Effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) Scented

Candles as Mosquito Repellent

Research Paper 2021

December 30, 1899 2021

dela cruz, hannah chelsy c.
Newton-10
 Effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa
(Calamansi) Scented Candles as Mosquito Repellent

Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

It is a fact that controlling mosquitoes is an important goal in the present day due

to the increasing number of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The increase of the number of

these blood suckers arep due to the dirty ditches, open drains, and water collected inside

containers, tanks, and coolers.

A person’s body can be bitten by multiple female mosquitoes a day in one sitting,

these mosquitoes can also carry viruses as feed on human blood until they are full. The

Department of Health (DOH) said that they had recorded 50,169 cases of dengue fever

from Jan. 1 to May 30, 2020, while the dengue cases recorded during the same period on

the previous year reached 92,808. A total of 173 deaths have so far recorded during the

first five months on year 2020, as compared to the 452 recorded deaths in 2019, the DOH

added. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that the Dengvaxia vaccine

will only be given to individuals aged 9 years and above and who are confirmed previous

dengue virus infection.

Mosquito bites happen to be the most annoying feeling people experience, as they

cause redness and swelling. Although these mosquito bites clear up in a few days, the

itchiness of the bites are still bothersome and annoying mostly to children and to people

with health problems. Moreover, mosquito-transmitted diseases from mosquito bites have

caused illness and death to millions of people across the globe. Thus, mosquito repellents

1
as protection from mosquito bites is still the best solution to prevent mosquito-transmitted

diseases.

Repellents are clearly used to protect human beings from insect bites. A lot of

these repellents are safe to use but there are also those that are toxic to the skin and the

nervous system which causes irritation, swelling and more. Using scented candle

repellents do not kill or harm the mosquitos, instead mosquitoes repel as the candle is

burning and spreading its scent.

The research tries to help the environment by the use of Ocimum basilicum

(Basil) leaf oil extract and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) peel oil extract as

scented candle repellents as the researcher observed the increasing count of mosquitos’

day by day. Ocimum basilicum (Basil) has a component that can work as a repellent due

to its pungent smell from its volatile compound called eugenol and Citrofortunella

microcarpa (Calamansi) also has an aromatic scent and this chemical called Limonene

found in calamansi rind and in any citrus fruits which is used as an insecticide.

Moreover, using Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa

(Calamansi) as scented candles can, not only keep the insects away but also it can help

for relaxation and it can help alleviate depression and anxiety. The use of scented candles

as mosquito repellents would be helpful as it wouldn’t have much bad effect towards our

health and environment as it is made with plant-based materials. The use of scented

candle mosquito repellents can also be used as light source for dark places while the scent

tries to keep mosquitoes away.

This researcher therefore aimed to find out the effectiveness of Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candles as

2
mosquito repellent, towards the enhanced awareness of human kind on the knowledge

and use of scented candle repellents as protection from mosquito bites, efficiency and for

relaxation.

Statement of the Problem

This research aimed to find out the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candles as mosquito repellent,

towards the enhanced awareness of human kind on the knowledge and use of scented

candle repellents as protection from mosquito bites, efficiency and for relaxation.

Specifically, it tried to answers to the following questions:

1. What are the components of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella

microcarpa (Calamansi) that can prove its effectiveness as mosquito repellent?

2. Is there a significant difference on the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candle to a non-scented

candle in terms of time?

3. How efficient is Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa

(Calamansi) scented candle in terms of:

a.) Fragrance

b.) Price

Hypotheses

The research found out the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and

Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candles as mosquito repellent, towards

the enhanced awareness of human kind on the knowledge and use of scented candle

repellents as protection from mosquito bites, efficiency and for relaxation.

3
 As an answer to the questions, the following statements are given:

1. The components of the raw materials that can prove its effectiveness as mosquito

repellents are:

a. Ocimum basilicum (Basil) is an annual herb or the mint family Lamiaceae

grown for its aromatic leaves. It can be used as a pest repellent due to its

pungent smell from its volatile compound called eugenol (gives of a pleasant,

spicy and clove-like scent) which is produced by the basil enzyme, eugenol

synthase (converts coniferyl acetate to eugenol) which is how it keeps insects

away.

b. Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) is a fruit tree in the family Rutaceae

in native Asia. It is a kind of citrus fruit that has a strong aroma and also has a

considerable number of essential oils. The chemical called d-Limonene is

also found in calamansi rind and in any citrus fruits which is used as an

insecticide.

