Mosquito Repellent Efficacy of Vernonia cinerea and Azadirachta indica Leaves

by

Alyssa Ivy B. Bustamante

Rhea Mae T. Decano

Jazmine Foronda

Mark Bhen E. Sumbad

A research study submitted to the faculty of

Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

for the partial fulfilment of Practical Research

Maria Denise Lou C. Aguilan

Research Adviser

October, 2017
 Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the Study

Among the various groups of invertebrate animals, insects have a very close

relationship with life and existence of mankind (Venkitaraman, 1983). In the insect

group, many insect of the order Diptera act as vectors and play a role in spreading

diseases among man (S. Arivoli, et al, 2011). Worldwide, mosquito borne diseases such

as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis have been a long

term problem in every tropical country causing millions of death every year. Philippines

is not an exception to this, in fact mosquito borne disease is not a strange word for

Filipinos, and it is popularly known for being fatal every rainy season.

In the past few decades, commercialized mosquito repellent was used to drive

mosquitoes away but have produced negative impact to our health and environment.

These factors have created for eco-friendly, biodegradable and target specific mosquito

repellent and insecticides against mosquitoes (S. Arivoli, et al, 2011). In recent years, the

emphasis to control the mosquito population has shifted steadily from the use of

conventional chemicals towards more specific and environmentally friendly materials,

which are generally of botanical origin (S. Arivoli, et al, 2011). Plant products have been

used traditionally by human communities in many parts of the world against the vector

and pest species of insects (Jacobson, 1958: Pavela, 2007). A plant naturally contains

phytochemicals that can kill or repel mosquitoes which is beneficial and cheaper than the

synthetic one. For this purpose, a lot of phytochemicals extracted from various plant
species have been tested for their insecticidal actions against mosquitoes (Ciccia et al

2000; Pavela, 2008)

The researchers from Grade 12-STEM, Laboratory High School of Ilocos Sur

Polytechnic State College aims to determine the mosquito repellent efficacy of Vernonia

cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves

Statement of the Problem

This research study aimed to determine the mosquito repellent efficacy of

Vernonia cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. Are Vernonia cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves effective in driving

mosquitoes away?

2. What are the phytochemical components of these plants making them effective as

a mosquito repellent?

3. Is there any significant difference between the dried and fresh extracts of

Vernonia cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves in terms of efficacy?

Objectives

General objectives
 1. To determine the mosquito repellent efficacy of Vernonia cinerea and

Azadirachta indica leaves.

Specific Objectives

1. To determine the significant difference between dried and extracts of Vernonia

cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves.

2. To determine the most effective treatment between dried and extracts of Vernonia

cinerea and Azadirachta indica leaves.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study is believed to be significant to the following:

Globally, this research study would help the global community especially those

tropical countries suffering from mosquito outbreak to become aware that there are

alternative and natural way of repelling mosquitoes.

Nationally, this study would help the country to lessen the victims of mosquito

borne diseases. It would raise awareness among Filipinos that there are alternative

and cheaper way of driving mosquitoes away.

Locally, this study would benefit the local community through promoting insect

repellent plant as an alternative way of driving mosquitoes away. This would also

lessen the victims of mosquito borne diseases.

Students and Future Researchers, this study would inspire students and future

researchers to study other possible way of killing or repelling mosquitoes. They

would also become aware of what is happening on our surroundings.

Review of Related Literature
 Chapter II

Methodology