THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN

(Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School

Sto. Niño Village, Baroy, Lanao del Norte

S.Y. 2022-2023

Researchers:

Erika Lian T. Limot

Reyna Mae P. Cahilig

Valerie Joy J. Robles

Mrs. Maria Colita G. Regalado

Research Adviser

1
 Table of Contents

Cover page……............................................................................................................................ 1

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................... 2

Chapter 1: Introduction and Background of the study ...............................................................3-4

Statement of the problem ...............................................................................................................5

Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................................6

Research Questions and Hypothesis ..............................................................................................6

Theoretical Framework .................................................................................................................7

Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................................8

Scope and Limitations ..................................................................................................................9

Definition of terms........................................................................................................................10

Definition of terms...................................................................................................................11-12

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature...............................................................................13-14

Bibliography............................................................................................................................15-16

Chapter 3: Methodology.........................................................................................................17-19

Appendices A and B………....................................................................................................20-25

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Chapter I:

Introduction

Mosquitoes are "silent" feeders; their siphon-like mouthparts can quickly pierce

human skin and feed on blood without causing any notice, says Patrick Kelly PhD, director of

Global Epidemiology for Tick Borne Diseases for Pfizer”. Mosquito-borne disease shows a

destructive effect on human health. Diseases transmitted by arthropod vectors, such as

mosquitoes and ticks, are major contributors to the global burden of infectious disease, with

nearly half the world's population at risk of infection with a vector-borne pathogen at any

moment (Prof Kate E Jones PhD, David W Redding PhD, Prof Ibra).

Background of the Study

According to RTI International they may all look the same while buzzing around your head, but

many of the more than 3,000 mosquito species are harmless. The most dangerous mosquitoes

are certain species of Anopheles, Aedes and Culex—Aedes aegypti alone spreads LF, Zika,

dengue, yellow fever, and more. (Quintana, Cane 2020). Mosquitoes have highly sensitive

olfactory receptors that help them detect specific odors, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and

other chemicals emitted by potential hosts. The overpowering scent of durian may mask or

disrupt these attractive scents, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to locate their preferred

targets (Stocker, 1994).

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

In this research, it is an opportunity to be able to create an alternative natural mosquito

repellent with good benefits such as good for our health, non-toxic, harmless, incredibly

nutritious potent smell and more affordable to use. Dr. S. Kathiresan from AIMST University

discovered that the content in the durian skin has a very pungent odor and is not liked by

mosquitoes, because the effect of the content can affect the nerves in mosquitoes and the

resulting effect is that mosquitoes experience stability and eventually die. Due to the strong

smell, durian husks can be used as the natural mosquito repellent (Lim, 2011)

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Statement of the Problem

Mosquitoes are known vectors that transmit pathogenic microorganisms contributing to

the toll of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. These organisms proliferate in the

environment and continually affect the quality of life of everyone affected by mosquito-borne

diseases. In the Philippines, numerous mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and

filariasis continue to affect everyone (Myra S. Mistica, MPH Department of Parasitology). The

content in the durian skin has a very pungent odor and is not liked by mosquitoes, because the

effect of the content can affect the nerves in mosquitoes and the resulting effect is that

mosquitoes experience stability and eventually die. Due to the strong smell, durian husks can be

used as the natural mosquito repellent (Lim, 2011).

This study would like to determine the Effectiveness of Fruit Dried Skin of Durian as a

Mosquito Repellant:

Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. Does dried skin of durian decrease mosquitoes that affect human health?

2. Can the dried skin of Durian be an alternative use of natural mosquito repellent?

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the efficacy of Durian Fruit Dried

Skin as an alternative use for repelling mosquitoes, this research aims to create awareness and

knowledge for the people to know about the possibility of Durian Fruit Dried skin used as a

mosquito repellent.

Research Question and Hypothesis

Question: Can dried skin of durian ben an alternative use for repelling mosquitoes?

Alternative hypothesis: If durian (Durio zebethinus) fruit dried skin is used as a

mosquito repellent between the control group and the experimental group, then there's a

significant difference between the specificied effect.

Null hypothesis: If durian (Durio zebethinus) fruit dried skin is used as a mosquito

repellent between the control group and the experimental group, then there's no significant

difference between the specificied effect.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Theoretical Framework

This research study was inspired by a new study in Nature Communications and was

based on the studies of senior author Ke Dong, a Duke University neurotoxicologist.