2. There is no significant difference on the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum

(Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candle to a non-

scented candle in terms of time.

3. The Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi)

scented candle is efficient in terms of:

a.) The fragrance gives off a strong aroma that pairs well, as the refreshing

citrus smell blends with the peppery yet minty scent of basil.

b.) The product isn’t pricy as the materials used for this research are plant

based and these could be used effectively and efficiently.

4
Significance of the Study

Other mosquito repellents have bad effects caused by chemicals which may cause

irritation and swelling. Therefore, the researcher found a possible solution wherein the

can the product can be more efficient and can be used for double purpose. The

researcher’s desire is to come up with a scented candle repellent that can also serve as a

stress relieving relaxation tool. The scented candle would be a mixture of plant-based

material and wax that gives off a soothing scent that refreshes the mind at the same time

the smell can acts as a repellent to mosquitoes.

The research’s benefit would involve the health of people, community and the

environment. It is a plant-based product and have a natural component. It wouldn’t have

much harmful effects to human beings. It is also not pricy and is easy to make.

Moreover, it can be used as light when there are brownouts and as its burning it can

eliminate the mosquitoes.

This research can also benefit future researchers as a guide by serving as a basis

for broader studies in the future.

Scope and Limitations

The study was about the properties of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaf oil extract

and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) peel oil extract scented candle, as an efficient

way to be protected from mosquito bites and to use these scented candles as a relaxation

tool at the same time. The experimental research was conducted at the residential home

5
of the researcher in Lingayen, Pangasinan that took around four (4) weeks to finish the

study.

There were a lot of restrictions that the researcher faced due to the lack of

facilities, materials and equipment which were disadvantageously required for the study.

The researcher’s only study focused on the development and effectiveness of Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candles as

mosquito repellent.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were conceptually and operationally defined to provide a

clearer view and understanding of the readers.

Mosquito. It refers to any family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set

of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of animals and to suck

their blood and that are in some cases vectors of serious diseases (Merriam-

Webster,2021). In this study, it refers to flying bloodsucker who feed on human blood.

Dengue. an acute infectious disease caused by a flavivirus (species Dengue virus of the

genus Flavivirus), transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, and characterized by headache,

severe joint pain, and a rash (Merriam-Webster,2021). In this study, it refers to the virus

transmitted by mosquitoes.

Repellent. serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination

(Merriam-Webster, 2021). In this study, it refers to as a shield to keep insects and

mosquitoes away.

Scented. having a perfumed smell (Merriam-Webster, 2021). In this study it refers to the

smell from a certain thing.

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Candle. a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be

burned (as to give light, heat, or scent or for celebration or votive purposes) (Merriam-

Webster, 2021). In this study it refers to a mixture of hardened wax and plant-based

essential oil, that may be burned.

Aroma. It refers to a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell

(Merriam-Webster,2021). In this study, it refers to the refreshing scent that calms the

nerves.

Fragrance. a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume)

(Merriam-Webster,2021). In this study, it refers to the strong yet soothing scent.

Efficient. Capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or

materials) (Merriam-Webster,2021). In this study, it refers to the way the product is

easily made with inexpensive materials and less waste.

Conceptual Paradigm

The study made use of input-process-output model. The input box contains the

raw materials used for this study. The process box contains the process need to answer

the problem. The output box contains the expected product for this study.

7
The following figure illustrates the conceptual paradigm of the study:

Input Process Output

1. Nature of Ocimum 1. Gathering materials: A scented candle that

basilicum (Basil) a. Ocimum uses Ocimum basilicum
leaf oil extract basilicum (Basil) (Basil) and
2. Nature of b. Citrofortunella Citrofortunella
Citrofortunella microcarpa microcarpa (Calamansi)
microcarpa (Calamansi) as solution for mosquito
(Calamansi) peel 2. Extracting oil from problems.
extract Ocimum basilicum
3. Nature in making (Basil) and Ocimum basilicum
scented candles Citrofortunella (Basil) and
4. Method on microcarpa Citrofortunella
extracting oil from (Calamansi) microcarpa (Calamansi)
Ocimum basilicum 3. Testing the Scented Candle
(Basil) leaf and Effectiveness of Mosquito Repellent
Citrofortunella Ocimum basilicum
microcarpa (Basil) and
(Calamansi) peel Citrofortunella
microcarpa
(Calamansi) scented
candles
4. Analyzing and
Interpretation on the
effectivity of
Ocimum basilicum
(Basil) and
Citrofortunella
microcarpa
(Calamansi) scented
candle
5. Conclusion on the
study about the
Effectiveness of
Ocimum basilicum
8
(Basil) and
Citrofortunella
microcarpa
(Calamansi) Scented
 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter contains the ideas, articles, documents, literatures, and other

information that the researcher chose to help with familiarizing the present study.

