EFFECTIVENESS OF ORIGANUM VULGARE EXTRACT AS MOSQUITO

REPELLENT

ANDREI NIESAH NGUHO

JACQUELYN TUTOR

THE SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT SUBMITTED TO KUYA

NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT, IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR BIOLOGY 1 SUBJECT

December 2024
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INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

We all know that mosquito is the tiny fly which belongs to the family of

Culicidae. Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and zika

virus pose significant public health threats globally. They are considered to be

one of the deadliest insects in the world. Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)

possesses numerous remarkable properties. It is rich in antioxidants,

flavonoids, and phenolic acids which contributes to its potent antimicrobial,

antifungal, and antiviral activities. Oregano’s essential oil, extracted from its

leaves, contains high concentrations of carvacrol and thymol, compounds that

exhibit strong insecticidal and repellent properties. Oregano extracts as

individual constituent consistently have demonstrated antimicrobial actions in

vitro toward food-borne pathogens (Singletary, 2018).

A study conducted in 2019 by Garcia et al. Examined the efficacy of

oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) as a natural repellent against

mosquitoes, the vector for diseases like dengue and Zika. The study

concluded that oregano oil showed significant repellent activity comparable to

chemical repellents, highlighting its potential as an alternative in regions

seeking natural solutions for mosquito control. This study investigates the use

of oregano extract as a natural mosquito repellent, focusing on its

effectiveness among students and teachers in a school setting. By assessing

its impact, the research aims to provide insights into the feasibility of using

oregano as a cost-effective and eco- friendly solution for mosquito control.

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Additionally, the study highlights the potential benefits of such an

alternative for schools and the surrounding community. The findings of this

study are expected to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on natural

repellents, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing public health

efforts to combat mosquito-borne diseases.

Statement of the problem

This study assesses the effectiveness of oregano extract as mosquito

repellent. To address this research problem, the following research questions

will guide this study.

1. What are the properties of oregano leaves which make it viable

ingredient in making mosquito killer?

2. What are the possible effects of using oregano leaves in killing

mosquito with respect to;

a.) Mortality rate

b.) Survival rate

c.) Frequency of time application

Objectives of the study

This study assesses the effectiveness of oregano extract as mosquito

repellent. Specifically, it aims to;

1. identify the properties of oregano leaves which make viable ingredient

in making mosquito killer.

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2. identify the possible effects of using oregano leaves in killing mosquito

with respect to;

a). Mortality rate

b). Survival rate

c). Frequency of time application

Scope and Delimitation of the study

This study focused on the effectiveness of origanum vulgare extract as

mosquito repellent. This study

Significance of the Study

The researchers believed that the study is significant to the following;

For Students, Provides a safer, natural alternative to chemical

repellents, reducing exposure to harmful substances. Enhances learning and

focus by minimizing the discomfort and health risks associated with mosquito

bites. Promotes environmental awareness by highlighting the potential use of

sustainable resources.

For Teachers, Reduces health risks from mosquito-borne diseases,

ensuring better attendance and performance. Offers an opportunity to

integrate practical applications of scientific research into classroom

discussions. Encourages leadership in promoting eco-friendly practices within

the school.
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For the School, Demonstrates innovation and commitment to health

and wellness among stakeholders. Provides an affordable mosquito repellent

option,

Reducing costs for pest control measures. Strengthens the school’s

role as a hub for promoting sustainable and community-driven solutions.

For the Community, Addresses public health concems by providing an

effective, natural mosquito control method. Encourages the local cultivation

and use of oregano, benefiting local farmers and economies. Promotes

community involvement in sustainable practices and public health initiatives.

Definition of Terms

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)- A perennial herb known for its strong

aroma and medicinal properties. It contains active compounds such as

carvacrol and thymol, which have antimicrobial and insect-repellent

properties.

Mosquito Repellent- A substance or formulation designed to prevent

mosquitoes from approaching or biting humans by emitting odors or

compounds that mosquitoes find unpleasant or harmful.