Mosquitoes tend to develop “resistance” to a specific repellent over time, “new, alternative ones

need to be continuously developed to eventually replace current ones,” Understanding repellent

mechanisms could help (Ke Dong 2021). Durians are abundant in Asia during their season as

Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are the world’s main durian producers. In this case, numerous

surveys and reviews have been done on the nutritional values and health benefits of durian.

Undeniably, durian has offered unlimited benefits to human health such as relieving mosquito

attacks, alleviating diseases, and enhancing safety in the areas and can increase platelet count in

dengue fever when the platelet decreases because the blood cells are affected by the virus that

causes platelet damage. (Health Benefits of Durian, 2015; Kevat, 2013).

The benefits of Durian Fruit Skin can be used as a mosquito repellent. The smell of

durian is so strong since the durian skin contains flavonoid compounds, saponins, and

polyphenols which are toxic to pests such as mosquitoes. (Mulyato, 2015) Durian peel has been

previously reported to have an excellent nutritional composition and contain many bioactive

compounds. Feng and colleagues reported that durian peel had triterpenoids and glycosides with

anti-inflammatory activity (Feng et al., 2018). On the other hand, Durian husks which are

usually thrown as wastes after the durian pulps are consumed can be dried to be used as fuel or

fertilizers for trees (Utilization of durian, n.d.). There are lots of benefits to durian fruit (Agus,

2014).
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Significance of the Study

To the community

The community is experiencing a problem of diseases that mostly are caused by mosquitos that

could lead to death. Whenever there are a lot of people who got sick by diseases transmitted by

mosquitos; the community will have to increase their defenses to live a healthy life. This study

would conduct research by comparing the affectivity of Dried Durian skin as a Mosquito

repellent. This study aims to repel mosquitoes in specific areas. This study is beneficial to both

the rural and urban areas.

To the economy

This study is significant to the economic base on the fact that the Philippines is prone to

mosquito diseases. The economy is striving to find a solution for the scarcity of natural

resources but due to the epidemic brought by mosquitoes, the economy falls or grows slower.

Epidemics affect the output or products and services that people could consume. It could also

affect tourism which is one of the incomes of a developing country. To lessen the effect, this

study aims to find out the effectiveness of Dried Durian as a mosquito repellent as an alternative

way to prevent them from developing to spread diseases.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Scope and Delimitations

The scope of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the fruit-dried skin of durian

(Durio zebithinus) as a mosquito repellent. The study will focus on the repellent effect of Dried

Durian Skin. The study will also explore the potential benefits of using a natural alternative to

chemical-based repellents. In the design of the questionnaire to have both open-ended

(qualitative) and closed-ended (quantitative) questions. Although the survey questions had some

open-ended questions, this research is primarily quantitative.

Limitations of This Study

The limitations of the study include the fact that it will only test the repellent effect on

the specific area and will not consider other factors such as the effectiveness of the Durian Fruit

dried skin as a repellent when used in other applications. The study will also only consider one

type of Durian fruit-dried skin and will not investigate the effectiveness of other fruit-dried skins

as mosquito repellents. Additionally, the sample size of the study may be limited, which could

impact the generalizability of the results.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Definition of Terms

Arthropod vectors - include mosquitoes, flies, biting midges, ticks, mites, fleas, bugs,

lice, and other arthropods that carry and transmit disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, from

one host to another.

Bioactive compounds – Bioactive compounds can be defined as nutrients and

nonnutrients present in the food matrix (vegetal and animal sources) that can produce

physiological effects beyond their classical nutritional properties.

Bombacaceae family – The Bombacaceae family is a botanical family that includes

various flowering plant species. One of the well-known members of this family is the durian

(Durio), a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. The durian is famous for its large, spiky

fruit and strong, distinctive smell.

Chemical-based repellents - Repellents that are made using synthetic or chemical-based

ingredients rather than natural ingredients.

Durian Husk – The durian husk consists 60.45% of cellulose, 15.45% of lignin and

13.09% of hemicellulose, and the content are similar to wood fiber. For this reason, research is

underway to utilize the fiber obtained from durian husk and combined with PLA to produce bio

composites.
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Effectiveness - The ability of a product or substance to produce the desired result or

outcome.

Flavonoid Compound –In nature, flavonoid compounds are products extracted from

plants and they are found in several parts of the plant.

Fruit-dried skin of durian (Durio zibethinus) - This refers to the outer layer or rind of

the durian fruit that has been dried.

Mosquito-borne disease - Diseases that are spread to people by mosquitoes include

Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria.

Mosquito repellent - A substance or product that is used to repel or deter mosquitoes

from biting humans or animals.

