NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Basic Education Department

Senior High School
Laoag City

EFFECTIVENESS OF SAN FRANCISCO (CODIAEUM VARIEGATUM) LEAVES

EXTRACT AS MOSQUITO REPELLENT

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements in
Practical Research II

Submitted by:
DALIRE, KRIZZA MAY
DELA CRUZ, VICKAYE KYLENE
GASPAR, TRICIA MAE
MATEO, CRISZIA GAILE
MATUTINO, ROMINA IRISH
QUINTOS, JOVY ALLYSA

Submitted to:
Prof. Zenaida Franco
Instructor
 A.Y. 2019-2020

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Background of the Study

As of the moment, Filipinos are experiencing severe problems including diseases like

dengue which is caused by a mosquito species Aedes aegypti. Dengue also known as breakbone

fever, is a mosquito borne tropical disease. Symptoms include fever, headache and muscle/joint

pain. The number of dengue cases rapidly increases in the whole country.

Insect repellents are important public health tools for prevention of insect-borne diseases

(Goddard, 2002). Actions to reduce vector-borne diseases can result in major health gains and

relieve an important constraint on development in poor regions (Amerasinghe, 2006). And this

insect repellents help to prevent and control the outbreaks of insect-borne diseases such as malaria,

lyme disease, dengue fever and bubonic plague. Technically, an insect repellent is any chemical

or natural, that causes insects or other arthropods to make directed, oriented movements away from

the source of repellent.

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as a personal

protection measure against host-seeking mosquitoes. Knowledge on traditional repellent plants

obtained through ethnobotanical studies is a valuable resource for the development of new natural

products. Recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have gained

increasing popularity among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as "safe" in comparison

to long-established synthetic repellents although this is sometimes a misconception (Maia &

Moore, 2011).
 Codiaeum variegatum is a common houseplant grown for its striking foliage. It is one of

six species of broad-leaf evergreen perennials, shrubs, and small trees in this genus in the

euphorbia family (Euphorbiaceae) which are native to tropical Asia and the western Pacific region

(not to be confused with Croton, another genus of more than 700 species in the same family, in

which it was formerly incorrectly classified as Croton variegatum). This evergreen shrub or small

tree varies widely in leaf color and pattern, and numerous cultivars have been developed. It is a

tender perennial, hardy only in zones 11-12. In subtropical and tropical climates, they are

frequently used as landscape shrubs for dramatic hedges, bold focal points in gardens, or potted

specimens around buildings.

Insecticides, nowadays, are getting a little bit expensive and contain chemicals and other

toxic substances which are very hazardous to our health. Plants are almost everywhere. However,

some may not be aware that some plants merely have hidden abilities such as the ability to repel

insects especially mosquitoes. Nevertheless, with natural plants, they can be changed into natural

insecticides as well.

Although dengue vaccines and genetically modified dengue mosquitoes are in various

stages of development as preventive measure, there is still a need for new and improved repellents

that are safe and effective for a longer duration against A. aegypti mosquitoes. The ideal

characteristics of an insect repellent are: (a) provide protection against biting insects, (b) provide

complete protection on the treated area for several ours under all conditions of weather and

infestation, (c) lack of toxicity and irritation to skin and mucous membranes, (d) lack of unpleasant

odor, (e) harmless to clothing, (f) possession of an aesthetic touch and appearance, (g) affordable

(Lanzuela, 1999).
 Controlling mosquitoes is really hard especially today with rising number of mosquito

borne diseases. Thus, special products like mosquito repellent are made. Mosquito repellents based

on the chemicals are high in safety profile but also toxic to the human kind. A very strong chemical

based repellent can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and rashes (Phal et al., 2012). Hence, natural

mosquito repellents are preferred over chemical mosquito repellent.

Statement of the Problem

Generally, this study is made to find out the effectiveness of san francisco leaves as an

insect repellent.

