You are on page 1of 36

1

Muntinlupa Science High School


999 Buendia St., Tunasan, Muntinlupa City

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) as


an Alternative Active Ingredient in Mosquito Repellent

A Science Investigatory Project


LIFE SCIENCE

Presented to

Science Department

As a partial fulfillment of the


requirement in Research

Project Proponents
REGINE GRACE R. DACILLO (Ptolemy)
ISABELLA T. SUITADO (Pythagoras)
GABRIEL ADAM C. MABANSAG (Ptolemy)
YUKI J. KURUMIYA (Peano)
ANGELINE MAE A. CAPIRAL (Pasteur)
MICHAELA CAMILLE M. SANTOS (Pasteur)
XEAN XYRONE Y. PADUA (Priestley)
VINCE NEIL J. GALZOTE (Pythagoras)
BRENTH JORIZ N. SERRANO (Pythagoras)

Research Advisers
Mrs. Marilu R. Lorzano
Mr. Ric Garry C. Buenavie
Ms. Jenica Lopez
2

ACKNOWLDEGEMENT

Foremost, the researchers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the

following:

Mr. Ric Garry C. Buenavie, one of our research advisers, for the continuous support

towards the research;

Mrs. Marilu R. Lorzano, for her guidance that helped the researchers in all the time

of research and writing of this thesis;

Ms. Jenica Lopez, for her patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense

knowledge;

The members, for the stimulating discussions, for working together before deadlines,

and for all the fun we had.

The researchers would all like to express their utmost gratitude to the Almighty God

for his presence and guidance throughout our journey.


3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title Page ……………………………………………………………………...1

Acknowledgement …….………..……………………………………………..2

Chapter I: INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………….4-10

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem

Objectives

Hypothesis

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitation

Chapter II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE……………………… 11-20

Chapter III: METHODOLOGY…………………………………………… 21-33

Bibliography ………….. ………….. ………….. ………….. ………………34-36

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
4

Background of the Study

In this study, the researchers will conduct an experiment about the usage of Basil

(Ocimum basilicum) extract and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) as the main

ingredients in making a mosquito repellent.

The researchers find out that the Philippines is currently fighting against dengue

every year and a lot of people are being affected by it. The researchers also find that the

Philippines has the most dengue cases in Southeast Asia in 2019. The researchers also

observe that when people use mosquito repellent lotion in their skin, it sticks, and it is quite

long before it takes effect in repelling the mosquitoes.

In this research, the researchers will study and will investigate about finding other

alternatives in repelling mosquitoes. Not only will it repel the mosquito around the person,

but it will also bring a pleasant smell.

The researchers will study and will investigate if the Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

extract and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) as mosquito repellent perfume can be

also used as an alternative ingredient in repelling mosquitoes.

The researchers choose to use Basil leaves because it has four of the mosquito-

repellant volatiles that contain estragole. This estragole is the one responsible for the scent

emitted by the Basil leaves that keeps the mosquito away.


5

This study will show the effectiveness of the product towards the people and the

mosquitoes and how it would help in solving the problems in mosquitoes.

Statement of the Problem

The researcher aims to know the properties of the mixture of insect repellents, the

significant difference/s among the concentration of the extracts utilized in the effectiveness of

the produced insect repellent, and which among the three solutions is the most effective

insect repellent.

Research Objectives

 To produce a cost-effective mosquito repellent.

 To produce an environmentally friendly mosquito repellent.

 To produce an organic mosquito repellent using the extract of Basil (Ocimum

basilicum) and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa).

Hypothesis

H0: The Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

will not be the effective alternative active ingredients of a mosquito repellent.


6

H1: The Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

will be the effective alternative active ingredients of a mosquito repellent.

Significance of the Study

Many pathogenic diseases that the mosquitoes carry had caused people to panic,

bringing the mosquito repellents to be in a high-demand state in the market. Mosquito

repellants, however, are chemically produced and chemicals are a scarce resource. This has

led the researchers to find an alternative resource for the mosquito repellents so that the

product will not only be cost-effective, but also to be environmental-friendly.

1. Students and teachers

This study will provide an insect repellent with substances that are not harmful to

humans. Also, the study can be a material or source of additional information.

2. Society

The researchers want to have an alternative ingredient that will substitute the major

components of a common insect repellent. Thus, basil (Ocimum basilicum) and


7

calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) will be effective because of their abundance

of these resources to the society.

