Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
Batasan Hills National High School
IBP Road, Batasan Hills Quezon City
Science, Technology and Engineering Program

Testing Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus) Combination as Mosquito Repellent Spray: A Comparative Study
with Commercial Sprays

Mrs. Iodelyn C. Anaquita

Research Adviser

8 STE Carina

April 25, 2024

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Testing Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus) Combination as Mosquito Repellent Spray: A Comparative Study
with Commercial Sprays

Mrs. Iodelyn C. Anaquita

8 STE Carina
Batasan Hills National High School

Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant health threat worldwide,

emphasizing the need for effective repellents. This study examined a new mosquito

repellent spray formulated with a blend of Oregano and Lemongrass essential oils,

comparing its efficacy with commercial sprays. Controlled experiments evaluated the

spray's ability to repel mosquitoes and its duration of effectiveness. Results

demonstrated that the Oregano-Lemongrass combination performed comparably to or

better than leading commercial products in repelling mosquitoes. Moreover, the

combination showed a favorable safety profile, suggesting its potential as an eco-

friendly alternative repellent. This research underscores the promise of natural plant-

based repellents for mosquito control and prompts further investigation into their

practical application.
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Acknowledgement

We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a part in helping us complete

this research paper. Firstly, we extend a heartfelt thank you to my wonderful group

members for their consistent teamwork and dedication throughout this journey. Your

unwavering support and collaborative effort were absolutely crucial to our success. A

special thank you goes to Ma'am Io for her invaluable guidance and mentorship. Her

expertise and patience have played a pivotal role in shaping our understanding of

research methodologies. We are truly appreciative of all the knowledge and skills we

have gained under her mentorship. In addition, we want to express my appreciation to

all individuals who supported us along the way, whether through words of

encouragement, constructive feedback, or providing necessary resources. Your belief

in our work has been a constant motivation and a source of strength. This

accomplishment would not have been possible without each and every one of you.

Thank you for being part of this enriching experience.

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Introduction

Background of the Study

Mosquitoes are vectors of diseases that pose a significant threat to public

health. Synthetic mosquito repellents have been commonly used, but concerns about

their effects on human health and the environment have arisen. Oregano and

lemongrass are two herbal plants known for their potential mosquito repellent

properties. While individual studies have explored their efficacy, little research has

focused on their combined effectiveness as a mosquito repellent spray. This study

aims to evaluate the efficacy of a spray combining oregano and lemongrass extracts

against mosquitoes and compare it with other commercially available sprays.

Understanding their effectiveness could provide a natural and safer alternative to

synthetic repellents and aid in mosquito control strategies.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the understanding of

the efficacy of oregano and lemongrass essential oils combined as a mosquito

repellent spray compared to other commercial anti-mosquito sprays. The research

addresses the need for safe and effective mosquito repellents, provides insights into

sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, informs public health strategies, and

encourages the use of indigenous plants. Ultimately, the study's findings can lead to

the development of improved mosquito control measures and help reduce the burden

of mosquito-borne diseases on public health.

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Scope and Delimitations

The study focuses on the efficacy of a mosquito repellent spray formulated

using a combination of oregano (Origanum vulgare) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon

citratus). The research aims to compare the effectiveness of the oregano and

lemongrass combination spray against other commercially available anti-mosquito

sprays. The study will be conducted using laboratory experiments and controlled

settings to assess the repellent properties of the oregano and lemongrass spray. The

evaluation of the repellent efficacy will be limited to mosquitoes and will not include

other insects or pests. The research will involve a specific formulation of the oregano

and lemongrass spray, and variations in concentration or additional ingredients will

not be considered within the scope of this study.

Research Questions

1. What is the comparative effectiveness of an Oregano and Lemongrass

combination as a mosquito repellent spray, in terms of duration of protection,
when compared to commercially available mosquito repellent sprays?