Related Literature

The materials, Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaf oil extract and Citrofortunella

microcarpa (Calamansi) peel oil extract was used for this study. These has different

components and properties perent in them that can greatly contribute to this study

The plant, Ocimum basilicum (Basil), is commonly used for cooking and as

medicine to cure such illness and infections. This plant is an aromatic plant that

encompasses other species of herb and shrub species belonging to the genus Ocimun L.

(Lamiaceae). Its name basil came from the Greek word basileus or “king”. Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) leaves have had culinary importance for centuries due to the fact that it

has stress relieving components and it can be used to treat respiratory, gastrointestinal,

and kidney ailments, as well as blood disorders and other diseases in organs. Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) can also help with alleviating metabolic disorders, cognitive

enhancement, strengthening the immune system, and oral and skin health (Singletary,

2018).

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 Ocimum basilicum (Basil) has other characteristics such as “it has a maximum

height that may reach up to 60 cm (30–60 cm), and it germinates 14–21 days after

planting. Its leaves are oval, sharp and reciprocal. Basil’s flowers are small, aromatic

with the color of white, red and violet. It has tiny and black seeds. On the basis of

climatic conditions, its growing period is between 170 and 180 days. It can be harvested

two to three times during the growing season” (Shahrajabian, et al. ,2020)

It can be used as a pest repellent due to its pungent smell from its volatile

compound called eugenol (gives of a pleasant, spicy and clove-like scent) which is

produced by the basil enzyme, eugenol synthase (converts coniferyl acetate to eugenol)

which is how it keeps insects away. It would be great to have this plant scattered

somewhere the garden to keep the pests away.

On the other hand, the Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) is also commonly

used for cooking, weight loss, common colds and flu and more. This belongs to the fruit

tree family Rutaceae. The fruit of the Calamansi is a small, round lime, a little bigger

than the size of a thumbnail. Similar to other citrus fruits, the calamansi is high in vitamin

C, and the juice can be an excellent vitamin basis. The lively ingredient D-limonene

destroys the wax coating of the insects’ respiratory system. As soon as applied directly,

the insect suffocates.

Its flowers are axillary, solitary, rarely in pairs, white, and short-stalked. This friut

is yellow when ripe, nearly spherical, 2 to 3.5 cm diameter, and thin-skinned. The skin or

peel is green to yellowish green or yellow, loosely adhering to the flesh. The flesh

contains a few light orange seeds.

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 Like the other citrus fruits, the Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) has the

chemical d-Limonene which is its major constituent. D-Limonene is found in its rind

where can be extracted (Anonymous, 2016).

The use of Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) can also purify the organs and

detoxify the colon. It is full of vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients that can be used as

an immune booster.

Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented

candles can be used as mosquito repellents as protection to reduce disease incidence like

dengue.

Dengue is a disease caused by viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a mosquito-

borne, acute febrile illness that is an important public health problem in tropical

countries. In the early 1950’s, the disease was described in the Philippines as

hemorrhagic fever or infectious acute thrombocytopenic purpura. Dengue continues to

cause considerable concern in the country because of its widespread endemicity, the

minimal success of vector control strategies, the possibility of severe disease caused by

sequential infection by a different serotype, the potential for fatal outcomes and the

consequent social and economic burden (Agrupis, 2019).

Common symptoms and warning sign of dengue are: lethargy and tiredness,

nausea, vomiting, joint pain, muscle and bone pain rashes and more. There are a lot of

dengue cases in the Philippines which are mostly children. The World Health

Organization (WHO) recommended that the Dengvaxia vaccine will only be given to

individuals aged 9 years and above and who are confirmed previous dengue virus

infection. Thus, protection form mosquito bites could be solved by repellents.

