REVISED ResearchChapter2

CHAPTER 2
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
A. Review of Related Literature and Studies

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tall, perennial grass in a class of
about 45 species of grasses native to tropical and sub-tropical climates of Asia,
Australia and Africa. On the other hand, Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is also
a tall, perennial grass and it is the source of oit that is also known as Citronella
Oil. Lemongrass is known as natural insect repellent, which can help disorient
insects, such as mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are slender, long-legged fly with
aquatic larvae. The bite of the bloodsucking female can transmit a number of
serious diseases including Malaria, Encephalitis and Dengue. Therefore,
mosquitoes are the main cause of Dengue and Malaria outbreaks here in the
Philippines.
As stated by Maya and Moore (2011), Citronella is widely used as

mosquito repellent, but only with specific range of concentration because if the
value exceeds, it may cause skin irritation. Also, the effectiveness of this plant is
the same as the chemical repellents with DEET. Their only difference is that
DEET can kill mosquitoes, while Citronella can only disorient it. One of the best
way of using Citronella as insect repellent is by making it as a scented candle so
the area of effect is wide, as long as the level of concentration is controlled to
prevent irritation on the skin. Though it cannot provide a significant protection,
the researchers will combine Lemongrass and Citronella essence to improve the
effectiveness of the scented candle.
As mentioned by Scutti (2013), Thai researchers tested the repellence of

oils gathered from plant species compared to commercial mosquito repellents
with DEET. The results showed that Citronella Oil is effective as the chemical
mosquito repellent, which caused allergic reactions to other users. But with the
addition of Vanilla to Citronella Oil, in can increase the span of time of protection
against mosquitoes. Researchers from Thailand have proven that Citronella
essence is as potent and as efficient as the chemical repellents but it is safer for
those who have sensitive skin and allergic tendencies.
As studied by Wells (2017), Lemongrass is a healthy and versatile

essential oil. It is also effective as an organic repellent. If ever you have a big
outdoor space, burn Lemongrass lamps and candles. Lemongrass products such
as torches, lanterns and tea lights can add relaxation to your yard. Lighting up
Lemongrass candles or lamps can protect a significant amount of yard space
from mosquitoes.
As indicated by Karen (2018), Lemongrass is one of the alternatives for

repelling mosquitoes. According to her, there is no perfect approach to control
Dengue mosquitoes but, with the eagerness to maintain cleanliness and with the
help of Lemongrass, it will surely reduce Dengue disease. Lemongrass has been
recommended by specialists to be planted in households to lessen Dengue
infections.
According to Musa (2015), the efficiency of Lemongrass extract was

tested on Anopheles mosquito and its larvae. The results showed that within 19
minutes, the adult and the larvae died. Their study indicated that Lemongrass is
an effective insect repellent to minimize Dengue diseases caused by mosquitoes.
According to Patricio (2012), the use of Lemongrass as border plant can

ward off insect pests from invading the farm. Aside from that, it is used as an
agricultural strategy to provide affordable and effective protection against pests
because it does not cause harm to the crops. Lemongrass has already been
used by many farmers to supply them with cheap but capable insect repellent. It
also does not damage the crops, which is a very important trait of an insect
repellent that is sought by farm owners.
According to Chaiyakunapruk (2011), the span of protection of Citronella
Oil was less compared to the DEET group. Citronella Oil combined with Vanilla
lasts longer compared with Citronella alone. Citronella products are less effective
than DEET in terms of duration of protection but the combination of Vanilla and
Lemongrass extract can prolong the period of protection.
The mentioned articles above imply that Lemongrass and Citronella

extracts have been proven effective in repelling mosquitoes on their own, even
without combining the two. Other articles state that the effectiveness of the
Lemongrass as mosquito repellent can be prolonged by adding Vanilla. Also, the
chemical mosquito repellents can trigger allergic tendencies and skin irritation.
B. Synthesis
Since the research study has focused on the efficacy of the Citronella
essence with Lemongrass-scented candle as an insect repellent, there is a
theory that is developed by the researchers and that is Citronella extract with
Lemongrass is really potent and it has a huge possibility that this study will be a
success because of the liable proofs stated above. Citronella is popular for its
ability to repel insects; moreover, Citronella is widely used by the local farmers.
The effectiveness of Citronella is the same as repellents with DEET; however,
Citronella is safer and cheaper. Insects are biologically diverse and are part of
the system, keeping the surrounding clean is still the best way to control its
number and to avoid the diseases they bring.
C. Conceptual Paradigm
Figure 1
IPO Diagram
Fig.1. shows the IPO Diagram for this research study
Based on this diagram, the researchers had conducted their study in order
to know the efficacy of Citronella essence and Lemongrass as a mosquito
repellent. However, there are variables that should be considered such as
Citronella essence, Lemongrass, scented candle, and the mosquitoes. More so,
to acquire credible data several experiments and observation will be conducted.
Testing will provide accurate result in the study. For instance, if the test will state
that there is a possible effect that Citronella essence and Lemongrass as
mosquito repellent, then the institution should consider to use the experimented
product (scented-candle) as substitute in chemical mosquito repellent. Also, the
researchers hypothesized that there are no possible effects of Citronella essence
and Lemongrass-scented candle as a mosquito repellent.
p
In
s
o
r
tP
u
O
D. Hypothesis of the Study
The researchers of this study present presumption that have been created
from the stratagem of the research questions and, by the parts of Chapter 4, it
will be tested using statistical tools but will not be proved since hypotheses are
just expected answers produced by the researchers’ curious and exploratory
mind.
Ho: Citronella extract with Lemongrass extract-scented candle is not effective in

repelling mosquitoes.
Hi: Citronella extract with Lemongrass extract-scented candle is effective in
repelling mosquitoes.
E. Definition of Terms
These following terms have been chosen by the researchers themselves
and define them accordingly to the context of the research study:
i. Efficacy - this word is defined as the power to produce a desired result or

effect
ii. Encephalitis - this word is regarded as the inflammation of the brain that is
caused especially by infection with a virus (such as herpes simplex or
West Nile virus) or less commonly with bacterial or fungal infection or
auto-immune reaction
iii. DOH - or Department of Health is the executive department of the
Philippine government responsible for ensuring access to basic public
health services by all Filipinos through the provision of quality health care
and the regulation of all health services and products
iv. Vector-borne - these include disease which are transmitted by disease-
causing organisms; that is, they carry pathogens from one host to another
v. DEET - it is a brand of Diethyltoluamide, a colorless oily liquid with a mild
odor, used as an insect repellent

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CHAPTER 2

A. Review of Related Literature and Studies

As stated by Maya and Moore (2011), Citronella is widely used as

As mentioned by Scutti (2013), Thai researchers tested the repellence of

As studied by Wells (2017), Lemongrass is a healthy and versatile

As indicated by Karen (2018), Lemongrass is one of the alternatives for

According to Musa (2015), the efficiency of Lemongrass extract was

According to Patricio (2012), the use of Lemongrass as border plant can

The mentioned articles above imply that Lemongrass and Citronella

Fig.1. shows the IPO Diagram for this research study

Ho: Citronella extract with Lemongrass extract-scented candle is not effective in

i. Efficacy - this word is defined as the power to produce a desired result or

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