skin of a host, from which they

derive their sustenance (Meredith and Ulrich, 2013). The dog flea (Ctenocephalides

canis) is a species of flea that lives as an ectoparasite on a wide variety of mammals,

particularly the domestic dog and cat. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is

a parasitic arachnid. They feed on blood, usually from dogs, although they have been

known to bite people. Unlike most other ticks, brown dog ticks can live their entire lives

indoors as long as they have a warm and dry environment.

1.1 Review of Related Literature

The smell of lemongrass oil is unpleasant for fleas. Its active ingredient (citral and

geraniol) acts as a natural repellent (Guerra, 2018).

Fleas are a fact of life for many dogs during the warm weather months.

Disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes have also become a significant problem in many

regions over the last number of years. But before resorting to potent chemicals to
protect your dog against these blood-sucking pests, know that essential oils and

hydrosols can be used as a natural insect repellent to fight against fleas, ticks and

mosquitoes. Not only do they actively repel bugs, but unlike chemical treatments, they

help improve your dog’s overall well-being at the same time. One of the best bug

repellents we have, just a tiny amount of lemongrass oil is very effective. It is also good

for arthritis and digestive problems (Morag, 2016).

The soft, warm fur of dogs provides the perfect environment for fleas and ticks. These

insects feed on your pet’s blood and can cause health problems ranging from allergic

reactions to serious tick-borne illnesses. Both fleas and ticks are more common during the

warmer months, but you can take steps to ward them off any time of years. Fleas are the

most common cause of skin disease in dogs. When a flea bites, it injects saliva into your

pet’s skin. This may trigger an allergic reaction. Signs include intense itching, hair loss

(especially just in front of the tail), scabs, and red, irritated skin, which may lead to skin

infections. (Flowers, 2019).

Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide active ingredient primarily as an anti-fungal

agent in post-harvest handling and as an insect repellent. Lemongrass oil also has

some herbicidal properties. The essential oil is high in citral, which is considered the

principal biologically active agent. (Baker and Grant, 2018).

This great tasting herb contains pungent oil, which is what acts as a pest repellent. The

name of this oil is citronella. As many insects and pests are attracted to sweet and juicy smells

produced by flowers, the sharp and pungent odor of this herb has the opposite effect on pests. It

helps in keeping pests and insects away from your lawn. Lemongrass doesn’t harm those

nuisance pests; it helps in deterring them away from your property and home. Citronella is the
most effective in repelling mosquitoes. However, it is also found to be useful in deterring insects

like flies, ticks, ants, gnats and etc. (Alford wildlife, 2016).

Most insects are highly repelled by the smell of lemongrass, and its essential oil

can be used for the same purpose during outdoor excursions by applying a few drops

directly to your clothes. It can also be applied to the skin after dilution in lotion or in

carrier oil. If used on pets as a flea repellent, it is best applied on the collar and not

directly on the animal’s skin or fur. If that method proves too weak owing to the size

of your pet, you can also make a spray by adding a few drops of lemongrass

essential oil in water and misting it over its fur after a thorough shake (Billy and Tram,

2020).

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also

contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve

levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and

have antioxidant properties. Lemongrass is likely safe for most people when used in food

amounts. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth, applied to the skin, or inhaled as

aromatherapy short-term for medicinal purposes (DeNoon, 2019).

The chemical composition of the oil of lemongrass varies according to the

genetic differences, geographical origin, part of the plant used, method of extraction,

age/stage of maturity, and season of harvest. Despite these differences, a number of

classes of compounds are reproducibly found, including alkaloid, tannins, saponins,

flavonoids, phenols and anthraquinones (Daniel et al., 2014).

1.1.1.1
1.2 Objectives of the Study

o Develop a natural dog ectoparasiticide using lemongrass tea.

o Determine exact time duration of the effectiveness of the tea as an

ectoparasiticide.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

According to Cooper (2019) Dogs commonly get fleas by going to a place where

there are fleas. Or being near another dog who has fleas. It does not only affect the dog

alone but also the owner as well because Ectoparasites are a taxonomically diverse

group of organisms that infest the skin of human beings and other animals which

causes itchiness of the skin (Norton et.al, 2017).

In this research we will find answers to these following questions:

o Will the Lemongrass Tea works as an ectoparasiticide?

o What would happen when applied to the dog’s skin?

o How long will it take to kill the fleas and ticks?

1.4 Definition of Terms

o Ectoparasites - a common cause of skin diseases in dogs and cats. They have a

worldwide distribution and are capable of disease transmission (Katvandi et.al,

2012).
 CHAPTER II

Methodology

2.1 Research Design

Experimental research design is a study that strictly adheres to a scientific

research design. It includes a hypothesis, a variable that can be manipulated by the

researcher, and variables that can be measured, calculated and compared. Most

importantly, experimental research is completed in a controlled environment. The

researcher collects data and results will either support or reject the hypothesis. This

method of research is referred to a hypothesis testing or a deductive research method

(Babbie, 1998).

Harland stated that Experimental research seeks to determine a relationship

between two (2) variables; the dependent variable and the independent variable. After

completing an experimental research study, a correlation between a specific aspect of

an entity and the variable being studied is either supported or rejected. Data in

experimental research must be able to be quantified, or measured. Data collected could

be growth (time, weight, volume, length/width), mass, pressure, sound intensity,

temperature, time, velocity, volume or weight.

This research study focuses on the effectiveness of lemongrass tea as a natural

ectoparasiticide of dog in which we will observe its exterminating activity by using

different measurement and the duration of how long it will take to kill the ectoparasite

until we are satisfied of the results.

2.2 Materials

In this investigation we only took the test organisms from one female dog. Test

Organisms: Flea, Ticks and Mites.

o Lemongrass o Scissors

o Distilled water o 2 small bowl

o Funnel o Tablespoon

o Circular shaped o stainless pot

transparent container o Spatula

o 2 50 mL spray bottle o Mug

container o Strainer
o Weighing Scale

2.3 Data Gathering Procedure

Process

Boil 500 mL of distilled water in the pot. Using the weighing scale weighed 10g of

lemongrass chopped by 2 ½ inch and after weighing cut lemongrass into tiny bits using

the scissors and place inside a small bowl then mash using pestle. When water is boiled

turnoff the heat, place 100 mL of distilled water inside the mug and Let the 10g

lemongrass steep onto the freshly boiled distilled water for 30 minutes (Villalobos,

2015). When 30 minutes is done strain and place the tea inside the small bowl.

2.
References

Schmidt, D. (January 9, 2020) “What is Lemongrass?” Retrieved from

https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cook-with-lemongrass-3217231