Natural alternative - A product or substance that is derived from natural sources, rather

than synthetic or chemical-based sources.

Olfactory Factors- In the case of mosquito and other insect olfactory systems, odorant

receptors are located on the dendrites of ORNs that extend into the hollow space formed by

distinctive sensory hairs (sensilla) that populate the antennae and maxillary palps (Stocker,

1994).
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Preventive measures - Preventative measure includes the measures or steps taken for

the prevention of disease as opposed to disease treatment.

Polyphenols – Polyphenols are a large family of naturally occurring phenols. They are

abundant in plants and structurally diverse. Polyphenols include flavonoids, tannic acid, and

ellagitannin, some of which have been used historically as dyes and for tanning garments.

Pungent odor – The pungent odor of durian contains various volatile compounds, such

as sulfur compounds, esters, and aldehydes, which contribute to its distinctive smell. These

compounds may interfere with the normal olfactory cues that mosquitoes use to locate hosts,

breeding sites, or sources of food.

Saponins – 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.
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Chapter II:

Review of Related Literature

The effectiveness of the fruit-dried skin of durian as a mosquito repellent has not been widely

studied or established scientifically. However, it is believed that the strong and pungent odor of

durian fruit, which is attributed to various volatile compounds, may contribute to its potential

repellent properties. Mosquitoes are known to be sensitive to certain odors, and strong-smelling

substances can deter them (Lim, 2011). There are anecdotal claims and traditional practices

suggesting that durian skin may have mosquito-repellent properties, there is a lack of rigorous

scientific evidence to support these claims.

The strong smell of Durian can be used as an insect repellent according to an industrial level,

Dr. S Kathiresan of AIMST University discovered that durian peel can be used to recover oil

spills at coastal areas when it is chemically modified and acts as an efficient oil absorbent to

remove oil from water (Lim, W. L. 2012, May 2). Polysaccharides present in the large thick

husks were found to pose moisturization benefits and able to trap lipids, thus making it

potentially ideal for cosmetic products. Undeniably durian has abundant benefits to mankind, on

the other hand, the not-so-good effects of durian come from overconsumption of the fruit

(Morton, J. 1987)
The pungent odor of durian contains various volatile compounds, such as sulfur compounds,

esters, and aldehydes, which contribute to its distinctive smell. Mosquitoes have highly sensitive

olfactory receptors that help them detect specific odors, such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

other chemicals emitted by potential hosts (Stocker, 1994). The overpowering scent of

durian may mask or disrupt these attractive scents, making it more difficult for mosquitoes to

locate their preferred targets. (Samuel Gertler 1946). Fresh durian fruits take in oxygen and

release carbon dioxide in large quantities, which generates high amounts of heat. Carbon

Dioxide (CO2) Sensitivity: Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide, which is a key

component of human and animal breath. They use CO2 as a primary cue to locate potential

hosts. The odor of pungent substances may potentially interfere with or mask the CO2 signal,

making it more challenging for mosquitoes to find their hosts (Anandasankar Ray 2013).
 1

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Bibliography

Fernando,T,.Patricia, A,. Yong-seo, P,. Soon-teck, J., Seong-gook, K., Bukgu,H., Jerzy,D.,Zofia,

Z.,Pawel,Z.,Pawel, P., and Shela, S. 2008, Screenning of The Antioxidant and Nutritional

Properties,Phenolic Contents and Proteins of Five Duurian Cultivars, International Journal of

Food Sciences and Nutrition,59(5),415-427.

Lim, W. L. (2011, May 2). Durian peel can help clear oil spills: Academic. The Singapore Straits

Times. Retrieved from

http://www.aimst.edu.my/faculties/applied_sciences/media/4.The_Singapore_StraitTimes_May_

2_2011.pdf

Morton, J. (1987). Durian: Durio zibethinus L. retrieved from

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/durian_ars.html.

Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in the Fruit of Litsea pungens Hemsl. (LPH) by

GC-MS/O, OAV, and Sensory Techniqueshttps://www.hindawi.com/journals/jfq/2021/6668606/

Morton, J. (1987). Durian: Durio zibethinus L. retrieved from

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/durian_ars.html.

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

United States National Agricultual Library. (2015). USDA national nutrient database for

standard reference release 27.

Utilization of durian. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.dit.go.th/agriculture/durian/utilize.htm

Wan, N. H. (2010). Durian. Retrieved from

http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/spicetrail/durian/.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-does-the-durian-fruit-smell-so-terrible-

149205532/

A Survey of Mosquito Species in Public Schools of Metro Manila, Philippines Using

Ovitraps as Surveillance Tool Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University

of the Philippines Manila, Ermita, Manila, Philippines 2 Crop Protection Cluster, College of

Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/6_mosquito_diseases_that_can_be_deadly

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Chapter III

Methodology

This chapter contains the process used in determining the effectiveness of Fruit dried skin of

Durian.