Carvacrol- A phenolic compound found in oregano that contributes to

its insect-repellent properties by disrupting mosquito sensory functions.

Thymol- Another phenolic compound in oregano known for its

antimicrobial and insect-repellent characteristics, often used in natural pest

control products.
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Experimental Research Design- A scientific approach where variables

are manipulated and controlled to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Study, it involves testing different formulations of oregano extract under

controlled conditions to measure their effectiveness against mosquitoes.

Repellency- The ability of a substance to deter insects, such as

mosquitoes, from approaching or landing on a surface or host.

Synthetic Repellent-A commercially produced chemical product, such

as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), used to repel mosquitoes. It serves

as a control in this study for comparison with natural alternatives.

Field Application- The process of testing a substance or formulation in

real-world conditions, such as in classrooms or outdoor community areas, to

evaluate practical effectiveness and safety.

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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter present the Review of related Literature and studies and

in Investigating the Effects origanum vulgare as mosquito repellent.

Review Of Related Literature and Studies

Origanum vulgare

A 2020 study by Chaves et al. Evaluated oregano oil as a key

component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in household and

community settings. The study demonstrated that oregano oil could be part of

an integrated approach to reducing mosquito populations without relying on

harmful chemicals. It was particularly effective when combined with other

natural deterrents, like citronella or lemongrass, and was considered a viable

option for use in schools and residential communities.

A literature review published in 2017 by Moya et al. Compared several

plant-derived oils, including oregano oil, to synthetic repellents like DEET. The

review found that oregano oil provided comparable protection against

mosquitoes, but with a shorter duration of effectiveness. The authors

suggested that oregano oil could serve as a viable, eco-friendly alternative to

chemical repellents. A 2018 study by Chaves et al. Explored the

phytochemical composition of Origanum vulgare essential oil and its effects

on insect behavior, particularly mosquitoes. The authors found that

compounds like carvacrol and thymol in oregano oil have insecticidal and

repellent properties that disrupt mosquito larvae and adult mosquito behavior.
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In 2020, Delgado and Silva conducted a study to evaluate the

effectiveness of oregano oil extract in both household and school

environments. The researchers found that oregano oil was effective in

repelling mosquitoes and reducing mosquito-borne diseases in small-scale,

controlled environments such as classrooms and homes. This study

highlighted oregano oil as a potential natural mosquito control method for

local communities where chemical repellents may not be ideal.

In 2020, Chavez et al, studied the application of oregano extract in low-

income communities affected by mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue

and Zika virus. The study found that oregano extract, when distributed to

households and applied to common areas, provided effective protection

against mosquitoes. The researchers noted that this approach could be

particularly beneficial for communities with limited access to commercial

mosquito repellents or insecticides. In 2019, Garcia et al, conducted a study

to evaluate the effectiveness of oregano essential oil as a natural mosquito

repellent for schoolchildren. The study found that oregano oil provided

significant protection against mosquitoes, with a notable reduction in mosquito

bites for both students and teachers in classrooms. The research also

emphasized the safety and eco- friendly nature of oregano oil, making it

suitable for use in school environments.

Oregano oil, rich in bioactive compounds like carvacrol and thymol,

could be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Studies have shown that essential

oils from plants, including oregano, may provide an alternative to synthetic

repellents like DEET. (Hussain et al., 2019).

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According to Chaverri et al. (2019), Plant-derived mosquito repellents.

Including oregano extract, may serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical

repellents like DEET, with reduced environmental impact and fewer side

effects. Oregano extract, as a natural plant-based repellent, offers a more

sustainable, non-toxic, and biodegradable alternative to synthetic chemicals,

which are often harmful to eco-system (Sundararajan et al., 2017):

The study of Ibarra, & Montealegre, A. (2021). Looks at plant extracts,

including oregano, for their repellent properties and toxicity to mosquitoes. It

highlights how oregano extract can be a viable natural alternative for mosquito

control.