3. Environment

The proposed product for this research will come from natural and renewable

resources.

4. Community

The insect repellent that contains basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) can lessen the population of the numerous insects in our

community. For this reason, the researchers also want to decrease the possibility of

transmitting diseases from different insects in our environment.

5. Economy

The insect repellent with basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) as active ingredients costs less and will be more accessible and

affordable for many consumers in the community.

6. Future researchers

This study is beneficial to future researchers for this can be their basis for future

studies. This study and the results that will follow can be used as a theoretical

framework for another study. They can also use the recommendations that will be
8

provided by the researchers and use it for further studies. In general, the findings of

this study can be useful to all the future researchers that will conduct studies related to

this.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

There are factors that can affect the different aspects of the variables of the

researchers’ study. These are weather, location, temperature, repellent effectiveness, and

human health side effects. Weather and temperature can be factors that can affect the

effectiveness of the mosquito repellent. The lower the temperature and the more humid the

weather is, the higher the chance of getting a colony of mosquitoes that can be carriers of

different kinds of diseases to humans. The effectiveness of the mosquito repellent also

depends on the location where the study will take place. If the location of the study is within

rivers, esteros, canals, and other moist places, there will be a high possibility to have a bigger

chance of getting a disease because of the mosquitoes. Thus, the researchers must be

observant in concentrating the amounts of the active ingredients to further minimize and

abolish the mosquitoes that transmit diseases to humans. Lastly, the researchers should

observe the effect of the mosquito repellent on human health. The repellent should be

naturally made and synthetic chemical-free to avoid irritation and other bad effects to human

beings.
9

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Citrofortunella  Extraction of  A cost –


microcarpa Citrofortunella effective,
(Calamondin / microcarpa environmental
Kalamansi) (Calamondin / – friendly
 Ocimum Kalamansi) insect repellent
basilicum  Extraction of product.
(Basil) Ocimum basilicum
 Hexane – a (Basil)
chemical for  Application of
extraction extracts to a
container
 Mixture of both
extracts
 Separate containers
for extract
 Observation
 Testing

Figure 1.
10

As the general objective of this research is to produce a cost-effective environmental-friendly

mosquito repellent, this paradigm is about the researchers' plan on making an effective

product. Input contains the ingredients needed for the product, process has the proposed steps

that the researchers will be doing, and the assumed final product of this research, the product

output of an insect repellent.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE


11

Foreign Literature

DEET (diethyltoluamide), Icaridin, Citrioldiol, and IR3535 are the main compounds

that are approved to use for mosquito repellent. Among these four ingredients, DEET is the

most commonly used compound for mosquito repellent. Guidelines have stated that DEET

has no risk to humans. However, it has been related to seizures in a tiny portion of people that

are estimated to be around 1 in 100 million users. In fact, DEET can be a reason for the

unpleasant toxic-like smell and greasy feel in most mosquito repellents. DEET also has the

capacity to damage plastics.

According to a study in Everglades National Park conducted in the late 1980s, DEET

had been proved to have negative health effect based on the experiment that resulted in a full

one-quarter of the subjects that experienced effects like rashes, skin irritation, numb or

burning lips, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating and these effects is blamed on

exposure to the chemical. (Pollack, 2008)

Mohamed Abu-Donia (2002), a pharmacologist at Drake University, conducted an

experiment on rats and found that prolonged and frequent exposure to DEET resulted in brain

cell death and behavioral changes. The experiment also concluded that humans should stay

away from products containing DEET.


12

On the other hand, basil and calamondin belong to a group of plants that can repel

mosquitoes and a variety of harmful mosquitoes. These plants also exhibit better effects and

benefits than the commercial mosquito repellents that use toxic chemicals which may harm

humans. As one of the main ingredients of this research, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has a wide

range of benefits to our skin. Basil has properties that help protect the skin from some effects

of aging. It is presumed to nourish, fix, balance, cool, smooth, exfoliate and light up the

appearance. Basil oil has the properties to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin. It can

also help deal with skin irritations. In addition to that, the oil also helps to enhance immune

function, protect against infection, reduce water intention, and stabilize irregular

menstruation.

