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Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Katsaridaphobia is the morbid and irrational fear of cockroaches. Now, most people do

find roaches to be disgusting and creepy. However, people with the phobia of roaches take this

fear to the extreme. This is not the typical “bugs are gross” response that so many people have

towards cockroaches. (Jason, 2014)

Cockroaches harm human health in many ways. Food contamination, inoculation of

disease-causing bacteria, cockroach bites, invasion of body parts, food poisoning, allergies and

asthma are the bad effects of cockroaches to human health. (Rupavate, 2015)

Recent news of cockroaches found inside the human body have drawn attention to the

media and got people’s spines shivered. According to recent news reports, a woman in Chennai,

India has found a live cockroach inside her skull after it entered through her nose. The doctors

were able to remove the insect with the use of forceps and a suction apparatus. Another case of

cockroach found inside a human body came from a 60-year-old man from Chengdu, China.

News report showed that the cockroach happened to crawl into the poor man’s ear and it was

trapped inside for three days. After many attempts of trying to get the creepy crawly out, the

frustrated man resorted to spraying pesticide into his ear canal, which finally killed the pest.

Based on the doctor’s explanation, cockroaches tend to seek warm places for shelter
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during cold winter and human ears turned out to have desirable qualities for a cockroach to stay

in. (Marketing MY, 2017)

Fossil records of the ancestor of the modern cockroach go back 300 million years, but the

bug we know and hate today has changed very little since the Carboniferous period 250 million

years ago (Bragg, 2018).

Cockroaches thrive best in warm conditions, particularly in areas where the temperature

exceeds 70° Fahrenheit. They absolutely love humid and dark places. Cockroaches run away

from bright light, which means you are unlikely to find them crawling out in the open on a sunny

summer day. Even if there are a lot of cockroaches in one room, when you turn on a light, they

will scatter. Typical of scavengers, if they discover that they have plenty of access to food

crumbs or scraps inside your home, they are more likely to take up residence. They are also

attracted to garbage and garbage disposals, since this is where a lot of food ends up. This can

have adverse effects on the health of anyone inhabiting the building that the cockroaches infest.

(Flowers, How Cockroaches Can Make You Sick (And What You Can Do About It), 2015)

Although there are a lot of bad effects of cockroaches in human health, they still have

their function on biological life. “Most cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter, which traps

a lot of nitrogen,Cockroach feeding has the effect of releasing that nitrogen (in their feces) which

then gets into the soil and is used by plants. In other words, extinction of cockroaches would

have a big impact on forest health and therefore indirectly on all the species that live there."

(Kambhampati, 2012)

Because roaches have an “open” circulatory system; it’s quite rudimentary and consists

of only a small number of components. This prevents rapid, uncontrolled blood loss following
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decapitation, as their necks are quickly “sealed off”. Unlike humans, roaches do not need their

heads to breathe in and out, as they do not relay on a single organ to serve that purpose. They

inhale and exhale through many pipes that are connected to holes (called spiracles) spread along

their bodies. A cockroach can live for a week without its head. A cockroach can hold its breath

for 40 minutes, and can even survive being submerged under water for half an hour. They hold

their breath often to help regulate their loss of water. (Ashish, 2017)

The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches. Despite its

name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but was probably introduced via

ships from Africa in the 1600s. American roaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds

of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens. They

can pick up germs on the spines of their legs and bodies as they crawl through decaying matter or

sewage and then carry these into food or onto food surfaces. Recent medical studies have shown

that cockroach allergens cause allergies and exacerbate asthma attacks, especially in children and

those living in metro-city areas. As with other species of roaches, American cockroaches can

pose a threat to individuals with allergies. (Pest World, 2018)

Cockroaches are insects that are identified by their long antennae and legs. They kind of

look like beetles and may come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. These bugs are

scavengers, which means they go out and collect food. Ultimately, this means they go where the

food is. If they can’t find food, they continue to look for it until they find it. Unfortunately, this

oftentimes brings them into your home. (Flowers, How Cockroaches Can Make You Sick (And

What You Can Do About It), 2015)

Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill or harm pests. They include insecticides used for

insect control, herbicides used for weed control, fungicides used for fungi and mould control,
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and rodenticides used for rodent control. Household pests can include insects such as flies,

cockroaches and mosquitoes, or rodents like mice or rats. Household pesticides can be purchased

from supermarkets or hardware stores, and are designed for householders to use around their

home or garden. Although you can easily obtain household pesticides, this does not mean that

they are harmless. They are toxic and if used carelessly, they may affect the health of the user,

their family, pets or the environment. (Better Health Channel, 2018)

An average of about 200,000 people die from the toxic exposure of pesticides per year

across the world, the United Nations says, calling for tougher global regulation of substances

meant to control pests or weeds for plant cultivation. (Rifai, 2017)

Pesticide poisoning has been an increasing problem in the Philippines, and vegetable

farmers are exposed to pesticides to a far greater extent than rice or maize growers because of the

nature of the chemicals and the largely manual techniques used. Of particular concern is the

exposure of young children, who are often employed in vegetable growing from an early age. In

one study in north-east Luzon Island in the Philippines, school children were found to start

working in vegetable plots as young as 6-9 years of age. As well as watering and other tasks,

their roles involved pesticide preparation and application. The children reported health symptoms

such as headaches, skin irritation and abdominal pain after the use of chemicals. (Feed the

Future, 2016)

Some pesticides, like space sprays, are fast acting. They knock down the pest, then break

down quickly. Other pesticides, like surface sprays and termite treatments, linger in the

environment for days, weeks or even longer after application. While most pesticides are designed

to only affect the target pest, other insects or animals may sometimes be harmed. For example, a

bird may be poisoned if it eats a spider killed by insecticide. That’s why it’s important to select
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pesticides that are designed for the pest you wish to treat, follow the label instructions carefully

and use the least amount possible. (Better Health Channel, 2018)

Siling labuyo (Capsicum Frutescens) is a variety of cayenne pepper commonly found in

Southeast Asian Region. It is small in size compared to its cousins from the west but this little

chili pepper packs a lot more pungent odor and taste. Siling labuyo is widely used in traditional

herbal medicine to alleviate pain and inflammation due to arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia.

(Medical Health Guide, 2011) It has 80 000 – 100 000 Scoville heat units (SHU) which states

that it has a strong spicy taste. (Pepperscale, 2018)

Siling labuyo is an annual or short perennial erect plant growing to a height of .5 to 1.2

meters in warm climates. Siling labuyo plant has woody branches with leaves that are oblong

with pointed tip about 3 to 8 cm in length. Flowers bloom in a central axil, white, pale green or

yellow-green in color. The fruit of siling labuyo is small, conical and tapering in shape about 1.5

to 3 cm long. Siling labuyo may be pale green or yellow turning red as it ripens and contains

many small seeds. Siling labuyo may be small but it is considered as one of the hottest varieties

of chili pepper. (Medical Health Guide, 2011)

Siling labuyo is a variety of Cayenne pepper whose therapeutic actions is used for various

medical conditions which includes; rubefacient, vasomotor stimulant, aphrodisiac, expectorant,

topical vasodilator, pain reliever and many others. The active ingredient of cayenne pepper

(siling labuyo) is capsaicin, a chemical compound that creates a feeling of burning pain.

Capsaicin used in OTC topical pain reliever works by tricking the cells to release a substance

that the brain interprets as burning pain thus acting on it, depletes the chemical signal resulting to

pain relief. (Medical Health Guide, 2011)

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Siling labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) is widely used as folkloric herbal medicine. Siling

labuyo is known for the following health benefits. Relieves heavy menstrual bleeding. Relieves

pain and inflammation. Can increase blood flow. Decongestant. Stomach problems It is used to

treat flatulence and dyspepsia. Toothache Diabetes. Siling labuyo is believed to lower blood

cholesterol and can help cure diabetes. Fever and typhus (Medical Health Guide, 2011)

In the light of the statements stated above, the researchers decided to conduct this

research to determine the effectiveness of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) in exterminating

cockroaches.

Theoretical Framework/Conceptual Framework

This study is guided on the theory, chili peppers exhibit antiobesity, anticancer,

antidiabetic, and pain- and itch-relieving effects on animals and humans; these effects are due to

capsaicin, which is the main pungent and biologically active component of pepper. (Zhang, Ma,

Zhang, Sun, & Liu, 2017)

According to Romano (nd) chili is sharply flavored fruit of a pepper plant that can be

experimented as pesticides. Insecticidal chili pepper (capsicum annum) has a potential to

diminish the number of termites that destroys furniture or anything made of wood and also other

insects pests.