Mortality Rate
The impact of oregano extract on mosquito mortality has also been

investigated in several studies. Kumari et al. (2021) conducted an experiment

to measure the lethal effects of oregano oil on adult mosquitoes. In this study,

mosquitoes were exposed to varying concentrations of oregano oil, and

mortality rates were recorded after 24 hours. The results indicated that

oregano oil had a dose-dependent effect on mosquito mortality. At a

concentration of 15%, the mortality rate of Aedes aegypti was 85%, while at

higher concentrations, nearly 100% of the mosquitoes died within 24 hours.

In contrast, Singh et al. (2022) examined the effects of oregano extract

on mosquitos. The study found that oregano oil, when diluted in water, caused

significant mortality in mosquito larvae, with a mortality rate of 72% at a 10%

concentration. The researchers also noted that oregano oil had a strong

repellent effect, reducing the likelihood of mosquito landing by up to 60%

within the first 4 hours of exposure.

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These findings suggest that oregano extract can be effective in

reducing mosquito populations by both repelling mosquitoes and causing

mortality when exposed to high concentrations. However, the specific

mechanisms of action are still being explored, and more research is needed

to understand how oregano oil interacts with the mosquito's physiology to

cause such effects.

Survival Rate

The survival rate of mosquitoes exposed to oregano extract is another

crucial factor in determining the efficacy of oregano oil as a repellent. A study

by Rajendran et al. (2023) analyzed the survival rates of mosquitoes exposed

to oregano oil over a period of 48 hours. The results indicated that mosquitoes

exposed to a 20% concentration of oregano extract showed a significant

reduction in survival rates. Only 12% of the mosquitoes survived after 24

hours, compared to a survival rate of 75% in the control group. These results

suggest that oregano oil may act not only as a repellent but also as a lethal

agent under prolonged exposure.

The survival rate of mosquitoes also varies with the concentration of

oregano extract used. In an experiment by Ravichandran et al. (2022),

different concentrations of oregano oil (ranging from 5% to 30%) were tested

on mosquitos. The study found that at lower concentrations (5%–10%),

oregano oil had a mild repellent effect, with moderate survival rates. However,

at concentrations of 20% and higher, both the survival and hatching rates of

larvae significantly decreased, suggesting that oregano oil may have sub-

lethal effects that hinder mosquito development.

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These studies highlight the importance of dosage in determining both

the repellent and lethal effects of oregano oil. While higher concentrations

result in a significant decrease in survival rates, lower concentrations may act

primarily as a repellent without causing substantial mortality.

Frequency of Time Application

The frequency of application is an important factor in determining the

practical use of oregano extract as a mosquito repellent. According to Sharma

et al. (2020), the effectiveness of oregano extract as a mosquito repellent

diminishes over time. In their study, mosquitoes were exposed to a topical

application of oregano oil, and the repellent efficacy was measured over a

period of 6 hours. The results showed that the repellent effect of oregano oil

was most pronounced within the first 2 hours after application, after which the

efficacy declined by approximately 50%.

In contrast, Ramasamy et al. (2021) evaluated the repellent action of

oregano oil over extended periods and found that frequent reapplication was

necessary to maintain effectiveness. The study showed that reapplying

oregano oil every 3–4 hours significantly improved its efficacy, especially in

outdoor environments where environmental factors like wind and rain could

reduce the oil's duration of action.

Additionally, Mishra et al. (2022) conducted a study on the long-term

use of oregano oil and its effect on mosquito populations. The study

recommended reapplying the oil at least once every 4 hours for optimal

protection. While oregano oil was effective in repelling mosquitoes, its action
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was not as long-lasting as synthetic repellents such as DEET, which could

provide up to 12 hours of protection.

The frequency of application is thus a critical factor in the practical use

of oregano extract as a repellent. To achieve optimal protection, individuals

may need to reapply the extract more frequently than synthetic alternatives.

This factor must be considered in real-world applications, particularly in areas

where mosquito populations are dense.

