THE PROBLEM AND ITS

BACKGROUND

Throughout the biotic environments, organismic

enemies such mosquitoes are assaulting blood from

humans and other living things. Its life cycle do not differ

from butterflies which undergo metamorphosis. From egg

to larval stage resulting into pupa as it reaches the adult

stage as a mosquito. But their effect to environment differs

from other harmless insects. Mosquitoes in various genus

and species could transmit microorganisms and viruses

which cause different diseases like dengue fever, malaria,

zika virus, chikungunya and etc. Consciously, we are

informed every year about the increasing death rates from

these mosquito dilemmas as they are multiplying and even

transcending to different parts of the cosmos. Aside from

biting its target, a female mosquito depending on its genus

and species can harm us by passing viruses and

microorganisms inside its body to its host. In the

Philippines, the most dominant genus is the aedes. They

could spread viruses that can harm the target and leave it

with sickness or even death. According to studies, only the

female mosquitoes bite not to feed on the host, but to

imbibe blood from blood-containing organisms. The blood

can be used for the enrichment of mosquito eggs and thus

increase in number. As we know, this is a double purpose

assault.

Scientists and different agencies tend to disseminate

further information in terminating these so called vamps of

the air. They endow experiments for the solution to impede

or eradicate mosquitoes in many ways such as mosquito

killer and repellant. A further study to herbal insecticides

could help to create alternative products that can repel or

even kill mosquitoes.

One of those alternatives is the use of Oregano

(Origanum vulgare) and lagundi (Vitex negundo) leaves

extract. Oregano (Origanum vulgare), which is hardy in

U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 8, is a

tasty herb and its endorsed as a traditional that can be

used as remedy for illnesses such as diabetes and spasms.

However, it shows less evidence in supporting these

recommendations. On the other hand, Lagundi (Vitex

negundo) is a large native shrub that grows in Asia and

Southeast Asia such as the Philippines and India and has

been traditionally used as herbal medicine and insect

repellent (Chaves Lopez, 2012). The extract from its leaves

and roots are mostly considered to provide the most health

benefits (Bansod MS, Harle UN 2009).

Mosquitos can live for almost two months depending

on the environmental condition. This fact serves as a

challenge to herbal insecticides under certain control of the

latter. Using these conditions, we can face the challenge

by using a scientific and experimental approach. Careful

observations are also needed to justify specific events in

eradicating the targets. Oregano and Lagundi leaves

extract may be an insecticide, which is safe, affordable,

and environment friendly.

Background of the Study

Insect repellents are important public health tools for

the prevention of vector-borne infectious diseases.

Actions to reduce to reduce these diseases can result in

major health gains and relieve an important constraint on

development in poor regions. These insect repellents help

to prevent and control the outbreaks of insect-borne

diseases such as malaria, lyme disease, dengue fever, and

bubonic plague. Technically, an insect repellent is any

chemical or natural, that causes insects or other

arthropods to make directed, oriented movements away

 from the source of repellent. As it was stated, Oregano

(Origanum vulgare) and lagundi (Vitex negundo) can be

used as natural insect repellent (Helmenstine, 2011).

Conceptual Framework

Independent Dependent
Variable Variable

Sample A -Repelling time/minute

- 25ml Oregano extract
- 75ml Lagundi extract - Mortality rate of
Mosquito
- 10ml Ethyl Alcohol
Sample B
(% Percentage)
- 75ml Oregano extract
- 25ml Lagundi extract
- 10ml Ethyl Alcohol
 Figure 1. Research Paradigm

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Oregano

(Origanum vulgare) and Lagundi (Vitex negundo) as

mosquito repellent.

Specifically, the study attempts to answer the following

questions:

1. Which among the two solution of oregano and lagundi is

more effective in repelling or killing mosquitos?

2. What is the mortality rate and survival rate of mosquito

after using the Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and

Lagundi (Vitex negundo) as a mosquito repellent?

3. Is there a significant difference on the effectiveness on the
two formulations of the two herbal plants?

Significance of the Study

Natural ways of repelling and

exterminating mosquitos are in the focus of recent

research nowadays. In addressing the increasing

number of unwanted cases of deaths and disease due to

mosquito invasion, the researchers responded to study

 herbal means of eradicating these insects. The study is

also conducted because the researchers seek to identify

the effectiveness of two herbal plants Oregano

(Origanum vulgare) and Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

Scope and Limitation

This study will focus only on the mortality rate of mosquito

using two herbal plants extract namely; oregano (Origanum
vulgare), and Lagundi (Vitex negundo) . The leaf extract of
each herbal plant will be mix with Ethyl Alcohol in two
formulations. The age of the mosquito and its life span will not
be considered in the study. The study will be conducted in
three trials.

Definition of terms

Ethyl Alcohol- volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a slight chemical odor

Extract- to get or draw out a liquid substance extracted from a plant usually with special

effort and force.

Lagundi- large aromatic shrub with quadrangular, densely whitish, tomentose

branchlets

Mortality rate- a death rate, number of mosquito deaths through the effectiveness of

Tasmanian Blue Gum as a mosquito coils

Mosquito - small flying insect that bites the skin of people and animals and sucks their

blood

Mosquito repellent- a substance that deters mosquitoes from approaching or settling

Oregano- perennial herb and native to temperate western and south western Eurasia

and the Mediterranean region

Percentage- a number or rate that is expressed as a certain number of parts of

something divided into 100 parts.