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Pres Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial High School
Jade st. Sta. Cruz, Angat, Bulacan
The Potential of Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)
Leaves as a Natural Mosquito
Repellent
Submitted to the Faculty of Senior High School- PDPMMHS
In Partial Fulfillment in Research Capstone| Second Semester
Submitted by:
Macalinao, Princess Anne S.
Rosacay, Michaella E.
Velo, John Eldardz E.
STEM 12- AQUAMARINE
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Table of Contents
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INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Almost everyone had been bitten by a mosquito and we all know that mosquitoes are the carrier
of vector borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, West Nile virus, and chikungunya. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), as of April 2024, approximately 7.6 million dengue cases have been
reported to them, including 3.4 million confirmed cases, over 16,000 severe cases, and over 3000 deaths.
According to the report of Center DIsease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 12 million dengue cases
have been reported in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean.
These dengue outbreaks do not only happen in foreign countries. According to the Department
of Health (DOH), the dengue case rate this year is 81 percent higher compared to the cases that have been
recorded in 2023. In addition to the report of the Department of Health (DOH), there have been 340,860
cases of dengue from January 1, 2024 to November 16, 2024 which is higher than the 188, 574 cases
recorded last year.
Due to this outbreak, protection from mosquito bites is one of the best approaches to reduce the
spread of arbovirus diseases. The use of repellents to protect people from bites of mosquitoes have been
acknowledged. It started the development of synthetic mosquito repellent which are made from chemical
components such as N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), Allethrin, N, N-diethyl mandelic acid amide,
and Dimethyl phthalate. It has been identified that chemical repellents such as DEET and other synthetic
repellents can cause skin irritation and other health issues, particularly in sensitive populations(Ghali &
Albers, 2024).
The frequent use of synthetic repellents with chemical origin for mosquito control has disturbed
natural ecosystems and resulted in the development of resistance to insecticides, resurgence in mosquito
populations, and adverse impact on non-target organisms. According to Wu et al. (2022) Synthetic
compounds may pose risks to non-target species and ecosystems, raising concerns about their widespread
use.
However, the idea of using natural mosquito repellent products as an alternative to develop new
eco-friendly repellents could be a solution to scale back the undesirable effects on the environment and
human health. In recent years, interest in plant-based repellents has been revived, as they contain a rich
source of bioactive phytochemicals that are safe and biodegradable into non-toxic by-products, which
could be screened for insecticidal activities and mosquito repellent.
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Despite extensive research about the plant-based mosquito repellent, there is no sufficient study
about using the annona squamosa leaves as an alternative for mosquito repellent stick. Therefore, the
creation of Annona squamosa leaves as a mosquito repellent is proposed.
Significance of the study
The study aims to determine the feasibility of using sugar apple leaves as alternatives to chemical based
stick repellents. The beneficiaries of the proposed study are the following:
Community – People will benefit from a safe and natural way to prevent mosquitoes, especially in areas
with high cases of dengue and other mosquito diseases.
Families – Households can use this as an alternative to chemical based mosquito coils, which may have
harmful effects on health.
Farmers – Those who grow sugar apples may find a new source of income by producing leaves and
selling mosquito repellent coils.
Government Agencies – Organizations like the Department of Health (DOH) can use this research to
promote safe and effective mosquito control methods.
Future Researchers – This study can help future researchers by providing additional knowledge on sugar
apple leaves and natural alternatives to insect repellents.
Review of Related Literature
ANNONA SQUAMOSA LEAVES (SUGAR APPLE LEAVES)
Based on the study of Dakhar, et al. (2023), Annona squamosa leaves contain alkaloids, diterpenes,
acetogenins, and cyclopeptides. They are traditionally used for treating dysentery, head lice, and canker
sores, showcasing potential applications in traditional medicine due to their reported antimicrobial,
antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. According to Moussa, et al. (2024), Annona squamosa L., also
known as custard apple. The primary chemical compounds found in A. squamosa L. include alkaloids,
diterpenes, acetogenins, and cyclopeptides. Studies indicate that these bioactive compounds are
responsible for the plant’s diverse biological activities. The presence of carbohydrates, proteins, amino
acids, and vitamins enhances its nutritional value, making it useful in traditional medicine and various
industries. According to M, et al. (2023), Annona squamosa L. seed extract has been studied for its
insecticidal properties, particularly against termites. Various plant extracts, including A. squamosa,
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contain toxic compounds that can eliminate insect pests. Studies using petroleum ether extract revealed
the presence of bioactive compounds. In the study of Neha, et al. (2022), Annona squamosa L., is valued
for both its nutritional and medicinal properties. It contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant,
antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, its leaves have been used for skin ailments and
tumors, while the root bark is used for toothaches. The seeds serve as a natural insecticide and a folk
remedy for lice and dandruff.