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 There are multiple kinds of repellents sold in the market but the scented candles

are the most popular mosquito-repelling methods as they hold their place alongside other

repellents containing DEET and picaridin as well as natural solution. Repellents are

substances that help people avoid mosquito bites. It is used as shield form the blood

sucking insect that keep human kind bothered.

Related Studies

This study was conducted with the significant help of previous studies that related

to the researcher’s present study.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 11 of March 2021, entitled

“Effectiveness of Plant-Based Repellents Against Different Anopheles Species” by Amin

Asadollahi, et al. in the year 2019, the researchers aimed to find out the effectiveness of

plant-based repellents against different Anopheles species. In this research different plant

oils were observed. In the systematic review, all eligible studies on the repellency effects

of plant-based repellants against Anopheles spp. published up to July 2018 were

systematically searched through electronic databases. A total of 383 studies were found

by the initial literature search of the databases. This research inspected the repellency

effects of plant extracts and essential oils against malaria vectors, Anopheles spp.

mosquitoes, and reported the percentage of repellency or complete protection time. The

researchers therefore concluded that the results of this study showed that some plants

essential oils and extracts have significant repellent activity against Anopheles spp.

Mosquitoes. Plant-based repellents may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetic

12
repellents in the future as they are relatively safe, inexpensive, and are readily available

in many parts of the world.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Mosquito Repellent Candle” by Harper in the year 2019, the researcher’s study

incorporates the tested herbal plant in a mixture of wax to come up with mosquito-

repelling candles or the anti-mosquito candles. The researcher wanted to use a natural and

effective way to prevent the bites of mosquitoes instead of using commercially produced

insect killers and mosquito repellents that oftentimes are harmful to our health

particularly to those who have asthma. The researcher used Oregano or Oregano Vulgar

which contains a chemical called Carroll- a natural oil insect repellent. The chemical,

Carroll, is effective in killing mosquitoes. The researcher wanted the product to improve

its ability to re duce dengue cases in the Philippines and other countries. The study used

material such as: paraffin, Oregano oil as the main ingredient, lighter, double broiler,

cooking gloves, molds and mixing spoon. The researcher compared the anti-mosquito

candle with a commercial product. The results show that the researches product lasted

shorter than the commercial product. The researcher also recommended to add more of

the essential oil as mosquitoes hate the chemical compound found in oregano oil. The

researcher therefore concluded that the mixture of wax and Oregano oil is effective as an

insect repellent.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Lemon Grass and Garlic as Mosquito Repellent” by Mia in the year 2019, the researcher

aimed to significantly assist the occupants who are greatly affected by these mosquitoes.

The researcher used a survey entitled Garlic (Allium sativum) and Lemongrass

13
(Cymbopogon cittratus) as mosquito killers. The survey focused on the insecticidal

consequence of Garlic (Allium sativum) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon cittratus) on

mosquitoes and the stuffs used were merely gathered around the researchers’ family. The

probe untilized 6 mosquitoes that were placed in crystalline container. The researcher

showed that the survey has some bearing capableness and belongingness to other work in

the sense that it tackles the capacity of some organic stuffs such as garlic juice and lemon

grass oil as effectual mosquito repellent. The researcher extracted the Garlic (Allium

sativum) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon cittratus) utilizing a used fabric. The infusion of

each ingredient was stored for two years. Then both ingredients were measured the set up

was composed of 20 milliliters of Garlic (Allium sativum) infusion and Lemongrass

(Cymbopogon cittratus) infusion. After the researcher fixed the experimental set up, the

solution was then sprayed to the container with mosquitoes. Each set up was observed

and recorded by the researcher. The researcher therefore concluded that the solution of 20

milliliters of Garlic (Allium sativum) infusion and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon cittratus)

infusion is an effective mosquito killer.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled “An

Online Survey of Personal Mosquito-Repellent Strategies” by Emily Lucille Moore, et al.

in the year 2018, the researchers conducted a survey study to determine what kind of

mosquito repellents and other mosquito control strategies people use. Our online survey

was focused on unconventional methods and was answered by 5,209 participants. The

researchers developed a nine-question online survey. Wherein the demographic variables

included gender, age, education levels and residence. Survey questions assessed people’s

awareness of mosquitoes, general knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases and

14
mosquito repellents and what mosquito control strategies people most frequently use.

