Acceptability of Oregano and Citronella Extract

as Mosquito Repellent

Presented By:

Sarah Jane Aryaina Pebte

Therese Marie Lusanta

Sherane Laguing

Kent Jude De Pedro

Joanna Marie Rufino

 Chapter I
Introduction

Background of the Study

Oregano and citronella extracts have been shown to have insecticidal

properties and are commonly used in natural mosquito repellent products. Oregano

extract contains carvacrol and thymol, which have been found to repel mosquitoes,

while citronella oil contains citronellal and geraniol, which are known to be effective

mosquito repellents. Coconut oil is a natural carrier oil that is commonly used to

dilute essential oils and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of mosquito

repellents.

Mosquito is one of the most dangerous insects that cause diseases such as

malaria, dengue, Zika virus, and West Nile fever. Various mosquito repellents are

available in the market, but their prolonged use has shown adverse health effects.

Therefore, there is a need for the development of eco-friendly and safe mosquito

repellents. In this context, the present study investigates the acceptability of

oregano and citronella extract as mosquito repellent.

The acceptability of mosquito repellents is an important factor that

determines their usage. Mosquito repellents with unpleasant odors or skin irritation

are less likely to be accepted by consumers. Thus, the acceptability of oregano and

Citronella extract with coconut oil as a mosquito repellent needs to be evaluated.

This study will investigate the acceptability, appearance, aroma/odor, and durability

and overall acceptability as a mosquito repellent.

The findings of this study have a significant implications for the development

of eco-friendly and safe mosquito repellents. If oregano and citronella extract is

found to be acceptable as a mosquito repellent, it could be a promising alternative

to synthetic repellents. Furthermore, oregano and citronella is easily available,

inexpensive and can be found within the community, making it a viable option for

low-income communities.

This study contribute to the existing literature on mosquito repellents and

pave the way for future research on natural mosquito repellents.

Statement of the Problem.

This study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. What is acceptability of oregano and citronella extract as mosquito repellent in

terms of appearance, durability, and aroma?

2. How many percent of the respondents accept oregano and citronella extract as

mosquito repellent?

3. Is there a difference in the acceptability of oregano and citronella extract as

mosquito repellent in terms of appearance, durability, and aroma?

Hypothesis of the Study

The oregano
extracts has no
significant effect in
repelling a
cockroach
1. Oregano and Citronella extract is not acceptable as a mosquito repellent.

2. There is no difference in the acceptability of oregano and citronella extract as

mosquito repellent in terms of appearance, durability, and aroma.

Significance of the Study

This study aimed to give benefit to the following:

 Students - will benefit from this study because they will understand the

importance of oregano extract as a mosquito and how safe it is for them to

use it every day.

 Teachers – To educate the students on how to make their mosquito

repellent and expand the study upon knowing the properties of Oregano

extract, which make viable ingredients in making the said repellent.

 Parents - Parents would benefit from this study because it would serve as a

guide for them to take good care of their children from mosquitoes that

cause dengue and keep them safe at all times with this organic repellent.

 Community - The results of this research can inform them that there is an

organic mosquito repellent that they can use as protective gear against

mosquitoes, as well as raise awareness about how to prevent insect-borne

diseases.

 DOH – To make mosquito repellent out of oregano extract as an alternative

product for killing mosquitoes to put out in the market.

  Future Researchers - This may serve as their guide or reference and

foundation for gathering information or data, as well as the building blocks

for a more extensive study when conducting research for their research

study in the future.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Acceptability Indicators:
Acceptability of
 Appearance Oregano, Citronella
as Mosquito
 Durability repellent
 Aroma/ odour

Figure 1 shows the acceptability indicators in terms of appearance, durability, and

aroma as independent variables and the Acceptability of Oregano and Citronella

extract as Mosquito repellent as dependent variable

Theoretical Framework
 Dr. Embre, in Acceptability of Oregano and Citronella Extract as a Mosquito

Repellant, (2019) stated that Oregano and citronella extracts had been shown to have

insecticidal properties and are commonly used in natural mosquito repellent products.