“Dissimilar portions of bush have been utilised as febrifuge, to dismiss odontalgia, for diarrhea then
dysentery as vermifuge, also for boils, and sores. The appraisal of literature discloses that there is scarcity
of evidence on larvicidal action of Annona reticulata. Henceforth current enquiry tried to observe
larvicidal action of dissimilar leaf excerpts of bush on Aedes aegypti”(Mittal, et al.,2023). It says that
different parts of the plant have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including treating fever,
toothache, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections. However, they found limited scientific research on the
plant's ability to kill mosquito larvae. Therefore, the study aims to examine the larvicidal effects of
various leaf extracts from Annona reticulata on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
According to Khair, A., & Noraida, N. (2019),“Annona squamosa seed extract can be used to control
Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus.”This suggests that Annona squamosa seed extract could be
a natural and potentially environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling
mosquito populations. There was no difference in the number of larvae killed using extracts from either
young or old sugar apple leaves. Their study found out that both types of leaves have similar effects for
killing mosquitoes.
“Annona species, such as sugar apple, have been proven to be promising biological insecticides among
tropical plants because of the presence of ACGs” (Mangubat,2022). These natural compounds
demonstrate insecticidal activity, providing a potential alternative to synthetic pesticides for controlling
insect pests in these environments.
In the study of Pearlin & Marlin (2024), it highlights the larvicidal efficacy of Annona squamosa leaf
extracts against Aedes albopictus, particularly with hexane extracts showing the highest activity. While
not explicitly a repellent, these extracts present a promising alternative for mosquito control strategies.
According to the study of Research, Society, and Development (2022), The research indicates that
Annona squamosa leaf extract serves as an effective natural insecticide against Aedes aegypti larvae,
suggesting its potential as an alternative for mosquito control rather than a repellent, contributing to
sustainable pest management strategies.
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Conceptual Framework
Statement of the Problem:
General Problem:
Can sustainable and eco-friendly use of sugar apple (Annona squamosa) leaves as a mosquito
repellent in stick form provide a viable and effective alternative to synthetic repellents?
Specific Problem:
● How does the biodegradability and ecological impact of sugar apple leaf-based repellents
compare to synthetic alternatives?
● How effective are the repellent properties of Sugar apple leaves against other mosquito
species?
● What method is the most efficient for extracting essential oils from sugar Apple leaves?
Hypothesis
HA: There is a significant effect of the sugar apple leaves( Annona Squamosa) in eliminating mosquitoes.
HO: There is no significant effect of the sugar apple leaves( Annona Squamosa) in eliminating
mosquitoes.
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Definition of Terms
Annona squamosa L. - a scientific name of the tree called Sugar Apple (atis)
Repellency - the ability of a substance to keep the mosquito away
Bioactive compounds - natural chemical compounds that can weaken the insect
Culicidae - small flying insects
Dengue - a disease transmitted through mosquito bites
Phytochemicals - bioactive compound extracted from plants
Scope and Delimitation
The study focuses on the ability of sugar apple leaves to act as a mosquito repellent. This investigation is
completed in Pres. Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial High School. It covers the period from February
until the end of March 2025. The goal of this type of research is usually to provide a( less expensive
product) that can be used (locally), particularly by parents, students and other individuals who are
interested in using it.( It deals in sugar apple leaves, which can also be made into a budget and
eco-friendly mosquito stick).
This research is delimited to the investigation of Annona squamosa leaves as a mosquito repellent in stick
form, conducted within Pres. Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial High School from February to March
2025, focusing solely on mosquitoes.
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METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study will use an experimental research design to test the effectiveness of the sugar apple leaves as
an alternative in repelling mosquitoes sticks this will be used to analyze the efficiency of the sugar apple
leaves in producing mosquito repellent sticks. The research will involve powdering the leaves,
formulating them into sticks, and evaluating their efficacy as mosquito repellent. This study exemplifies
product development research, a type of experimental research focused on developing and testing
innovative products, specifically exploring the use of sugar apple leaves as an alternative to mosquito
repellent.
Research Sampling Procedure
The study will use a purposive approach in collecting the Anonna Squamosa (sugar apple) leaves from the
backyard of the researchers. Purposive sampling in choosing Anonna Squamosa (sugar apple) leaves
sources will be utilized to ensure the cleanliness of the leaves . Additionally, the research will also apply
purposive sampling in determining the efficacy of the product.
Method
The production of mosquito stick from sugar apple leaves follows a systematic approach inspired by
existing literature on incense production( Bahadur A., 2022)
Materials and Equipment
The researchers create the mosquito-repellent incense using sugar apple leaves, both fresh and
dried leaves are needed along with water, a mixer for powdering the leaves, and a sieve with
mesh no. 80 to refine the powder. Bamboo sticks serve as the base for rolling the incense mixture,
ensuring proper shape and structure. A tray dryer can be used optionally to speed up the drying
process, making production more efficient. Once dried, the incense should be stored in suitable
packing material, preferably plastic.
