INTRODUCTION

One of the health problems in our society in the present day is the increasing cases

of dengue caused by mosquitos. Basically, dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread by

the bite of infected female Aedes mosquito. It sometimes leads to a potentially fatal complication

called severe dengue. It is said to be prone in tropical countries, like the Philippines and subtropical

countries.

In our country, there is a total of 77,040 cases of dengue, and 328 deaths reported

just in the first 20 weeks of the present year, which is almost two times more than the recorded

cases last year which is 41,104. (World Health Organization)

Since Philippines experiences rainy season during June to October, it is expected

that the cases of dengue increases even more in this period. This deadly infection is transmitted in

many people in different places in the country.

The researchers thought of a possible way to prevent the spreading of mosquitos

causing dengue, the study of LaBaMon (Lanzones Bark and Lemon Grass) Wax.

Lanzones is a tree growing to a height of 4 to 15 meters. Its bark is astringent.

Lanzones peel can be used as natural mosquito repellent, according to the Purdue University

website. Drying and burning the rind produces a smell that repels mosquitoes. There are high

percentage of respondents who agreed that the lanzones peel as mosquito repellent are effective.

Studies have shown that lanzones bark is considered anti-malarial, antioxidant,

antibacterial, antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic compound, repellent properties.

Astringent bark used for dysentery and malaria. The dried fruit skins when burned emit an aromatic
smell which repels mosquitoes. It also makes a pleasant room inhalant. Study proved that lanzones

bark is highly effective in repelling mosquito.

Citronella fruits are widely used to repel mosquitos. Lemon Grass extracts are used

in sprays and tropical applications. Using tropical applications. Using tropical applications of

Lemon Grass was effective protection against the hungry mosquitos, because it is comparable to

commercial repellent according to a 2002 report in the journal phytomedicine.

A 2004 study in Brazil published by Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, an

International Journal of Biological and Biomedical Research, showed that the essential oil of

Lemon Grass could kill the larvae of the mosquito that causes dengue fever. As a natural

insecticide, Lemon Grass and its oil are not associated with some of the toxic or harmful side

effects of other insecticides.

Citronella oil, the essential oil present in different species of Cymbopogon (lemon

grass), is used in perfumery because of the chemicals it contains such as citronellal, citronellol,

and geraniol. Aside from that, this essential oil is also a plant-based insect repellent. It is already

verified by research that it is effective in repelling Aedes aegypti or dengue mosquito.

The said essential oil has little or no toxicity when used as a tropical insect repellent

with no reports of adverse effects of concern. (US Environmental Protection Agency)

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Can Lemon grass and Lanzones (Lansium domesticum L) bark be consumed as a

floor wax to repel mosquitoes?

OBJECTIVES

General Objective

The main objective of this study is to produce a Mosquito repellent floor wax made from

Lemon grass and Lanzones (Lansium domesticum L) to prevent diseases/viruses brought by

mosquitoes such as dengue.

Specific Objectives

 To promote the use of Lemon grass and Lanzones (Lansium domesticum L) for its aptitude

as a natural/organic mosquito repellent.

 To evaluate the characteristics of mosquito repellent floor wax made from Lemon grass

and Lanzones (Lansium domesticum L) in terms of: texture, odor, color, and appearance.

 To prove that LaBaMon Wax is more applicable to utilize than the commercial mosquito

repellent.

Significance of the Study

Now that more and more mosquitoes are now holding viruses. We have

to utilize mosquito repellent to decrease the opportunity of holding it. The results of

this research can be an aid in the devising of new repellent but made from Lemon

grass and Lanzones bark (Lansium domesticum) that can be said safer to the

community and to those wheezing.

This study can decrease the cachexia and throwing of these

peelings/skins of fruits. These can also decrease the pollution in our community.