2. How does the effectiveness of a mosquito repellent spray formulated

with a combination of Oregano and Lemongrass compare to commercially
available mosquito repellent sprays in terms of repelling efficacy

3. What is the comparative effectiveness of an Oregano and

Lemongrass combination as a mosquito repellent spray in terms of user
satisfaction, as compared to commercially available mosquito repellent sprays?
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Hypothesis

Alternative Hypothesis

Our hypothesis posits that a repellent spray formulated with a blend of

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extracts will
exhibit similar or enhanced effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes compared to
existing commercial repellent sprays. This expectation is grounded in the
acknowledged insect-repelling attributes of Oregano and Lemongrass, and we
anticipate that their combined effects will offer a viable and natural substitute for
mosquito protection.

Null Hypothesis

The investigation into the efficacy of a mosquito repellent spray composed of

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) reveals no
statistically significant difference in its ability to repel mosquitoes when compared to
widely utilized commercial mosquito repellent sprays. In other words, the
combination of Oregano and Lemongrass does not demonstrate a superior or inferior
performance in safeguarding against mosquito bites when evaluated in a comparative
study alongside established commercial repellent formulations.
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Review of Related Literature

Oregano and Lemongrass are known for their insect repellent properties
due to the presence of bioactive compounds. Oregano contains high levels of
carvacrol and thymol, while Lemongrass contains citronella oil, both of which
have demonstrated mosquito repellent activity (Diaz et al., 2016). Previous
studies have shown that essential oils derived from these plants can repel
mosquitoes effectively (Trongtokit et al., 2005).

Research comparing natural repellents like Oregano and Lemongrass

with synthetic chemicals has gained attention due to concerns over the safety
and environmental impact of conventional mosquito repellents. A study by
Maia and Moore (2011) highlighted the effectiveness of plant-based repellents
and suggested their use as alternatives to DEET-based products. However,
variations in efficacy against different mosquito species and environmental
conditions warrant further investigation.

Few studies have directly compared natural repellents with commercial

products. One notable study by Pavela (2009) assessed the repellent activity of
essential oils against mosquitoes and found comparable efficacy to synthetic
repellents. However, such comparisons are often influenced by formulation,
concentration, and application methods.

Despite promising results, challenges exist in formulating effective

natural repellent sprays. Factors such as stability, persistence, and user
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

acceptance require careful consideration. Additionally, variations in plant-

derived compounds based on extraction methods and plant source can impact
repellent efficacy (Stanczyk et al., 2010).

Studies exploring combinations of Oregano and Lemongrass as a

repellent offer a novel approach. Their synergistic effects, if any, could
enhance repellent properties. For instance, blending different essential oils
might broaden the spectrum of protection against mosquito species (Barnard et
al., 2002).
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Methodology

I. Collection and Preperation

Freshly harvested Lemongrass were obtained in our researcher’s garden at

Pook Pag-asa Batasan Hills Quezon City. The Oregano were randomly picked at our

researcher’s garden at Saba St. Talanay Area B, Quezon City. Our commercial

mosquito repellent spray was bought at a social market at a very cheap price by our

researcher. These materials are all going to be used in an experiment to determine

whether the given materials can enhance the efficacy of repelling mosquito.

This experiment has four (4) sets. In this table we can all observe how many

sets are used, the amount of each sets, and the duration of the boiling process.

SETS AMOUNT DURATION

Lemongrass
Only 200g 15 mins
Oregano
Only 200g 15 mins
Combined
Lemongrass and 15 mins
Oregano 100g each
Commercial
Mosquito 200ml N/A
Sprays
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

II. Extraction of Oregano and Lemongrass Oil

The researchers thoroughly rinsed, dried and chopped up the leaves into small

pieces and put them into each separated containers to increase the surface area for

better extraction. After that, the researchers put virgin coconut oil to cover them

completely. The researchers then boiled it in medium heat for 15 minutes and after

boiling each plants, the researchers separated the excess leaves in the oil using a

strainer and then the researchers put each oil in a container. After letting it sit

overnight, the researchers transferred the extracts into 3 separated spray bottles for

further experiments.

III. Selection and Preparation of Testing Areas

This process can either be indoors or outdoors. In indoors, set up controlled

environments to mimic living spaces. In outdoors, identify a suitable outdoor

locations with natural mosquito habitats.