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the characteristics of San Francisco leaves as mosquito repellent as to:

a. Appearance

b. Consistency

c. Duration of effectiveness

d. Effectiveness

e. Odor

f. Shelf-life

g. Toxicity

2. Is there a significant difference between the three treatments?

3. Is the San Francisco leaves extract effectiveness as mosquito repellent?

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

 The study deals with the production of a mosquito repellent which is made from non-

synthetic, organic chemicals which are environmentally friendly.

The study will be conducted at Northwestern University located at Brgy. Buttong, Laoag

City, Ilocos Norte. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of San Francisco leaves extract

as mosquito repellent.

The primary data gathering method to be used is survey and observation to find out the

answers of those stated in the statement of the problem. The data to be gathered will be analyzed

using analysis of variance. The discussion of the results will include the researchers’ analysis on

the response or observation of the respondents.

Theoretical Framework

Mosquito repellents work by interfering with the insect’s homing system. This homing

system, located in the antennae, consists of chemical receptors. The chemical receptors are

stimulated by lactic acid that naturally evaporates from the skin of warm-blooded animals. When

a repellent ingredient, such as DEET is applied to the skin, it evaporates, forming a barrier around

the skin. The mosquito, therefore, is unable to “find” the person to bite.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework used is IPO (input process output). The input box contains the

main ingredient to be used in the study which is the San Francisco leaves extract through the

process of decoction. There will be two treatments depending of the concentration of the extract.

The output will be the data gathered from the observation of the researchers and the answers from

the questionnaires of the respondents. From the results interpreted, it will be known if San

Francisco leaves extract is an effective mosquito repellent.

 Input Process Output

Characteristics of
San Francisco leaves  Decoction Effectiveness of
as mosquito repellent  Questionnaires San Francisco
and leaves extract as
as to:
Observation Mosquito
a. Appearance repellent
b. Consistency
c. Duration of
effectiveness
d. Effectiveness
e. Odor
f. Shelf-life
g. Toxicity

Significance of the Study

This study was proposed by the researchers because some of the mosquito repellents that

we are using contain some chemicals such as lead and other carcinogens which can not only harm

our environment but also harm us. With the growing number of mosquito- inflicted diseases today,

the necessity of looking for insecticides and repellents that are effective in getting rid of the

mosquitoes rises. Moreover, the results of the study will be beneficial to the following:

Students

Students can be well knowledgeable about how can a simple yet useful plant, San

Francisco, can be significant to the students’ lives. They can be enlightened by the uses of this

plant and to the product that will be produced in this project. This can be used to prevent them

from scratching due to insect bites while studying and also prevent them from getting diseases

which is the common cause of absences in school.

Parents
 It can be used to minimize their expenses especially when it comes to medicine. Moreover,

it could also lessen their expenses when it comes on buying insecticides and the like. Many

chemical-based mosquito insecticides are being sold every year and many of them are not safe or

even healthy in our part as a human. This study will benefit the people who are suffering from

rashes or irritation due to the chemicals in the insecticide that are harmful. To avoid this happening,

it is important to produce a product that will possibly and only benefit the human kind.

Teachers

Inside their faculty rooms especially under their tables, they may feel that there are insects

present. Due to insect bites, this can make them scratch which also disturbs some teachers from

doing necessary things.

Environment

It is the center of all beneficiaries in this study for it is an eco-friendly product. This study

can also be important to the environment because by this pure herbal mosquito killer, people could

lessen the pollution little by little in earth. By using this product, and if ever it will be successful,

harmful chemicals can be lessened in buying safe and non-harmful plant based mosquito repellent.

Scientists/ Chemists

To the scientists reading this paper, they, the chemists, can determine what does the product

has and why is it capable of killing or not killing the mosquitoes. They can perform tests to

determine what is the chemical component of San Francisco which could kill insects.

Future researchers

The findings of the study will serve as a reference material for those who are interested in

the study and want to further investigate about it. And a guide for future researchers who wish to

conduct the same study.

