ANNONA MURICATA AS AN ALL-NATRUAL INSECT REPELLENT

__________________

SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

PRESENTED TO:

THE FACULTY OF THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

ASSUMPTION ACADEMY INC.

________________

IN PARTIAL FUFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENTS OFOR SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

_______________

BY:

LUBAN, JAIMELETTE

ALETA, CARL JAMES

ENCISO, JEREMIAH

TEVES, MICAH JANE

CASILAN, JILLIAN MAE

RIVAS, JOHN ALLEN

AVILA, BRIT JAMIR

VILLAFLOR, JOHNVER LAWRENCE

2033
 APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for Science Investigatory Subject, this

research entitled “Annona Muricata as an all-natural Insect Repellent” has been
prepared and submitted by Jaimelette Luban, Brit Jamir Avila, Jillian Mae Casilan,
Carl James Aleta, John Allen Rivas, Micah Jane Teves, Jeremiah Enciso, and
Lawrence Villaflor is hereby recommended for Final Oral Examination.

JOVELYN P. ENGRACIAL
RESEARCH ADVISER

_____________________________________________________

Approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with Grade of _____.

CLASIDA B. TECSON, Ph.D

CHAIRMAN

DELIA A. VENTURA
CO-CHAIRMAN

AMY MEGAN S. MURIN CATHERINE T. RAZ

MEMBER MEMBER

______________________________________________________

Approved in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for Science Investigatory Project:

DELIA A. VENTURA
PRINCIPAL

SR. ELSIE MARIE C. ABAO, RSM

DIRECTRESS

2023
Date of Oral Examination

i
 ACCEPTANCE SHEET

This science Investigatory Project entitled: “Annona Muricata as an all-

natural Insect Repellent” prepared and submitted by Jaimelette Luban, Brit Jamir

Avila, Jillian Mae Casilan, Carl James Aleta, John Allen Rivas, Micah Jane

Teves, Jeremiah Enciso, and Lawrence Villaflor in partial fulfillment for the Grade

10, Junior High School, Science Investigatory Project

CLASIDA B. TECSON, Ph.D

CHAIRMAN

DELIA A. VENTURA

CO-CHAIRMAN

AMY MEGAN S. MURING

MEMBER

CATHERINE T. RAZ

MEMBER

Accepted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Grade 10, Junior High

School, Science Investigatory Project.

DELIA A. VENTURA

PRINCIPAL

SR. ELSIE MARIE C. ABAO, RSM

2023

Date of Oral Exam

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers oof this study would like to show their outmost and sincere

thanks to those who have helped us in making this project a success.

To our fellow classmates, who have showed support to one another knowing

that these projects are fulfilled not individually, but as a whole class.

To the parents, who have extended their help and support morally and

financially, who gave us the opportunity to join and create this project by letting us

attend meetings and related practices just to complete and make the project a

success

To our Research adviser, Ms. Jovelyn P. Engracial, for giving her full support

and endearments to motivate us. Knowing that our project is difficult, she did not let

us feel that we are alone, instead, she was with us fighting in battle.

To the jury of panelist: Ms. Delia A. Ventura, Mrs. Catherine Raz, Mrs. Clasida

Tecson and Ms. Amy Megan S. Muring, for their encouragement, insightful

comments, and testing questions.

To the Almighty Father, who have guided us to the right path in attaining the

good result that we have wanted. For protecting whenever we meet or practice just

to complete the project. For staying by our sides even in the most difficult situations.

The Researches are indeed happy and thankful for the help and support

received.