Phase I. Gathering of Materials

The materials to be gathered are 1 peel of durian and 1 pack of match.

Phase II. Collection of Fruit dried skin of Durian (Durio zibethinus)

We shall save one durian peel for drying. Before drying, the durian peel will be prepared; also,

buy 1 pack of matches from a nearby shop in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Phase III. Preparation

1. Gather all the tentative materials needed.

2. Collect fresh durian fruit and remove the skin.

3. Do not wash the durian skin.

4. Dried the durian skin within 2 weeks

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Phase IV. Testing

The fruit dried skin of durian will be tested on mosquitos to see the effectiveness of the natural

mosquito repellant.

Phase V. Result
 18

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Phase VI. Flowchart

Gathering of Materials

Collection of Fruit dried

skin of Durian

Preparation of Making

Natural Repellent

Research Sampling

Technique

Purposive Sampling

Research Design

True experimental design

 Experimentation

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FRUIT-DRIED SKIN OF DURIAN (Durio zibethinus) AS A MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Appendix A

Survey Questionnaires

1. Have you ever used fruit dried skin of durian as a mosquito repellent?

o Yes

o No

2. Did you find that fruit dried skin of durian was effective in repelling mosquitoes?

o Yes

o No

3. Would you recommend using fruit dried skin of durian as a mosquito repellent to others?

o Yes

o No

4. Do you think fruit dried skin of durian is a more effective mosquito repellent than commercial

products?

o Yes

o No
5. Have you noticed any side effects from using fruit dried skin of durian as a mosquito

repellent?

o Yes

o No

6. Have you tried other natural mosquito repellents before using fruit dried skin of durian?

o Yes

o No

7. Did you find fruit dried skin of durian

20 to be effective than other natural mosquito repellents?
o Yes

o No

8. How long did the fruit dried skin of durian repellent last before you needed to reapply it?

o Yes

o No

9. Did you find that fruit dried skin of durian had a strong odor?

o Yes

o No

10. Did you find the smell of fruit dried skin of durian to be pleasant or unpleasant?

o Yes

o No

11. Did you find fruit dried skin of durian to be messy or difficult to apply?

o Yes

o No
12. Did you find fruit dried skin of durian to be more or less expensive than commercial

mosquito repellents?

o Yes

o No

13. Did you find fruit dried skin of durian to be convenient to use than commercial mosquito

repellents?

o Yes

o No

14. Did you find that fruit dried skin of durian worked better in certain environments (e.g.

indoors vs. outdoors)? 21

o Yes

o No

15. Would you use fruit dried skin of durian as a mosquito repellent again in the future?

o Yes

o No
 22

Appendix B

Curriculum Vitae

Valerie Joy Jurado Robles

Cell Number: 09519281261

e-mail address: valeriejoyrobles651@gmail.com

Personal Information:

NICKNAME: Vj

BIRTHDAY: February 15, 2008

BIRTHPLACE: Cagayan de Oro City

AGE: 15

NATIONALITY: Filipino

RELIGION: Assembly of God (AG)

CIVIL STATE: Single

FATHER’S NAME: Ritchie A. Robles

MOTHER’S NAME: Joylita J. Robles

23
Erika Lian Tiu Limot

Cell Number: 09959423530

e-mail address: erikalimot@gmail.com

Personal Information:

NICKNAME: Rika

BIRTHDAY: March 26, 2008

BIRTHPLACE: Aurora Zamboanga del Sur

AGE: 15

NATIONALITY: Filipino

RELIGION: Roman Catholic

CIVIL STATE: Single

FATHER’S NAME: Louie Dexter Laguna Limot

MOTHER’S NAME: Ihua Tiu Limot

 24

Reyna Mae Petiza Cahilig

Cell Number: 09685688341

e-mail address: reynamaecahilig@gmail.com

Personal Information: 23
NICKNAME: Mae Mae

BIRTHDAY: September 27, 2008

BIRTHPLACE: Baguer, Libungan

North Cotabato

AGE: 14

NATIONALITY: Filipino

RELIGION: Roman Catholic

CIVIL STATE: Single

FATHER’S NAME: Reynaldo Delima Cahilig

MOTHER’S NAME: Norma Petiza Cahilig

25