CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

As stated by Rummel, The essential oil from lemongrass contains geraniol limonene which

antimicrobial properties. The oil has in vitro antimicrobial activity against a variety of common

gram positive and gram negative organism. It is also used in synthesizing vitamin A and natural

citral as well as used orally as an antiseptic and as an astringent. (2005)

Lemongrass is a perennial grass; the leaves grow up to 1 meter long, and when crushed, it

has a lemon-like odor. It is frequently cultivated for its fragrant leaves. Used for flavoring. It is an

excellent sudorific, tonic, and aromatic, antispasmodic. Lemongrass is recommended in cases of

vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. (SAS, 2008)

According to an article, Lemongrass is scientifically known as Cymbopogon

citratus, lemongrass is an herb that can also be used in repelling biting insects such as mosquitoes.

Lemongrass oil is extracted from the lemongrass plant. In this form, it is easier for you to use it as

a repellent. Lemongrass products such as large torches, lanterns, and tea lights can add more

relaxation to the yard. Forming a perimeter around the barbecue or picnic area with torches, lamps,

and candles, protects a significant amount of yard space from mosquito activity. (2016)

With its pleasing aroma and overall effectiveness, lemongrass oil has become one of the

most popular of all natural insect repellents. Lemongrass oil, which is closely related to citronella,

repels a greater variety of pests than most natural "one-scented" oil mixtures. Lemongrass oil is

used as an active ingredient in many DEET-based commercial insect repellents. (Contributor,

2017)

Salem (2013) stated that Lemongrass is an effective repellent against mosquitoes and house

flies. It demonstrated that lemongrass oil is an active substance for antennal olfactory receptor

cells as indicated by a significant increase in responses to increasing doses of lemongrass oil. In

 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

some study, it suggests that lemongrass oil could be used as an effective repellent against stable

flies. Additional studies to confirm its spatial repellent and feeding deterrent effects are warranted.

As mentioned by Dr. Manuel Mapue of Department of Health (DOH), aside from being an

important herb, lemon grass may help repel dengue mosquitoes. In a study, Evaluation of Herbal

Essential oil against Mosquitoes by the Department of Plant Production Technology and Faculty

of Agricultural Technology in Bangkok Thailand, it affirmed that lemon grass indeed contains

organic repellents against mosquitoes. In a laboratory experiment, volunteers were instructed to

apply oil extracts from different target crops including lemon grass on one of their arms, while the

other was untreated (control). Both hands were inserted in a cage containing 250 nulliparous

female mosquitoes ageing 5-7 day old. Mosquitoes were observed in terms movements and

behaviors. This proves that oil extracts from lemon grass, citronella, and cloves were effective to

repel both dengue and malaria mosquitoes. However, the repellent effects of these oil extracts do

not last longer compare to synthetic chemicals. (2012)

Another study on “The Effectiveness of Lemon Grass as a Natural Mosquito Repellent” by

the University of Southern California (USC), comparing the repellent efficacy of lemon grass

extract to the DEET based repellents or the leading commercial brands for insect repellents has

found that lemon grass extract could be used as an alternative to chemical insect repellent. (2012)

According to the study DEET-based repellents has 81% efficacy compare to 51% efficacy

of lemon grass extract. However, the study concluded that although lemon grass has lower

efficacy, many people are too sensitive to the DEET chemical used in repellent. (Agron, 2012)
 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

According to Dr. Marilyn Patricio, professor from the Central Luzon State University,

lemon grass is being used to repel pests in organic farming as part of the integrated pest

management (IPM) strategy in agriculture. As stated by Dr. Patricio, Planting lemon grass as

border crop is very effective to prevent the entry of insect pests in the farm. In fact, aside from

lemon grass, we also plant peppermint and other aromatic herbs to detract insect pests from

destroying the crop. They believe that dengue mosquitoes are detracted with the pungent aroma of

lemon grass. As a conclusion to recommend planting lemon grass on backyard, especially near

doors and windows to shoo dengue mosquitoes in entering the home. (Agron, 2012)

As indicated by the interview of Mr. Ferdinand Salazar, Supervising Science Research

Specialist from the Department of Medical Entomology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine,

Department of Health (RITM-DOH) said that, planting lemon grass on backyards could help repel

mosquito, however it will not guarantee protection because people are moving around. He said

that though there is no perfect single approach to control mosquitoes, adding all these plus our

eagerness to maintain cleanliness in our surroundings will surely control dengue mosquitoes.

Because after all cleanliness will not only spare us from dengue but to other infectious diseases as

well. (Agron, 2012)

Hilary Lebow analyzed that lemongrass is actually closely related to citronella, a well-

known bug repellent that’s often used in candles intended for outdoor use.