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APPROVAL SHEET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

ACCEPTANCE SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

LIST OF APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x

CHAPTER

I. INTRODUCTION

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Background of the Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Null Hypothesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Significance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Objectives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Scope and Delimitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Theoretical Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

iv
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Related Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

III. METHODOLOGY

Research Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Research Locale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 18

Research Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Procedures of the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Sampling Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Research Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Data Gathering Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Method of Scoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Statistical Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

IV. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Profile of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Distribution of the Respondents by Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Distribution of Respondents by Sex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Determination of Average Mean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Mean Experience on Effectiveness of Annona Muricata as an All Natural

Insect Repellant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

v
 V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Conclusion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Recommendation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .33

BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

CURRICULUM VITAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

vi
TABLE PAGE

1. Distribution of the Respondents Population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

2. Distribution of Respondents by Age . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3. Distribution of Respondents by Sex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

4. Mean Experience on the effectiveness of Annona Muricata as an All Natural

Insect Repellant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .28

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGE

1. Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

viii
 LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX PAGE

A. Survey Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

B. Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

ix
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Too much usage of insect repellant containing DEET (also called

as diethyltoluamide) which is the most commonly used ingredient in

insect repellents, can prevent the normal breakdown of acetylcholine,

nervous system chemical that triggers movement and muscle activity.

Some research has also tied DEET to seizures or rain toxicity in

children. Insect repellent is commonly used by people to prevent

mosquito bites because of it’s effective usage.

Guyabano leaves, scientifically known as Annona Muricata linn is

rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and Vitamins C, B1, and B2 which

helps lower fever, spasms, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also helps

relieve pain, inflammation, and asthma. According to the phytochemical

analysis of Guyabano, it contains  carbohydrates, proteins, phenols,

tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides. These essential

phytochemical compounds are found in plants with larvicidal activities.

Graviola has a high content of niacin, iron, folate, and riboflavin.

Several parts of the fruits are used for medical purpose, including its

stems, leaves, and fruit. It can also be used topically over skin and fo r

cooking purpose. Studies have also revealed a number of health

benefits of the wonder herb in recent years. Let us now examine them .
Background of the Study

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) is a species natural to the tropical Americas,

most commonly found on the Caribbean islands (Zayas, 1966). It belongs to

the Annonaceae family and like other fruit of the genus Annona is a syncarp formed

by the coalescence of pistils and receptacles in a large pulpy structure. It is,

therefore, a compound fruit formed by a cluster of berries, whose individual carpel

components remain in the peel during the entire development in the form of spurs or

pulpy spines, which are curved and short (Bueso, 1980; Worrell et al., 1994). Each

unit resulting from the fertilization of an ovary is called a fruitlet.

Statement of the Problem

Specifically, the purpose of this study is to find out the effectivity

of guyabano leaves as an all natural insect repellent. This study also

aims to answer the following:

How can we make an all natural insect repellent through the use of

guyabano leaves?

What is the advantage of using guyabano leaves rather than other

leaves/plants?

How effective is the guyabano leaves as an all natural insect repellent?

Null Hypothesis

This study advanced the following null hypothesis:

1. There is no great level of acceptability on the effectiveness of

guyabano leaves as an all natural insect repellent

Significance of the Study

The decoction of the leaves is applied topically for its anti-

rheumatic and neuralgic effects, and to reduce abscesses. The leaves

are used in the bath to cure skin disease in the Caribbean islands,

Indonesia as well as in the South Pacific countries. The extracted liquid

of the guyabano leaves can prevent lower fever, spasms, heart rate,

and blood pressure. It also helps relieve pain, inflammation, and

asthma. Consuming guyabano extract can also safely prevent cancer

cells from forming while effectively slowing down tumor growth .

The importance of annona muricata leaves to treat malaria is very

crucial in tropical countries such as Cameroon, Togo, and Vietnam.

Annons muricata leaves have been reported to be a rich source of

annonaceous acetogenins, a unique group of derivates of long chain

fatty acids derived from the polyketide pathway that belong to the

family of annonaceae. Thorough investigations have been carried out

on the leaves of annona muricata as the leaves are the most utilized

parts used for a wide array of ethnomedicinal uses.

Those most likely to benefit from the findings of this study are:

1. Individuals who have asthma and are sensitive with the smell

of ordinary insect repellent. This study will greatly benefit those with

asthma and those who are sensitive to the smell of common insect

repellent due to the natural ingredients to make this insect repellent the

smell of it is more natural and DEET-free.

2. Children. Insect bites is a common occurrence in children, Due

to their age there is a higher risk of dengue.

3. Adults.

Objective

1. To make a DEET free insect repellent

2. To prove that guyabano leaves can be used on making an all natural

insect repellent.