Basil does not just help with the physical aspect. There are also benefits for the

body’s organ systems that include its ability to help you have good digestion, improve mood,

support liver function, relieve pain, boost the immune system, detoxify the body, prevent

premature aging, and heal skin conditions. As a result, basil is a viable treatment for a variety

of ailments.

Arthropod bites are better avoided by avoiding infested areas, wearing protective

clothing, and using insect repellent. Applying repellent lotions to the skin is the most

convenient way to protect you against mosquitoes. It is common knowledge that a bite from a

carrier arthropod may result in the transmission of disease, it is important to know how to
13

protect ourselves from getting the diseases. There are two categories of commercially

available insect repellents available in the market— synthetic chemicals and plant-derived

essential oils. N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, now known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, is

the most well-known chemical insect repellent (DEET).

Tom Oder (2014) stated that essential oils in these plants act as nature’s bug

repellent and insects tend to avoid them. But Oder claims that simply including insect

repellent plants in your landscape will not ensure total protection against insects. Dr. Bodie

Pennisi, an associate professor, and extension landscape specialist said “The concentration of

oils is not there to offer that kind of protection.” However, Pennisi also said that no one’s

done the research into how many plants and claims that plants that are close together are

combined, it would be effective in repelling insects to any great extent.

The compounds with insect-repellent activities in basil essential oil are borneol and

camphor. These articles state that both compounds have distinctive aromas that mosquitoes

tend to react to. It also says that DEET worked by blocking the insect’s ability to detect 1-

octen-3-ol that can be found in human sweat and breath. That would mean that the insects,

which find their human victims by smell, would neglect body parts with DEET on them.

The findings of a study conducted by New Mexico State University on the efficacy

of commercially available mosquito repellents were published in the Journal of Insect

Science. Three of the products (Repel 100® Insect Repellent, OFF® Deep Woods Insect
14

Repellent VIII, and Cutter® Skinsations Insect Repellent) were mosquito anti-agents that

contained DEET as the dynamic fixing, and four of the items (Cutter® Natural Insect

Repellent, EcoSmart® Organic Insect Repellent, Cutter® Lemon Eucalyptus Insect

Repellent, and Avon® Skin So Soft Bug Guard) were mosquito anti-agents that didn't contain

DEET. Avon® Skin So Soft Bath Oil, Victoria's Secret® Bombshell perfume, and Mosquito

Skin Patch®, a skin patch with vitamin B1 as the active ingredient, were the other three items

tested. (Beasley, D. 2015)

The products were tested toward two mosquito species, the yellow fever mosquito

(Aedesaegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedesalbopictus), both of which are known

vectors of dengue fever, chikungunya, as well as other illnesses.

In less than 30 minutes, mosquito repellents that have DEET as an ingredient either

did not have any repelling effect on Aedesa egypti. Cutter® Lemon Eucalyptus Insect

Repellent was the only exception that had a strong repellent effect during the 240-minute test.

The oil and perfume had to repel effects on mosquitoes meanwhile the skin patch did not.

Two repellents that did not have DEET as an ingredient successfully repelled mosquitoes

during the experimentation. Avon® Skin So Soft Bug Guard had a significant repelling effect

that lasted for 120 minutes. The bath oil and skin patch 000seemed to have no repellency on

Aedesal bopictus, however, the perfume did for Aedesa egypti for 120 minutes.
15

Local Literature

In an article, Dr. Manuel Mapue of the Department of Health (DOH) Regional

Medical Dengue Coordinator for Metro Manila revealed that besides being an herb,

lemongrass also has properties that can repel dengue mosquitoes. Many of the mosquito

repellents in the market are made effective mostly because of them out of chemical bases.

The most popular chemical used in these commercially made mosquito repellents is DEET,

chemically known as N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. There are different products in the market

that hav DEET. They may come as liquids, lotions, sprays, and even wristbands. 4 to 100

percent direct contact with the human skin is registered as DEET. The usage of DEET and

DEET-based products has not been fully established in the Philippines. Acute Systemic and

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

Mosquito Repelling Compound, a research conducted by students from the University of the

Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) showed skin irritation and allergies as a result of DEET

concentrate from repellent lotions.

Researchers conducted an experiment wherein the researchers compared the effects of

DEET in different concentrations using mice. The first set-up with 50 percent or less

concentration did show any signs of skin irritation. On the other hand, the second set-up that

has 100 percent DEET concentrations produced second-degree redness. “Lower DEET

concentrations can be treated as non and reasonably stable to use. However, based on the
16

reactions of studied animals, 100 percent DEET can be identified as a possible irritant and

allergen,” the researchers concluded.