Oregano extract has demonstrated significant potential as a natural

mosquito repellent. Research over the past five years has shown that oregano

oil, primarily composed of carvacrol and thymol, exhibits both repellent and

lethal effects on mosquitoes. Studies have highlighted the importance of

concentration in determining the repellent efficacy and mosquito mortality

rate. Higher concentrations of oregano extract have been found to cause

significant mosquito mortality, while lower concentrations act primarily as a

repellent.

The survival rate of mosquitoes exposed to oregano oil tends to

decrease with increasing concentrations, suggesting that oregano oil may

also serve as an insecticide. However, the frequency of application is an

important factor, as the repellent effect of oregano oil diminishes over time,

necessitating more frequent reapplications compared to synthetic alternatives

like DEET.
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Research Paradigm

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Origanum

Vulgare Mosquito

extract
repellency

Figure 1: Schematic design shows the variables indicating the

effects of origanum vulgare as mosquito repellent.

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METHODOLOGY

This chapter present the methodology of the study. This includes the

research design, the description of the research locale, the research

instrumentation, the data gathering procedure, and the statistical analysis.

Research design

The research design for this study is an experimental design it aims to

determine and test the effectiveness of oregano extract to the mosquitoes.

This research design will allow the researchers discover the cause and effect

between the Oregano extract and its repellent effect to the mosquitoes.

Sampling Technique

This study will employ simple random sampling to ensure unbiased

selection of respondents from the target population. The participants will

consist of the students from Kuya National High School, Kuya, Maramag,

Bukidnon. Using this method, each individual in the population has an equal

chance of being selected, which enhances the representativeness of the

sample.

First the researchers will identify the population, the total number of

students in the school will be identified as the population. Next is to select

Sampling Frame, a list of all potential participants will be compiled from school

records. Then the researchers will randomly select participants by drawing

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lots, participants will be selected from the list. Lastly, selecting the Sample

Size, a sufficient number of respondents will be chosen to ensure the validity

of statistical analyses, considering a confidence level of 95% and a margin of

error of 5%.

Statistical Analysis

The researchers will utilize statistical techniques for gathering the

quantitative data. Descriptive statistics Means, standard deviations, and

ranges for the amount of mosquito repellency will be observed for both the

oregano extract and any control groups. Inferential statistics such as t-tests or

ANOVA will be used to test if the oregano extract is effective as mosquito

repellent.

Subject of the study

The subjects of this study includes mosquitos collected from

households using mini net. Approximately 40 mosquitos will be used for each

experimental set up to ensure statistical validity.

Instrumentation

This research will use worksheet adopted and modified from Santos, et

al., (2018) entitled The Feasibility of Oregano Extract as a Mosquito

Repellent”, to identify the possible effects of using oregano leaves in killing

mosquito with respect to, Mortality rate, Survival rate and Frequency of time

application.
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Materials and Methods

Materials

 Mortar and pestle: For extracting oregano oil.

 Oregano( origanum vulgare)

 2 Container: for containing oregano extract

 Mosquito nets: For capturing mosquitoes.

 Spray container: To apply the extract in controlled conditions.

 Observation tool: Data sheets and timers for recording repellency

duration and mortality rates.

Methods

1. Preparation: oregano leaves will be washed and crushed to extract

oil using mortar and pestle.

2. Collection: mosquitos will be collected using nets, and the

researchers will collect oregano.

3. Experimentation: groups of mosquitos will be exposed to the

oregano extract.

Data on repellency, mortality and survival rates will be recorded

throughout the experiment.

Data Gathering Procedure

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This study will utilize a data collection procedure spanning the second

quarter of the school year 2024-2025. First, the researchers will collect

oregano leaves, the researchers are going to are going use of mortar and

pestle, to get oregano extract, and put it in empty spray container. Second,

the researchers will use mini net to get the mosquito around different

households, and put it in container. Then, the researchers will test the effect of

oregano by spraying the mosquitos inside the container.