3. To be used as a safer repellent for people who are suffering from

asthma and are sensitive to the smell of the ordinary insect repellent
4. To recognize guyabano

Scope and delimitation of the study

This study mainly focuses on the effectivity and acceptability of

the Annona muricata insect killer as a better and safer repellent to the

ones containing DEET. The researchers aim to come up with better and

safer repellent to ordinary insect repellent in response to the people

who are suffering from asthma and are sensitive to the smell of the

ordinary insect repellent’s. In conducting this study, it is also expected

to use one of the abundant leaf crops in our country making it easy to

make

The primary subjects of this research study will be the residents

of Brgy. Belisong Tabontabon, Leyte, who are prone to mosquitoes that

can cause dengue if not prevented. The researcher’s will focus their

study solely on the key ingredient and the process of creating the

product. This study focuses on the latter effectivity of guyabano leaves

as an all natural insect repellent, as well as how to turn it into a

Theoretical Framework

A theory is presented to corroborate the research as the study.

A. muricata was first described by Carl von Linnaeus in Species

Plantarum, 1753. The genus, Annona, originates from the Greek anon,
“yearly produce”, for the annual harvest of soursop fruits. The muricata

especially the leaves have been used for various ethnomedicinal

purposes by traditional healers to treat several diseases including

cystits, diabetes, hypertension, insomnia, and liver problems and as an

anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic agent.

The cooked leaves are applied topically to treat abscesses. The

leaves are used as a traditional medication to fight against collapses,

hypoglycaemia, inflammation and as a relief medication against

spasms. The leaf of the plant has been nicknamed “the cancer killer”

and, as the name suggests, is also used in traditional medicine in the

treatment of cancer. A muricata leaf extract revealed secondary

metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, sponins, coumarins,

lactones, anthraquinones, glycosides, tannins, and phytosterols.

The leaves of the plant have been extensively investigated for its

diverse pharmacological aspects and found eminent for anti-flammatory

and anticancer properties. However, most studies were not on the

bioactive isolates which were responsible for the activities but were

based on cride extracts of the plant.

Conceptual Framework
 To summarize, it can be concluded that only a certain number of

researcher have investigated the efficiency the efficacy of Annona

Muricata as a Decoction. This research is being carried out to see if

Annona Muricata can be used as a healthier alternative to insect

repellent. The a vail abili ty of Ann ona Muri ca ta (Guya bano ) in the

lo cali ty was determine d thro ugh e xpe rimentation . The pro ce ss wa s

repea te d until the goal o f crea ti ng a re pell ent from Gu yab ano Leaves

(Ann ona Muri ca ta ) was achi eve d.

Upon pro cessin g, th e con te xt o f re alizing a repel len t de rived

fro m a lea ve s o f Gu ya bano was e xamined and teste d.

To elici t the leve l of effi ca cy of the In sect Repell ent. Th e

sensory eva lua tio n was cond ucted which accoun te d for the

pe rception s o f the re sid ents of Brg y. Cabo nga -an Tana uan ,L eyte an d

B rg y. Beli son g Ta bon Tab on, Le yte. Th is a sse ssmen t determine d th e

le vel o f a cce ptabili ty o f the Insect Rep ellen t which ma y be gau ged

towa rd s th e feasibili ty of ma rke ti ng and demand whi ch can be studie d

b y fu tu re con tribu to rs. Approva l from con ce rned authorities such as

the E nvi ron men ta l Protecti on Ag ency. Wi ll be sough t fo r qual ity an d

consump ti on pu rpo se.

Th e re sea rch ers o f th is study pre sen t the con cep tua l framewo rk

in a more con crete fro m thro ugh a sch ema ti c dia gra m as fig ure 1.
 Efficacy and Acceptability of Insect
Repellent.

 EPA

Assessment

Residents of Brgy. Cabungaan, Tabon

Tabon Leyte.

Testing for the Efficacy of Insect

Repellent of Guyabano Leaves as a
Repellent substitute for Repellent

Figure 1 : A Diagram showing the conceptual framework of the study.