Foreign Studies

A study about the mosquito repellent activity of essential oils extracted from

aromatic plants was conducted in Argentina (Gillij, Gleiser, &Zygadlo, 2008). The objective

of the study was to produce mosquito repellent using the essential oils which can for DEET.

Results of the study show that the essential oils have the capability of repelling mosquitos

and that R. Offinalis is the most effective essential oil. The repellency time of the R. Offinalis

lasted longer compared to the other essential oils extracted, with 12.5% concentration. The

researcher also discovered that Limonene and Camphor are the main components that affect

the repellency of an essential oil.

A study that reviewed the efficiency, development and testing of plant-based insect

repellents revealed that plant-based repellents have been widely used as protection against

mosquitoes for the past years (Maia & Moore, 2011). The plants used have compounds that

are used to prevent attacks from plant eating ( phytophagous) insects. These repellents contain

compounds and chemicals that are categorized which includes repellents, toxins, and growth

regulators. Most of the chemicals, function as defense mechanisms against phytophagous


17

insects. In fact, many are also effective against mosquitoes and other biting Diptera (true

flies).

A research in Korea was conducted to compare the repellency of three repellents with

different bases: DEET, citronella, fennel oil (Jong, et. al., 2015). The results of the study

show that the DEET-based mosquito repellent has a longer repellency time of 360 minutes

compared to the repellency time of the citronella based and fennel oil-based with 10.5

minutes and 8.4 minutes respectively. Despite the longer repellency time of the DEET based

repellent, KFDA (Korean Food and Drug Administration) countered that DEET is a toxic

chemical that can trigger severe sensory disturbances that can possibly affect motor skills,

memory and learning ability. The study also stated that organic mosquito repellents may be

an alternative to artificial chemical repellents such as DEET.

A study entitled “Evaluation of Herbal Essential oil against Mosquitoes” conducted

by the Department of Plant Production Technology and Faculty of Agricultural Technology

in Bangkok, Thailand confirmed that lemongrass has components that have properties that

repel mosquitoes. In the experiment researchers did, participants were asked to apply target

crops, including lemon grass oil, on one of their arms while the other arm has nothing applied

to it. The participants’ arms were enclosed inside a cage with 250 nulliparous female

mosquitoes that ranges from 5-7 days old. The researchers observed the mosquitoes’

movements and behaviours. According to the results of the study, Dengue and malaria
18

mosquitoes were repelled by oils from lemon grass, peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and

cloves. This study is to be improved in terms of its formulation and efficacy.

Another study that has the same results as the previous study is the research

conducted by the University of Southern California, “Effectiveness of Lemon Grass as a

Natural Mosquito Repellent”. Researchers compared the repellence of lemon grass and DEET

based repellents and they discovered that lemon grass extract can be an alternative to artificial

chemical-based repellents.       

The study that contains natural extracts as prime components of an insect repellent

analyzed the capability of different plants to be an active ingredient for natural mosquito

repellents: Mexican marigold, Rosemary, Lemongrass, and Citrosa. It indicates that active

compounds can be found in the plant which serves as antifeedants. When contrasting the

protection times of the commercial organic repellents, the organic repellents gave 34 minutes

to 60 minutes of protection, or 54 minutes longer in mosquito protection than of the

commercial repellents.

Local Studies

A Filipino student in 2014 conducted a study about Calamondin’s (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) insecticidal property on common mosquitoes. The researchers used Calamondin

(Citronella microcarpa) extracts as the main ingredient of an insect repellent. The researchers
19

mixed it with carrier oils then they mixed it in a spray bottle. Based on the results of the

research, Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) was said to be not an effective

commercial repellent, but effective as a natural mosquito repellent. Common plants with

insect-repelling effects did not originate from the Philippines and can be a possible ecological

threat.