Two survey questions were specifically designed to gather unconventional mosquito

repellent methods and strategies. The data were collected anonymously through the

online portal and other posting on social media. The results showed that demographics of

the survey participants were, 67.71% female, 37.7% male and 0.59% as other. The

researchers found out that out of the 5,209 total respondents, 4,773 responded to the

multiple-choice question. The most common repellent method chosen by the respondents

was spray-on mosquito repellent with DEET, closely followed by citronella candles and

‘natural’ spray-on repellents. The researcher therefore concluded and identified several

understudied mosquito repellent methods that may or may not be more effective and

practical across diverse global settings.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Mosquito Repellent Candles do they Work?” by Ruta Goba in the year 2020, the

author’s information stated that scented candles are one of the most popular mosquito-

repelling methods as they hold their place alongside other repellents containing DEET

and picaridin as well as natural solutions like lemon eucalyptus oil. The author said that

one thing makes these candles so popular is that they are made from a natural essential oil

distilled from grass and it doesn’t require you to put something on your skin or clothes

that might cause irritations. In this study it showed that when you burn the scented

candle, the citronella oil is released into the air around the candle. The scented candle

will be more effective on some species of mosquitoes than others. The author therefore

concluded that Unlike other mosquito repellents such as DEET, citronella oil is not very

effective and at best, only provides short-term reductions in mosquitoes. They will still

15
approach and bite you. DEET, for example, can provide more than six hours of protection

against mosquitoes. Citronella oil, on the other hand, only works as long as the candle is

burning, and then not very well.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Utilization of Basil Leaf Extract as Anti-Mosquito Repellent” by Ismalia Husna, et al. in

the year 2020, the researchers’ aim is to determine the most effective concentration of

extract that kills the larvae in the third instar Aedes aegypti. The researchers used plant-

based insecticides as an alternative in controlling Aedes aegypti larvae. The researches

added that Basil leaves have great potential in killing dengue mosquitoes. The equipment

the researches used in this study were measuring cups, glass vessels, stirrers, filter paper,

vacuum rotary evaprators, plastic trays, plastic cups, drop pipettes, and stopwatches.

Meanwhile, the materials used in this study were forest basil (Ocimum sanctum) instar III

Aedes aegypti larvae, ethanol as a solvent, and distilled water as extract thinner. The

researches used the method used by Harboneon to extract the forest basil leaf.

Furthermore, the simplicia of the basil leaves was macerated for 24 hours using 96%

ethanol solution. The solution was then used against the larvae. The larvae would

continue to eat continue to eat without being disturbed by a good concentration of the

extract. This caused death due to the nature of the forest basil leaf extract as a stomach

poison. The processes were observed and recorded by the researchers. The researchers

therefore concluded that based on experimental results, it can be concluded that the

extract of the forest basil (Ocimum sanctum) with a concentration of 1.5% is effective in

killing the larvae of instar III Aedes aegypti. LC50 value of forest basil (Ocimum

sanctum) extract as larvaside against Aedes aegypti III instar larvae was 0.97% at 4320

16
minutes, while the LC90 value of forest basil extract (Ocimum sanctum) was 1.42%. The

value of LT50 and LT90 extracts of forest basil (Ocimum sanctum) as larvaside against

Aedes aegypti III instar larvae were 5.71 hours 342.31 minutes and 17.02 hours or

1021.222 minutes at a concentration of 1.5%.

According to the study the researcher accessed on 14 of March 2021, entitled

“Basil leaf (Ocimmum basillum form citratum) Extract Spray in Controling Aedes

aegepty” by Denai Wahyuni and Beny Yulianto in the year 2018, the researchers’ aim

was to measure effectiveness of basil leaf extract (Ocimmum basillum form citratum) on

Knockdown time of Aedes aegypti and effective concentration on spray usage. The

researchers observed that an effort is urgently needed to search for alternative insecticide

from plants that are potentially poisonous for insect to control pest effectively and protect

the environment. The researchers made use of twenty mosquitoes with six different

intervention for this study, each 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, positive control, and negative

control. The results were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. From the

observation, there were various ways of the mosquito’s death process after spraying the

Basil leaf extract which were recorded by the researchers. The researchers then said that

the effectiveness of Basil leaf extract (Ocimmum Basillum form citratum) showed that it

contained active compounds that could be used as vegetable / natural insecticides.