Definition of Terms

For the purpose of this research and to facilitate the comprehension of this study, the terms

hereafter mentioned are hereby defined.

Aedes aegypti is the yellow fever mosquito which spreads dengue, chikungunya and Zika

virus.

Decoction is the process in which the leaves of San Francisco is heated to extract the

substances which can repel the mosquitoes.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne tropical disease.

Repellent is a behavior exhibited by the mosquitoes which are treated with the product to

transfer to the untreated part of a room or place.

San Francisto extract will act as the main ingredient of the product.
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the discussion of the research methodology of the study. It also

describes the subjects of the study, the instruments used, the data gathering procedure and the

statistical treatment that will be used for accurate data analysis and interpretation.

Research Design

Observational and experimental methods were used to collect data. The study will use San

francisco (Codiaeum variegatum) leaves extract to see if it will be effective to repel mosquitoes.

Ary et al (2006) states Experimental research design is to enable researcher to estimate the

effect of an experimental treatment”. Experimental research can be done in the laboratory, in the

class and in the field. In this study, the experimental research is done in the class with taking

students as population. A researcher chooses the design to determine the validity of conclusions

can be drawn from the study.

According to Prasetyo (2008) there are many kinds of experimental research design that is

Classical experimental design, Pre experimental design and Quasi experimental and special design.

Experimental research is unique in two very important respects. It is the only type of research that

directly attempts to influence a particular variable, and when properly applied, it is one or more

dependent variables. An experimental usually involves two groups of subject, an experimental

group and a comparison group, although it is possible to conduct an experiment with one group.
Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted at each of the researchers’ houses. One will be tested in

Cagayan. One from Batac. One from Laoag and the other one in San Nicolas. The finished product

will be tested at DOST Batac.

Population and Sampling Procedure

The researchers used simple random sampling in this experimental study. According to

Investopedia, random sampling is a subset of a statistical population in which each member of the

subset has an equal probability of being chosen. A simple random sample is meant to be an

unbiased representation of a group. 10 respondents will be selected to participate in the process.

Five of which will compromise the experimental group and the remaining five will be the control

group. Five will be students coming from Northwestern University, particularly the Senior High

School Department and the last five will be from the researchers’ barangay.

Research Instruments

The materials that will be used in the study are San francisco (Codiaeum variegatum)

leaves, knife, chopping board, glass, water, 50 ml spray bottles, cheesecloth, measuring cups, stove

and laboratory apparatus such as bowls, pot and beaker.

Treatments of the Study

T0 (Control) - no application of repellent

T1 - commercial product

T2 - San francisco leaves extract repellent

General Procedure
 a) Securing the materials

The San franciso plant will be gathered by the researchers at Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The knife, chopping board, glass, water, 50 ml spray bottles, cheesecloth,

measuring cups, stove and laboratory apparatus such as bowls, pot and beaker will be

provided by the researchers.

b) Collecting and preparing San francisco leaves extract as mosquito repellent

The leaves will be separated from its stems and washed thoroughly using water.

Afterwards, the washed leaves will be dried in shade at room temperature and cut into small

pieces. 2 liters of water will be boiled in a pot and while it is boiling, the leaves that were

cut in small pieces will be poured in the pot. Leave it for fifteen minutes before getting the

extract. After some minutes, slowly pour the extract to a beaker with a drainer on top of it

to separate the leaves from the extract. After filtering it, measure the required amount based

on the treatments and put it in a 50 ml spray bottle.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers allotted vigorous time, effort and cooperation in developing their

questionnaire so as to serve its intended respondents. The survey is created using suitable questions

modified from related research and individual questions formed by the researchers. In the

questionnaire, 4-likert scale will be used to determine if the respondent agreed or disagreed in a

statement. After the professor approves the questionnaire, copies will be distributed to the

respondents. Participants will be given time to respond and then the researchers will collect the

survey questionnaires.
Statistical Treatment

Analysis of Variance will be used to determine if there is a significant difference between

the treatments of the study.

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