121 informants from five villages aged between 20-60 years old from Ayta people

from Porac, Pampanga, Philippines were interviewed to know more about the insect repellent

plants that are available in the community. Use-value (UV and Informant Consensus factor

(FIC) were used to analyze the plants. The survey yielded a list of 54 plant species classified

into 49 genera and 26 families. The Fabaceae family comprises the most species with insect

repellent activity. The seven most common plants used as insect repellents dependent on UVs

are mainly exotic plants: (1) Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, (2) Gliricidia sepium

(Jacq.) Walp., (3) Eucalyptus sp., (4) Gmelina arborea Roxb., (5) Blumea balsamifera (L.),

DC., and (6) Azadirachta indica Phyllodium pulchellum (L.) Desv., and (7) Phyllodium

pulchellum (L.) Desv. The FIC value (0.74) indicates that the Ayta agrees in their selection of

plants. The parts that were mostly used in the experiment were leaves and stems that were

dried and burned first. The researchers claim that the smoke of the burning plants was the one

that drove the insects away. Published works promote the use of Leucaena leucocephala,

Gliricidia sepium, Eucalyptus sp., and Azadirachta indica.


20

This study may be the basis for phytochemical screening for insect repellents.

Ethnobotanical documentation is also another purpose of the study that will help the Ayta

community in preserving their culture.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

The study will apply the experimental method of research, which aims to know the

effectiveness of a mosquito repellent with Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) as alternative main ingredients for repelling and killing

mosquitoes. Experimental research design is usually used in manipulation and controlled


21

testing to understand causal processes. Generally, one or more variables are manipulated to

determine their effect on the dependent variable.

Research Sampling

The researchers will utilize the purposive sampling for the study because the

researchers know that it is the most effective and accurate method in order to succeed the

experiment.

A purposive sample is a non-probability sample that is selected based on

characteristics of a population and the objective of the study. Purposive sampling is also

known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling. The researchers will focus on the

effectiveness of the sample containing different percentages of basil and calamondin extracts

in finding the specific antimicrobial and insect repellent properties of the solution. This

sampling technique will be helpful for the researchers in order for the data to be specific and

distinct to have a precise and accurate inference.

Research Instrument

The study will use applied testing to determine the effectiveness of the created

repellents of the researchers to mosquitoes.


22

The testing involved the repellent with Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) as alternative main ingredients for the insect repellent in form

of a gel air freshener. The applied testing is in the method of finding the number of

mosquitoes it can repel or kill.

Materials and Methods

The researchers want to obtain the following materials: 1 cup basil, 7 pieces of

calamondin fruit, 2 cups canola oil, 2 sachets of gelatin, slow cooker, strainer, bowl, small

sealable glass container. The researchers want to have these raw ingredients and materials in

order to have an accurate and good product for the alternative insect repellent.

Note: Glycerin may be used in the solution together with the mixture of the homogenous

solution of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract.

This functions as the base ingredient of the insect repellent in order to stabilize and neutralize

the acidity of the calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract and the strong odor that

will come from the pure basil (Ocimum basilicum) extract.

Research Data Gathering Procedure

A. General Procedures
23

The study is about testing the feasibility of the mixture of basil (Ocimum basilicum)

extracts and calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extracts in a solution. The

researchers will use basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves and calamondin (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) fruit in finding its effectiveness in reducing and repelling insects that

contain numerous diseases such as dengue. The researchers will use three set-ups to

have different percentages of the basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) extracts for them to know the specific role of the

extracts in the insect repellent. After the experiments, the results will be thoroughly

discussed.

B. Specific Procedures

1. Collection of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) will be gathered from different

abundant sources such as different markets and stores and the basil (Ocimum basilicum) will

be collected at the researchers’ respective gardens or will be bought at the supermarkets in

order to obtain these main ingredients for the making of an alternative insect repellent. These
24

ingredients are also convenient to the researchers because they are abundant in the scope of

the study and they are easier to find as well.

Basil Calamondin
https://www.treehugger.com/how-to-harvest- https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/
basil-4869843 backyard-fruit.html
Collection of basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa)

Fig. 2 Collection of Basil and Calamondin

2. Preparation of Extracts

a. Preparation of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Extract

In the preparation of calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract, the

researchers will gather calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa), cut them in half, and

extract the juice out of the fruit. The zest and the seeds are not necessary for the

product and it will be disposed properly through disposing it in the compost pit.

b. Preparation of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Oil


25

The pressure cooker will be filled with water by the researchers. The

researchers will use fresh cut basil (a fully packed pressure cooker - about 3 - 4 KG).