Definition of Terms
 Muricata- is known as soursop (English), graviola (Portuguese),

guanábana (Latin American Spanish) and other local indigenous names

listed in Table 1. This plant is species of the genus Annona, of the

Annonaceae family, order Magnoliales and Division Magnoliophyta

(Pinto et al., 2005)

( ht tp s: / / www. scie n ce d ire ct. co m/ scie n ce /a rt icle / p ii/ S1 8 78 53 5 21 60 00 0 58 # : ~:t e xt =mu r

ica ta %2 0 is%2 0 kn o wn %2 0 a s%2 0 so u rsop , et %20 a l. %2 C%2 02 0 05 ). )

DEET- (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active

ingredient in many repellent products. It is widely used to repel biting

pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. Every year, an estimated one-third

of the U.S. population use DEET to protect them from mosquito-borne

illnesses like West Nile Virus, the Zika virus or malaria and tick-borne

illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

(https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/deet)

Graviola- (Annona muricata), also called soursop, is a fruit tree that

grows in tropical rainforests. People have long used its fruit, roots,

seeds, and leaves to treat all kinds of ailments, including cancer.

(https://www.webmd.com/cancer/graviola-cancer-overview)

Protein- is an essential macronutrient, but not all food sources of

protein are created equal, and you may not need as much as you think.

Learn the basics about protein and shaping your diet with healthy

protein foods. (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-

you-eat/protein/#:~:text=your%20protein%20knowledge!- ,What%20Is

%20Protein%3F,carries%20oxygen%20in%20your%20blood.)
 Glycoside- any of a wide variety of naturally occurring substances in

which a carbohydrate portion, consisting of one or more sugars or a

uronic acid (i.e., a sugar acid), is combined with a hydroxy compound.

The hydroxy compound, usually a non-sugar entity (aglycon), such as a

derivative of phenol or an alcohol, may also be another carbohydrate,

as in cellulose, glycogen, or starch, which consist of many glucose

units. (https://www.britannica.com/science/glycoside)

Tannin- also called tannic acid, any of a group of phenolic

compounds in woody flowering plants that are important deterrents to

herbivores and have a number of industrial applications. As secondary

metabolites, tannins are sequestered in vacuoles within the plant cell,

which protects the other cell components. They occur normally in the

roots, wood, bark, leaves, and fruit of many plants, particularly in the

bark of oak (Quercus) species and in sumac (Rhus) and myrobalan

(Terminalia chebula). They also occur in galls, pathological growths

resulting from insect attacks.

(https://www.britannica.com/science/tannin)

Flavonoids- are various compounds found naturally in many fruits

and vegetables. They’re also in plant products like wine, tea, and

chocolate. There are six different types of flavonoids found in food, and

each kind is broken down by your body in a different

way.(https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flavonoids-everything-

you-need-to-know)
 Phenol- any of a family of organic compounds characterized by a

hydroxyl (―OH) group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an

aromatic ring. Besides serving as the generic name for the entire

family, the term phenol is also the specific name for its simplest

member, monohydroxybenzene (C6H5OH), also known as benzenol, or

carbolic acid. (https://www.britannica.com/science/phenol)

Saponins- also selectively referred to as triterpene glycosides, are

bitter-tasting usually toxic plant-derived organic chemicals that have a

foamy quality when agitated in water. They are widely distributed but

found particularly in soapwort, a flowering plant, the soapbark tree and

soybeans. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saponin)

Vitamin C- or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. This means

that it dissolves in water and is delivered to the body’s tissues but is

not well stored, so it must be taken daily through food or supplements.

Even before its discovery in 1932, nutrition experts recognized that

something in citrus fruits could prevent scurvy, a disease that killed as

many as two million sailors between 1500 and

1800.(https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/)

Iron- is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development.

Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells

that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and

myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also

needs iron to make some hormones.

(https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/#:~:text=Iron%20is

%20a%20mineral%20that,iron%20to%20make%20some%20hormones.)

Niacin- A water-soluble vitamin belonging to the vitamin B family,

which occurs in many animal and plant tissues, with antihyperlipidemic

activity. Niacin is converted to its active form niacinamide, which is a

component of the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)

and its phosphate form,

NADP.(https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/

def/niacin)