Oregano extract contains carvacrol and thymol, which have been found to repel

mosquitoes, while citronella oil contains citronellal and geraniol, which are known to be

effective mosquito repellents. Coconut oil is a natural carrier oil that is commonly used to

dilute essential oils and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of mosquito

repellents.

Scope and Limitations

This study was compiled with the researchers starting March 16, 2023, up to

May 5, 2023. This study will take place at Mambusao East National High School. The

respondents of this study will be thirty (30). Fifteen (15) from selected Senior High

School students and fifteen (15) from selected teachers of Mambusao East National

High School. The selection of the respondents will be done randomly. This research will

use simple random sampling.

Definition of Terms

For better clarification and understanding of the terms related to this study, the

following terms are defined conceptually and operationally.

 Appearance. The way that someone or something looks (Oxford

Languages). In this study, appearance refers to how our organic

mosquito repellent appears or looks.

 Aroma. It is a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this study, it is the mosquito repellent’s

smell or fragrance.

 Carvacrol. It is a liquid phenol C10H14O found in essential oils of various

mints (thyme) and used especially as a fungicide and disinfectant (Merriam-

Webster Dictionary). In this study, it is an active ingredient of oregano.

 Citronella. It is the southern Asian grass from which the citronella oil is

obtained (Oxford Languages). In this study, citronella is used as a

mosquito repellent because of its strong fragrance.

 Durability. The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage (Oxford

Languages). In this study, it is the ability to last over time.

 Extract. A solid, viscid, or liquid substance extracted from a plant or drug

containing its essence in concentrated form (Collins Dictionary). In this

study, it refers to the liquid substance that draws out from oregano.

 Mosquito. A slender long-legged fly with aquatic larvae (Oxford

Languages). In this study, mosquitoes are a group of small insects that are a

type of fly that sucks the blood of humans and animals.

 Oregano. It is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common

food amounts but has little evidence of health benefits (According to

Google). In this study, oregano is a plant that has a strong odor to help repel

mosquitoes.

 Repellent. A substance that deters insects or other pests from approaching

or settling (Oxford Languages). In this study, repellent is used to protect you

from mosquitoes.
 Chapter III

Methodology

Research Design

This study utilizes the use of Quantitative Experimental Research to

determine the Acceptability of Oregano and Citronella Extract as mosquito repellent in

terms of appearance, durability, and aroma

Context and Participants

This study was conducted at Mambusao East National High School. There

are thirty (30) respondents comprised of fifteen (15) selected Junior and Senior High

School students and fifteen (15) selected teachers of Mambusao East National High

School. Simple random sampling will be used to select the respondents.

Instrument of the study

The materials to be used in this study are the following:

 Candle wicks

 Candle wicks tabs

 Tea light cups/ candle glass

 Small pot

 Strainer

The ingredients to be used in this study are the following:

 1 ½ cups of oregano leaves

 1 ½ cup of citronella leaves

 4 pieces of candle wax

 1 cup of coconut oil

Procedure:

First, crush 1 ½ cup of oregano and 1 ½ cup of citronella leaves. Next, boil it

down to 1 cup of coconut oil. Third, using a strainer, filter the extract, and set aside.

Fourth, melt 4 pieces of candle wax then pour the oregano and citronella extract in
a melted candle. Fifth, fill the tea light cups halfway with wax, oregano, and

citronella extract. Sixth, insert a wick into the candle mold's center. Lastly, allow it to

cool for 1 hour.

Data Gathering Procedure

First, the researchers will secure a permission letter from the school's

principal to conduct the study. Second, the researchers will administer the

questionnaire to the respondents. They will explain to them the purpose of the

study and on how to use the product. Third, they will give the candles to be used

and questionnaire to be answered after using the candles with oregano and

citronella extract. Lastly, the researchers will gather the data, tabulate, tally and

analyze it.

Data Analysis

To analyze the data, the researchers will be used statistical tools such as

frequency count, mean, and percentage.

Frequency Count - is a measure of the number of times an event occurs.

Mean - is the sum of all values divided by the total number of values.

Percentage - a percentage is another way of expressing a proportion. A percentage

is equal to the proportion times 100.