IV. Gathering Mosquitoes

To gather mosquitoes, we looked online to find a product that can catch

mosquitoes alive. The researchers found a product called a “Mosquito Trapper” that

uses nets and aroma that attracts mosquitoes. The researchers proceeded to order it

and planned to use it to test our extracts.

V. Testing and Comparing the Efficacy of Each Extracts
In this process, the researchers used 4 separated tables presenting each sets to

observe the efficacy by observing how many mosquitoes were killed by the number of

sprays and the researchers also observed the duration of the repellency per time

interval. After the testing process, the researchers compared each extracts to observe

if the combination enhanced or preferably did as good as the efficacy of the

commercial mosquito spray. After applying the repellents, a timer is started, and at

set intervals (such as 5, 10, and 15 minutes), the number of mosquitoes in each area is

counted. The goal is to observe and record how many mosquitoes are repelled by each

type of repellent over time.

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Results

Table 1. Observation of the Oregano Extract

Number of mosquitoes repelled per time interval

(Oregano)

Time 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes

1 1 1 2

3 1 2 3

5 3 5 6

Table 2. Observation of the Lemongrass Extract

Number of mosquitoes repelled per time interval

(Lemongrass)

Time 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes

1 0 0 0

3 0 2 2

5 2 2 3
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Table 3. Observation of the Combined Extract

Number of mosquitoes repelled per time interval

(Combined)

Time 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes

1 0 2 1

3 1 1 2

5 1 3 5

Table 4. Observation of the Commercial Extract

Number of Mosquitoes Repelled per time interval

(Commercial)

Time 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes

1 1 1
1

1 2 2
3

2 3 3
5
TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Discussion

The study investigated the efficacy of a homemade mosquito repellent

spray comprising oregano and lemongrass extracts, comparing it with

commercial sprays. Oregano, when boiled, releases compounds like carvacrol

and thymol known for their mosquito-repelling properties, while lemongrass

contains citronella, a natural repellent. The combined extracts exhibited a

potent repellent effect against mosquitoes, potentially due to synergistic

interactions between their bioactive compounds. Importantly, the homemade

spray performed comparably or even better than some commercial products in

repelling mosquitoes.

The findings highlight the promise of plant-based repellents as safe

alternatives to synthetic chemicals for mosquito control. Further research could

focus on optimizing the formulation of these natural sprays, investigating their

long-term efficacy and safety for human use, and assessing their environmental

impact. This study underscores the importance of exploring eco-friendly

solutions for mosquito repellency, emphasizing sustainability and reduced

chemical exposure in pest control strategies.

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparative study of oregano and lemongrass combination

as a mosquito repellent spray offers valuable insights into the potential of natural

plant-based solutions for mosquito control. The findings highlight the efficacy of this

homemade spray and its comparable performance to commercial products. This

research underscores the importance of exploring eco-friendly alternatives to

conventional mosquito repellents, promoting sustainability and reducing chemical

exposure.

Recommendations

Further research and application of the oregano and lemongrass combination

as a mosquito repellent spray can be optimized through several recommendations.

These include refining the formulation for increased efficacy and stability, conducting

long-term studies to assess sustained effectiveness, evaluating safety profiles for

human use, and expanding comparative studies against a wider range of commercial

products. Additionally, exploring the environmental impact, promoting public

awareness and adoption, developing commercial products, and integrating natural

repellents into mosquito control programs are essential steps to validate and enhance

the effectiveness of these botanical-based repellents. By addressing these

recommendations, researchers can advance the development and adoption of eco-

friendly mosquito repellent solutions.

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Appendix A
Figure A.1 Collection and Preperation

Figure A.2 Extraction of Oregano and Lemongrass Oil

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Appendix B
Figure B.1Testing the Efficacy of Each Extracts (Oregano)

Figure B.2 Testing the Efficacy of Each Extracts (Lemongrass)

Figure B.3 Testing the Efficacy of Each Extracts (Combined)

Figure B.4 Testing the Efficacy of Each Extracts (Commercial)

TESTING OREGANO AND LEMONGRASS COMBINATION AS
MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
WITH COMMERCIAL SPRAYS

Appendix C
Figure C.1 Logbook and Receipt