Investigatory Project: Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent

Investigatory Project
Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent
Submitted by:
Keisha Albarico
Lerianne Lucero
Monica Salvana
Ethan Layumas
Kurt Resma
(8-FJK)
Submitted to:
Ms. Devina Hortilano
Chapter I
A. Rationale
This study aims to create an affordable yet effective insect repellent oil made out of
lemongrass. Lemongrass insect repellent oil, which is organic and affordable, unlike
other insect repellent products offered in markets, such as patches and lotions, the
lemongrass oil does not contain chemicals that can be harmful to the skin
According to The Department of Health, there are 58 provinces in the Philippines which
are currently listed as endemic, nine have actually reached elimination status (or do not
have malaria cases for at least 3 years) and are in various stages of evaluation. Forty
are on the way to elimination status, reporting less than one case per 1,000 population
at risk, and 10 provinces have their cases under control. These provinces have critical
cases or conditions of insect diseases such as malaria and dengue.
To prevent the spread of dengue and avoid mosquito bites, one should avoid the
infested areas, wear protective clothing and wear mosquito repellent. If one is living in
the infested area and if one is not comfortable in wearing protective clothing since it’s
uncomfortable then the used of mosquito repellent is recommended. Repellents make
humans unattractive to a mosquito. The application of mosquito repellent can be of great
benefit to the community especially to young children since we can be sure that
mosquito bites can be prevented thus avoiding the spread of dengue.
B. Statement of the Problem
Will lemongrass extract be as effective and safer to use rather than common
insecticides?
C. Objectives
This study also aims:
● To propose an insect repellent for consumers which can help solve

economic and environmental problems
● To discover what other herbal or food alternatives there can be use as
insecticides
● To inform people about great alternatives and to inspire people worldwide
to be motivated create their own ideas
D. Significance of the Study

Even though people are aware of insect-related diseases, enough action is still not done
even though the cases increase. Although awareness is important, action should also be
taken.
This study was conducted for the beneficial effects of every community. This organic
homemade insecticide is non-toxic to humans and pets and safe for the environment
since it's based on natural ingredients and contains the simplest chemicals. This study
can raise the knowledge and awareness of its audience regarding the impacts of insects
in the ecosystem including evolving mosquitoes with its increasing number of cases of
dengue, malaria and the most recent
Zika virus. This will be beneficial to green thumbs, nature lovers, promote safety,
awareness and helping the environment. (y understanding this study, this will be of great
help to with good sanitation practice sand proper cultural care
The Department of Health is a Filipino governmental organization that handles the health
statistics and health of the Filipinos. It supports the needs of Filipinos in medicinal
supplies and gives free services from the government. Furthermore, the Department of
Health will also benefit through the use of increasing the productivity of people’s needs
and to achieve and improve on every person’s health status and services for health care.
E. Scope and Limitations
The research is focused on creating an alternative of an insect repellent made out of

lemongrass stalks. Materials used for the creation of the oil are available at the
researchers’ houses. While only the lemongrass stalks are bought from the market. This
study is limited only to the use of a bundle of lemongrass stalks, and olive oil.
F. Definition of Terms
Lemongrass - is an herb that is native to Sri Lanka and South India but now grows in
many countries around the world.
Insect repellent - is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which

discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface.
Mosquito - are a group of about 3500 species of small insects that are a type of fly.
Dengue - is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.
Chapter II (Review of Related Literature)
A. Theoritical Background
The Department of Health (DOH) 7 reported last February 2017 that there were
1,121 dengue cases as of January 2016 (Reference: Sunstar Cebu 2017, Elias
Baquero). Most of those affected were within the 6-10 age bracket.
Representative of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Provincial Epidemology
Surveillance Unit (Pesu), Cyril Pangatungan said that there were five deaths
caused by dengue in January 2017. The town of Consolation, Toledo City,
Moalboal, Carcar City and Liloan were among the top five areas with severe
dengue cases.
To prevent the spread of dengue and avoid mosquito bites, one should avoid the
infested areas, wear protective clothing and wear mosquito repellent. If one is
living in the infested area and if one is not comfortable in wearing protective
clothing since it’s uncomfortable then the used of mosquito repellent is
recommended. Repellents make humans unattractive to a mosquito. The
application of mosquito repellent can be of great benefit to the community
especially to young children since we can be sure that mosquito bites can be
prevented thus avoiding the spread of dengue.
B. Related Studies
The study of Effiom, Avoaja and Ohaeri (2012) entitled Mosquito Repellent
Activity of Phytochemical Extracts from Peels of Citrus Fruit Species investigated
the mosquito repellent activity of phytochemical extracts from peels of five citrus
fruit species, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limonum, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus reticulate
and Citrus vitis. They found out that phytochemical extracts from the species of
citrus fruit have promising potential for topical repellent against mosquitoes. On
the other hand, Eiferet (2004) studied the effectiveness of lemon grass as a
natural mosquito repellent and concluded that lemon grass may be used as a
partial replacement for DEET compounds. However, there are people that are
sensitive to DEET based repellents thus the use of natural mosquito repellent is
also recommended.
This study aims at investigating the repellent activity of the essential oils from
lemon grass and lemon peels. It will try to view for finding the most effective
extract that can be recommended and adopted as mosquito repellent. Most
studies are focused on investigating one plant source or a specific plant species
but limited investigations were done across different plant sources such as
lemongrass and lemon peels.
Chapter III (Methodology)
A. Materials and Equipments

➔ lemon grass
➔ distilled water will be purchased from a local supermarket
➔ mosquitoes will be harvested and will be placed in a bug chamber for the
experiment
➔ spray bottle
➔ bowl
B. Set-up
This is a homemade insect repellent so it should only be at home and should prepare
materials for the making of the lemongrass to be an effective insect repellent.
C. Procedure
The plant material (lemon grass) will be washed with tap water to remove contaminants
and dirt. It will be chopped into smaller sizes (1 cm X 1 cm). 250 grams of the material
will be placed in 1 L of boiling distilled water. Boiling will be continued for an hour.
Afterwards, the mixture will be drained and the extract will be put in a container to cool
down. Suspended solids will be separated further and the clear solution will be placed
into a spray bottles.

Investigatory Project: Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Investigatory Project: Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Investigatory Project: Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Investigatory Project

Lemongrass Extract As Insect Repellent

B. Statement of the Problem

This study also aims:

● To propose an insect repellent for consumers which can help solve

D. Significance of the Study

E. Scope and Limitations

The research is focused on creating an alternative of an insect repellent made out of

Insect repellent - is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces which

Dengue - is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus.

Chapter II (Review of Related Literature)

Chapter III (Methodology)

A. Materials and Equipments

You might also like