Methods of Data Collection
● Powder Preparation: All the dried sugar apple leaves were finely powdered in a mixer and then
passed through a sieve (mesh no.80). The powder should be very fine or else there will be
problems in the binding and burning.
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● Dough Formation: Water was gradually added to the fine powder until it attained dough-like
consistency. It should be well mixed and not too watery dough otherwise it creates problems in
making sticks.
● Stick Rolling: The dough was divided in portions and was rolled by hand in small quantities on
plain bamboo sticks.
● Drying: The sticks were dried for 24 hours under shade. Tray dryer can also be used to dry the
sticks faster.
Ethical Consideration
In the process of making the product, the researcher considers that the natural repellent is safe and
restricts any allergic reactions or any respiratory disease to the humans. The researchers ensure that
harvesting a large-scale use does not negatively affect other species that rely on the plant. Lastly,
harvesting Annona squamosa leaves should be done sustainably to prevent deforestation and maintain the
balance of the environment.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RESULT
The production of mosquito-repellent sticks from sugar apple leaves resulted in a well-formed, evenly
dried product that shows a good natural repellent incense. The fine powder obtained through sieving
(mesh no. 80) allowed for a smooth and uniform mixture, facilitating even binding and rolling on the
bamboo sticks. The dough-like consistency, achieved through gradual water addition, ensured that the
incense adhered properly to the sticks without crumbling or becoming overly wet.
The drying process was successful, with the sticks retaining their shape and consistency after 24 hours of
shade drying. The use of a tray dryer, where applicable, expedited the drying process while maintaining
the desired quality. Once dried, the mosquito sticks were packed in plastic material to preserve their
integrity and effectiveness.
DISCUSSION
The systematic approach used in this study, based on existing literature on incense production (Bahadur
A., 2022), proved to be effective in developing a mosquito-repellent stick using sugar apple leaves. The
success of the process was largely dependent on the fineness of the powdered leaves, as rough particles
could lead to inconsistent burning and structural issues in the final product.
Achieving the right dough consistency was another crucial factor in making the incense. If the dough was
too watery, it became challenging to roll the mixture onto the bamboo sticks, leading to deformation
during drying. However, if the dough was too dry, it lacked proper adhesion to the sticks, resulting in
cracking and breakage. Therefore, gradual addition of water and thorough mixing were key to achieving
optimal consistency.
The drying process significantly affect the quality of the final product. Shade drying maintained the
natural properties of the ingredients, preventing potential degradation due to excessive heat exposure.
However, using a tray dryer provided a more efficient alternative for large-scale production, ensuring
faster drying times while preserving the stick's structural integrity.
Overall, the study shows that sugar apple leaves can be effectively utilized in mosquito-repellent incense
production through a systematic and well-controlled process. Future research could explore optimizing
drying conditions and incorporating additional natural binders to enhance the burning efficiency and
longevity of the mosquito-repellent effect.
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Conclusion
The study shows the feasibility of making mosquito repellent sticks from sugar apple leaves
through a systematic and controlled process. The results confirmed that the fine powder consistency can
be achieved by using a mesh no. 80 and precise water addition are critical to ensuring uniform binding
and effective adherence to the bamboo sticks. the result of the study shows the potential of sugar apple
leaves as an alternative natural mosquito repellent and also highlights opportunities for further
optimization, such as enhancing burning efficiency and prolonging the repellent effect through additional
natural binders.
Recommendation
1. Further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness against different mosquito species and in
different environments. Different mosquito species have varying sensitivities to repellents, and the
effectiveness of the sugar apple leaf incense could vary depending on factors like humidity and
temperature.
2. Further investigation into optimizing the drying conditions and incorporating natural binders could
improve the burning efficiency and longevity of the repellent effect. The study mentions using a tray
dryer to expedite the drying process, but further experimentation could explore different drying methods
and temperatures to determine the optimal conditions for preserving the repellent properties of the leaves.
3. A controlled experiment is essential to assess the repellency of the sugar apple leaf incense compared
to commercially available synthetic repellents. This could involve measuring the time it takes for
mosquitoes to land on a treated area or the number of mosquitoes repelled by the incense, while
controlling for other variables.
4. It could be strengthened by further exploring the safety of the product for humans and the sustainability
of harvesting sugar apple leaves. This could include testing the product for allergic reactions and
evaluating the potential environmental impact of large-scale production.
5. Further research could explore marketing and commercializing the product, potentially leading to a
sustainable and accessible alternative to synthetic repellents. This could involve studying consumer
preferences, developing packaging and branding strategies, and exploring potential partnerships with local
producers and distributors.
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Curriculum Vitae