(Blue, 2004) argued that the oil of lemon grass is extracted from fresh or dried lemon grass

by steam distillation or simply by pouring boiling water over the foliage. The composition of lemon

grass oil depends partly on geographical region or where it is grown. Major constituents of lemon

grass oil are citral, geraniol, myrcene, citronellal and limonene. Citronella oil, which repels
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mosquitoes, contains large amounts of citral. Citral gives lemon grass oil its lemony fragrance.

Citronella candles are widely used to repel mosquitoes. Citronella oil and other lemon grass oil

extracts are used in sprays and topical applications. Studies with birds and starved mosquitoes,

using topical applications of lemon grass oil in the form of cream or liquid paraffin solution, was

effective protection against the hungry mosquitoes, comparable to commercial mosquito

repellents, according to a 2002 report in the journal Phytomedicine.

Lemon grass oil is an effective insecticide against ticks, termites and dust mites, according

to study results summarized in the Sigma-Aldrich Plant Profiler. Lemon grass also has anti-larval

and anti-helmintic activity. Geraniol, a constituent of lemon grass oil, was able to kill helminths,

which are intestinal worms. A 2004 study in Brazil published by Memórias 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. (Ph.D Blue, 2004)

According to an article entitled “Lemongrass as an Insect Repellent” Unlike DEET which

can be toxic and harmful, lemongrass is extremely safe and is listed on the EPA's GRAS list.
People all over the world have come to rely on the potent insect repellent properties of lemongrass
and utilize it as a personal and area spray. Many repellent products now turn to all natural
ingredients as more and more negative data is released pertaining to chemical compound found in
many of the top selling repellent brands. (2007)

Lemongrass oil is extracted from the fresh and dried leaves of lemongrass plant by the

steam distillation process. Pure yellow to reddish yellow in color, this lemon-scented oil has a

water-like consistency. This essential oil not only smells pleasant, but is also a storehouse of

several active ingredients. The uses of lemongrass oil in cooking and aromatherapy treatment are

known to many of us. Using lemongrass oil as an insect repellent is a great option for repelling
 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and ticks, amongst others. In contrary to

commercial products, it is less expensive, and there are no major side effects. it is always a better

approach to use natural insect repellents. Lemongrass essential oil is as potent as any commercial

insecticide. It contains citronella oil and geraniol, and is effective against a wide range of biting

insects. It can be applied on skin directly, used with lotions, or sprayed over clothing and other

surfaces, according to personal preferences. (Sandhyarani, 2018)

Another popular way of using lemongrass oil for getting rid of pests is to fill it in an oil

burner, or simply burn it in candles. Its lemony scent and strong fragrance will spread to larger

distances, and ward off insects. This method is applicable for controlling infestations in backyards,

patios, or other large, open spaces. (Sandhyarani, 2018)

Citronella has found its way into many commercial preparations through its familiarity,

rather than its efficacy. Citronella was originally extracted for use in perfumery. It was used by the

Indian Army to repel mosquitoes at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, citronella is one of

the most widely used natural repellents on the market. Citronella-based repellents only protect

from host-seeking mosquitoes for about two hours although formulation of the repellent is very

important. (Maia & Moore, 2011)

REFERENCES:

Book:

Rummel, J (2005) Plants and Health Manila, C & E Publishing Inc.

 CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Online Sources:

International:

Maia, M. F. & Moore, S. J. (2011) Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their

efficacy, development and testing Retrieved from:
https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2875-10-S1-S11
Sandhyarani. N. (2018) Tips to Make the Most of Lemongrass Oil as an Insect Repellent
Retrieved from: https://homequicks.com/lemongrass-oil-as-insect-repellent
(2007) Lemongrass as an insect repellent Retrieved from:
https://www.newtechbio.com/articles/Lemongrass-as-an-insect-repellent.htm
Wells, D. (2016) the Power of Lemongrass to Repel Mosquitoes and Biting Insects
Retrieved from: http://mosquitorepellentinsider.com/power-lemongrass-repel-mosquitoes-biting-
insects/?fbclid=IwAR1zleZMP01thaTjFr78GZjrJCN_NVq3rTmFEFNQahpvJ3luOIEEyRadrVQ
(2017) How to Use Lemongrass Oil as an Insect Repellent Retrieved from:
https://animals.mom.me/how-to-use-lemongrass-oil-as-an-insect-repellent-12123891.html
Blue, M.L. Insecticidal Properties of Lemon Grass Retrieved from:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/insecticidal-properties-lemon-grass-55229.html

Local:
Agron, E. (2012) Lemon grass may help repel dengue mosquitoes Retrieved
from:https://www.worldngayon.com/2012/06/lemon-grass-repel-dengue-
mosquitoes/?fbclid=IwAR2JvqszDg8IMpm8AAHTehbQK3Y3FOau2KzF5tCz4i8ZPMEX09yRF2N-kKY