Besides, Basil plants were common, the residues were easily biodegradable, did not

pollute the environment, were safe for other living creatures and did not cause any

resistance to Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. The researchers therefore concluded that Basil

leaves extract (Ocimmum Basillum form citratum) had knockdown power on Ae. aegypti

mosquitoes. And that Basil leaf extract (Ocimmum Basillum form citratum) could be

17
used by the community as an alternative plants-based insecticide that are environmentally

friendly to control Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and potentially also as an alternative to

fogging.

Justification

This research aimed to find out the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) scented candles as mosquito repellent,

towards the enhanced awareness of human kind on the knowledge and use of scented

candle repellents as protection from mosquito bites, efficiency and for relaxation.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 11 of March 2021, entitled

“Effectiveness of Plant-Based Repellents Against Different Anopheles Species” by Amin

Asadollahi, et al. in the year 2019, was included in this study for the reason that the plants

the researchers used for their study showed the effectiveness of different plants as

repellent. The previous researchers found out the effectiveness of plant-based repellents

against different Anopheles species. This study helped the present researcher in the

manner that it showed that certain plants could work as repellents and are also accessible

due to the fact that these are inexpensive.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Mosquito Repellent Candle” by Harper in the year 2019, was included in this study for

the reason that it is similar to the present researcher’s study. The previous researcher used

a natural and effective way to prevent the bites of mosquitoes instead of using

commercially produced insect killers and mosquito repellents that oftentimes are harmful

to our health. The previous research also used some process that the present researcher

18
used on this study. the previous researcher made use of a mixture of wax and Oregano oil

to come up with mosquito-repelling candles or the anti-mosquito candles.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled “Lemon

Grass and Garlic as Mosquito Repellent” by Mia in the year 2019, was included in this

study for the reason that the previous researcher used Lemongrass- a citrus fruit, and

Garlic as mosquito repellent or mosquito killer. The present researcher found it

interesting that a mosquito repellent or killer solution was produced from these natural

materials. The previous research also showed how the extracts were extracted and turned

into solutions that was used as mosquito repellent or killer.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled “An

Online Survey of Personal Mosquito-Repellent Strategies” by Emily Lucille Moore, et al.

in the year 2018, was included in this study for the reason that it showed the survey of

random people to determine what kind of mosquito repellents and other mosquito control

strategies people use. The present researcher therefore gained knowledge about which

most common repellent method was chosen by the respondents which were spray-on

mosquito repellent with DEET, closely followed by citronella candles and ‘natural’

spray-on repellents. From the previous study it showed that citronella candles were one of

the most common repellent method. This information may help the present researcher

improve the product in order to help more people with mosquito problems.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Mosquito Repellent Candles do they Work?” by Ruta Goba in the year 2020, was

included for the reason that it showed the present researcher the effects of scented candles

as mosquito repellents. It was also stated on the previous study that Citronella oil may or

19
may not work on some species of mosquitoes. The previous study showed the present

researcher that scented candles can be or cannot be effective in some instances.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 13 of March 2021, entitled

“Utilization of Basil Leaf Extract as Anti-Mosquito Repellent” by Ismalia Husna, et al. in

the year 2020, was included in this study for the reason that (Ocimum sanctum) Basil

extract was used as anti-mosquito repellent. The previous research showed the properties

of (Ocimum sanctum) Basil extract that can be used as repellent and larvicidal against

certain kind of mosquitoes. This study provided information needed for the present study.

The previous study the researcher accessed on 14 of March 2021, entitled “Basil

leaf (Ocimmum basillum form citratum) Extract Spray in Controling Aedes aegepty” by

Denai Wahyuni and Beny Yulianto in the year 2018, was included in this study for the

reason that the previous researcher wanted to find out the effectiveness of Basil leaf

(Ocimmum basillum form citratum) extract spray as alternative insecticide from plants

that are potentially poisonous for insect to control pest effectively and protect the

environment. The previous researcher provided a solution to keep pests away in an

environment friendly way which is also the aim of the present researcher as to use plant-

based materials as mosquito repellents.

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 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the ideas, research design, materials and equipment,

procedures and statistical tools that were used by the researcher for this study.