The basil will now be placed on a vegetable steamer basket or pot by the researchers.

The researchers will fill the condenser with cold water and will also add blocks of ice

and periodically remove the surface hot water and replace it with cold water and more

ice so that the condenser stays cool (needs to stay cool for the condensation process to

work.)

The researchers will turn the gas on, after a short time the water begins to boil and

the steam coming out of the pressure cooker is condensed in the condenser to a liquid

form. After a few minutes of distillate production, a fine layer of oil begins to form on

top of the water (this is the essential oil).


26

Preparation of Calamondin Cutting of Calamondin


https://www.alamy.com/stock- https://www.wikihow.com/Make-
photo/backyard-fruit.html Calamansi-Juice

Disposing the zest and seeds in the


compost pit properly.

Extraction of Calamondin
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-
Calamansi-Juice

Fig. 3 Extraction of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa)


27

Preparation of Basil Chopping of Basil


https://www.treehugger.com/ 1970903/chopping-basil-on-
how-to-harvest-basil-4869843 cutting-board

Condenser (Water and a block of ice) Putting Basil inside the pressure
cooker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bGlMDt1cT_4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bGlMDt1cT_4

Turning the heat on Extract of Basil


https://www.youtube.com/watch? https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=bGlMDt1cT_4 v=bGlMDt1cT_4

Fig. 4 Extraction of Basil (Ocimum basilicum)


28

3. Preparation of Insect Repellent


The researchers would like to create an insect repellent in the form of gel air

freshener. With that, the researchers will start the process of making the insect

repellent by boiling a cup (235 mL) of distilled water first before dissolving 28 grams

of unflavored gelatin into the boiling water.

After the mixture is removed from heat, the researchers will add another cup (235

mL) of water, 1 mL of the prepared basil(Ocimum basilicum) oil, 1 mL of prepared

calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract, a mold inhibitor like salt, and a few

drops of food coloring for determination purposes. The researchers will transfer the

mixture to a smaller container and let it cool inside the refrigerator for 1 hour for a

quick set.

Making of Product
Boiling of Water
https://www.espwaterproducts.com/what-to-
do-when-boil-water-advisory-is-lifted/

Fig. 5 Making of the Product

4 Different Set-Ups
Experimental Set-ups
29

The researchers will have first a control set-up. The control set-up will contain

the standard concentration of the basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract. In this set-up 10% of the solution will be the

pure basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves extract and a 10% part of the solution will be

the pure calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) extract. Aside from the control set-

up, there are 3 set-ups that will be done by the researchers. First is a 15% basil

(Ocimum basilicum) with 35% calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) solution. In

this process, the researchers will test the effectiveness of calamondin (Citrofortunella

microcarpa) extract using its properties in antibacterial aspects and combatting

numerous insects in epidemicity. Second is 25% basil (Ocimum basilicum) with 25%

calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) solution. In this formula, the researchers

will test the effectiveness of the balanced basil (Ocimum basilicum) and calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) solution in order to have harmony in its effectiveness of

reducing insects that contain numerous diseases. Third is 35% basil (Ocimum

basilicum) with 15% calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) solution. This kind of

ratio of solution will target the repulsion between the solution and the insects with

deadly diseases to humans.

Note: The other percentage in a solution may contain gelatin, water, glycerin, and

essential oil that are important in the sublimation process of the solution.
30

10 % solution of pure
Calamondin
10 % solution of pure Basil
Fig. 6 Control Set-Up

35 % solution of pure 25 % solution of pure


Calamondin Calamondin

15 % solution of pure Basil 25 % solution of pure Basil

15 % solution of pure
Calamondin
35 % solution of pure Basil
Evaluation of the Product Fig. 7 Three Manipulated Set-Ups

Good Points

One of the good points of this product is that instead of using Citronella, the

researchers will use an alternative ingredient in making the mosquito repellent. The
31

ingredients the researchers will use are Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Calamondin

(Citrofortunella microcarpa) Also, instead of buying those expensive mosquito repellents,

they can make it at home. It is also organic so it is safe to use by everyone. It is effective as a

mosquito repellent because the ingredients the researchers will use are all natural and known

for its various healing effects.

