EFFICACY OF LEMONGRASS (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) AND OREGANO (ORIGANUM

VULGARE) EXTRACTS AS A PLANT-BASED NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT

ASHLEY YHANA HOMO BOBIER

BILL ISAAC SAN AGUSTIN IBAÑEZ

XANDER UNO ALOG MIRABEL

2024

MAGALLANES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

CHAPTER 1
 THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

Hypothesis:

Ho - The lemongrass and ginger oil lamp had a low efficacy rate in comparison to the

commercial coil in controlling mosquito populations.

Ha - The lemongrass and ginger oil lamp had a high efficacy rate in comparison to the

commercial coil in controlling mosquito populations.

Statement of the Problem

The present study will determine and discuss the combined and separate efficacies of

lemongrass and oregano extracts as plant-based natural mosquito repellents.

Specifically, it will answer the following questions:

1. What are the levels of effectiveness of each natural-plant based mosquito repellent in terms

of:

1.1 Duration/Efficacy

1.2 Effectiveness

1.3 Cost-effectiveness

1.4 Acceptability

2. Which individual plant-based repellent is the most effective among Lemongrass and Oregano

when used alone?

3. What specific active ingredients in Lemongrass and Oregano extracts contribute to their

effectiveness as natural mosquito repellents?

4. Is there a significant relationship between the effectiveness of each individual mosquito

repellent (Lemongrass and Oregano) and their combined use?The

Significance of the Study

By exploring the efficacy of lemongrass and oregano extracts as natural mosquito repellents, it

offers a promising solution for effective and sustainable mosquito protection. Hence, this study

holds significance for various stakeholders:

People. The study provides individuals with effective mosquito protection through lemongrass

and oregano extracts. These natural alternatives are affordable, environmentally friendly, and

empower people to make informed decisions about their health and cultural preferences.
Department of Health (DOH). The Department of Health can utilize the study's findings to

promote natural repellents as safe and cost-effective alternatives for personal mosquito

protection. This aligns with the department's objectives of reducing the spread of diseases such

as dengue, Zika, and malaria.

Agriculture Sector. Natural mosquito repellents offer potential benefits for pest control in

agriculture. The use of lemongrass and oregano extracts in agriculture represents a significant

step toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious pest control strategies.

Government. The study's findings can be leveraged by governments to promote public health

through the recommendation of natural mosquito repellents. This supports health programs

and enhances community well-being.

Community. The availability of mosquito repellent coils made from natural ingredients like

lemongrass and oregano can safeguard communities from disease spread while fostering

demand for sustainable and community-friendly solutions.

Environment. By utilizing natural ingredients like lemongrass and oregano, the study can

contribute to reducing reliance on traditional chemical methods, thus lowering the risk of harm

to ecosystems and promoting more sustainable pest control practices.

Future Researchers. This study lays the groundwork for further research on the efficacy of

lemongrass and oregano extracts as plant-based mosquito repellents. Its findings may inspire

future studies leading to the development of additional natural remedies, eco-friendly

products, and sustainable pest control solutions. This offers new opportunities for innovation

and collaboration among researchers in related fields.

Scope and Delimitation

The present study aims to assess the mosquito-repelling efficacy of lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) extracts in producing a mosquito repellent coil. The

study will utilize the stems and leaves of lemongrass and oregano sourced exclusively from the

municipality of Magallanes.

The mosquito species chosen for this study are the Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes, which

are prevalent in Magallanes, Sorsogon.

The study will not utilize other plants that are also well-known for their insect-repelling

properties. Furthermore, it will not involve using bugs, beetles, arachnids, reptiles, amphibians,

mammals or humans as experimental subjects.

Definition of Terms