Research Design

According to Kassu Jilcha Sileyew, (2019), research design is intended to provide

an appropriate framework for a study. Wherein, a very significant decision in research

design process is the choice to be made regarding research approach since it determines

how relevant an information, evidence and experiment are for a study will be obtained.

Nonetheless, this study focused on the effectiveness of Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

leaf oil extract and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) peel oil extract scented candle

mosquito repellent that will protect its users against mosquitoes. This study gathered data

on the time length of the scented candle to determine the effectiveness of Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) leaf oil extract and Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) peel oil

extract scented candle mosquito repellent.

The researcher therefore chose the experimental approach for this study. As

experimental research designs is centrally concerned with constructing research that is

high on casual (internal) validity (Ojmarrh Mitchell, 2015). This experimental research

will require data gatherings that are needed to test the hypotheses. In addition it will

determine and describe “what will be-“ and “what will happen-“ to the mentioned study.

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Research Materials and Equipment

The study made use of materials that took the major part in this study such as:

Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaf oil extract which can be used as a pest repellent due to its

pungent smell from its volatile compound called eugenol and Citrofortunella microcarpa

(Calamansi) peel oil extract that has the lively ingredient D-limonene that destroys the

wax coating of the insects’ respiratory system wherein as soon as the scent is inhaled by

the insect, it will suffocate. Other materials are: paraffin wax, candle wicks, heat-proof

bowl, mixing spoon or spatula, scissors, pot holder, a stick or pencil and a heat-proof

mold to keep the candle in.

The researcher also used measuring spoons for the extract and measuring cups for

the paraffin wax. A double boiler and a stove were also used for this study to melt the

paraffin wax.

Research Procedure

The procedures involved various activities to conduct this study. First, the

researcher gathered the materials needed for the experiment. The materials were: 1

kilogram of Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) freshly picked at 8 am in the

morning from the garden of the residential home of the researcher, 100 grams of Ocimum

basilicum (Basil) leaves, 4 cups of paraffin wax, 3 candle wicks, 1 heat-proof bowl, 1

mixing spoon or spatula, 1 pair scissors, a pot holder, a stick or pencil and a 3 heat-proof

mold to keep the candle in. The researcher also used measuring spoons for the extract and

measuring cups for the paraffin wax. A double boiler and a stove were also used for this

study to melt the paraffin wax.

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 After gathering the materials, the researcher then proceeded to extract the

Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi)’s peel by the use of cold pressing method. The

Citrofortunella microcarpa (Calamansi) was washed carefully and thoroughly to remove

bacteria, then the fruit is peeled wherein the greatest concentration of oil s in most fruit is

contained at the outer layer of the rind. The peel is then pressed with great strength using

a sieve or a mortar and pestle the liquid that comes out will contain the oil needed. The

liquid will then be stored in a container for a few days until the oil separates from the rest

of the liquid. The researcher collected the oil by placing the liquid in the freezer as the oil

will remain in its liquid form while the rest will be frozen. Next, the researcher extracted

oil from the Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaves. The researcher used the distillation

method wherein the 100 grams of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaves are chopped or

ground then placed in the freezer for 24 hours. It is then added to water then placed on

the separator where the extract is collected.

The extraction process was followed by the formulation of product. The

researcher placed the 4 cups of paraffin wax in the double boiler and let it melt, after it

melted 1 teaspoon of both Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa

(Calamansi) oil extracts were added to the mixture. The researcher used a mixing spoon

to incorporate the substances evenly. The researcher then prepared 3 mold or containers

with 1 wick tied to a stick per container. After a few minutes the mixture is poured into

the containers to let it harden.

The formulation of the product was then followed by testing wherein both the

formulated product which is the Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella

microcarpa (Calamansi) Scented Candles and the non-scented were put into test. The

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researcher gathered data by recording the burning time of the products and its

effectiveness towards mosquitoes.

Statistical Tool

The study about Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Citrofortunella microcarpa

(Calamansi) Scented Candles made use of the experiment as the primary data gathering

tool. The researcher used the T-test for the two samples to answer the number two

question and to analyze the data. The statistical tool used for this study, which is the T-

test, will prove how significant the differences between the groups are.

Formula:

x 1−x 2

√
ss ss
t= ss 1+ ss 1 1 2
1= Σ x 1−
( Σ x 1 )2 2
2= Σ x 2−
( Σ x2 )2
( 2
)( + ) n1 n2
n1+n
2−2
n1 n2

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