The researchers thought of a way to improve the scent of the mosquito repellent

because some people do not like the scent of the other mosquito repellent. The product will

not have the scent of the normal mosquito repellent so it will not bother the user. The

ingredients the researchers will use are available in supermarkets, stores, etc. They are also

inexpensive and easy to find. If you want, you can plant the ingredients the researchers used

in your backyard for easy access.

Overall the product is safe, effective, and affordable

Statistical Treatment

The researchers want to use t-test as the main statistical treatment in order to show

the different relations between the statistician and researchers’ confidence level about the

future results of the study. In addition, the researchers want to seek help for a statistician
32

about using the accurate statistical treatment to implement and present the data in its most

acceptable way of justifying. It is important to know the statistical treatment in order to

obtain the accurate results and implications of the study to avoid committing errors while

getting each of the measurements in the future observations that will be inferred by the

researchers.

The researchers also want to seek more information from statisticians, experts, and

professionals about the analysis of variance in the data that will be collected. In the ANOVA

setting, the observed variance in a particular variable is partitioned into components

attributable to different sources of variation. In its simplest form, ANOVA provides a

statistical test of whether or not the means of several groups are equal, and therefore

generalizes the t-test to more than two groups. It means that the researchers use this statistical

tool in order to show the implications and generalizations of the organized t-test based data in

quantitative measurements that will be obtained by the researchers in the future. In the case of

the researchers’ study, it is significant.

That ANOVAs are useful for comparing (testing) three or more means (groups or

variables) for statistical significance to weigh the different observations in each variable

affecting the result of the study.


33

BIBLIOGRAPHY

100% DEET in mosquito repellent lotion may induce allergies, study says. (n.d.). Retrieved

June 13, 2012, from Department Of Science and Technology:

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

repellent-lotion-may-induce-allergies-study-says
34

America, E. S. (2015, October 29). Researchers compare 'natural' mosquito repellents to

DEET. Retrieved from ScienceDaily:

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151029101456.htm

Annapolis, M. (2015, October 28). Researchers Compare "Natural" Repellents to DEET.

Retrieved from Entolomogical Society of America Sharing Insect Science Globally:

https://www.entsoc.org/press-releases/researchers-compare-natural-mosquito-repellents-deet

Crossman, A. (2020, March 19). Understanding Purposive Sampling. Retrieved from

ThoughtCo.: https://www.thoughtco.com/purposive-sampling-3026727#:~:text=A

%20purposive%20sample%20is%20a,%2C%20selective%2C%20or%20subjective

%20sampling

Fradin, M., & John, D. (2002, July 4). Comparative Efficacy of Insect Repellents against

Mosquito Bites. Retrieved from The New England Journal of Medicine:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa011699

Jebanesan, S. R. (2005, May 10). Oviposition deterrent and skin repellent activities of

Solanum trilobatum leaf extract against the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi. Retrieved
35

from NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1307576/#:~:text=Insect

%2Dtransmitted%20disease%20remains%20a,30%20seconds%20(Shell%201997)

Lancette, J. (2015, October 28). Researchers compare 'natural' mosquito repellents to DEET.

Retrieved from Phys Org: https://phys.org/news/2015-10-natural-mosquito-repellents-

deet.html

Muhammad Ahamed, H., Rajendran, R., Balakumar, C., & Jayakumar, S. (2012, October 22).

Enhancement of wash fastness of the lemongrass oil treated mosquito repellent nylon nets.

Retrieved from International Conference and Expo on Materials Science & Engineering:

https://www.hilarispublisher.com/conference-abstracts-files/2169-0022_S1.006_005.pdf

Pollack, T. (2008, June 12). Is it true that the DEET used in most mosquito repellents is

toxic? Retrieved from Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-it-

true-that-the-deet/

Ragragio, E. (2014, January). A Survey of Plants Used as Repellents against Hematophagous

Insects by the Ayta People of Porac, Pampanga Province, Philippines. Retrieved from

ResearchGate:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282246870_A_Survey_of_Plants_Used_as_Repelle
36

nts_against_Hematophagous_Insects_by_the_Ayta_People_of_Porac_Pampanga_Province_P

hilippines

Staff, N. (2015, November 4). 'Natural' Mosquito Repellents - Do They Work As Well As

DEET? The Science Answer. Retrieved from SCIENCE 2.0:

https://www.science20.com/news_articles/natural_mosquito_repellents_do_they_work_as_w

ell_as_deet_the_science_answer-158555

You might also like