Chili pepper (capsicum annum) is very popular in every country, including India. Three-

fourths of India’s farmer had use chili (capsicum) as pesticides to protect or even secure the

certain level of crop yield. In addition, it can also help to minimize risk of crop failure and losses

and to deplete the higher number of insect pests such as borers, strips and etc. also, it provides
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tremendous benefit of using pesticides include increased food production, increased profits for

farmers and the prevention of diseases. (Gianessi and Williams, 2012)

The researchers aim to determine the effectiveness of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum

frutescens) in exterminating cockroaches and will undergo experimentation as a part of

determining its effectiveness. The paradigm of the study was prepared to show the concepts of

the researchers on the said study.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Siling Labuyo Coil-making Siling Labuyo

(Capsicum
frutescens) (Capsicum
Experimentation
frutescens) as a
Cockroach
Repellent

Figure 1. Paradigm of the Study

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) that has

the repelling effect in Cockroaches.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the active constituents of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) that has the

killing effect in cockroaches?

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2. Is the Siling Labuyo (Capcicum frutescens) effective as a cockroach coil?

3. Is there any significant difference between Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) and the

control group in exterminating cockroaches?

Scope and Delimitation

This research will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of Siling Labuyo

(Capsicum frutescen) in Repelling Cockroaches This study will be conducted at Virgen

Milagrosa University Foundation College of Pharmacy Laboratory School Year 2018-2019. The

Siling Labuyo will be gathered at New San Carlos City Public Market in San Carlos City,

Pangasinan. The breed of the cockroaches that will be used is American Cockroach (Periplaneta

americana).

Significance of the Study

This study will be conducted to determine the effectiveness of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum

frutescens) in repelling cockroaches. The following entities will be benefited.

Community. They will be able to think of another way of exterminating cockroaches in a more

natural way.

Teachers. It will enable the teachers to encourage their students to have interest on studying

different medicinal plants. They will be able to encourage their students to conduct other more

researches.

Entrepreneurs. This will enable the entrepreneurs to create their ideas in chilis especially Siling

Labuyo turning them into convenient products like pesticides.

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Farmers. They will be able to plant more chilis especially Siling Labuyo and sell it to

entrepreneurs who will make pesticides using the Siling Labuyo. They will be having additional

income to rely on.

Future Researchers. They will be inspired to do other research and conduct further study on

variety of plants that people don’t think that it has medicinal purpose. This study will enable

other researchers to draw awareness on the benefits of other plants on their surroundings

especially the herbal plants.

Definition of Terms

Capsaicin. A colorless irritant phenolic amide C18H27NO3 found in various capsicums that gives

hot peppers their hotness and that is used in topical creams for its analgesic properties

Cayenne Pepper. Any of several cultivated peppers of a variety (Capsicum annuum longum) with

very long twisted pungent red fruits

Infestation. To live in or on as a parasite

Inoculation. The introduction of a pathogen or antigen into a living organism to stimulate the

production of antibodies.

Katsaridaphobia. Fear of cockroaches.

Pesticide poisoning. A toxic condition caused by the ingestion or inhalation of a substance used

for the eradication of pests

Repellent. Serving or tending to drive away or ward off

Rubefacient. A substance for external application that produces redness of the skin
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Scavenger. An organism that typically feeds on refuse or carrion

Scoville heat units. Are found on a scale called the Scoville scale which measures the pungency

of peppers. It was created by an enterprising American pharmacist named Wilbur Scoville way

back in 1912.
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Chapter II

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This research will use experimental research design. Experimental research design is a

systematic and scientific approach to research in which the researcher manipulates one or more

variables, and controls and measures any change in other variables. (Blakstad, 2008)

A parallel group design is an experimental study design in which each subject is

randomized to one of two or more distinct treatment/intervention groups. Those who are

assigned to the same treatment are referred to as a treatment group. (Turner, 2013)

Two comparable groups will be used, identified as the experimental and control groups.

Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) will serve as the experimental group and a commercial

cockroach killer will serve as the control group. There will be two treatments in each group.

The Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) is the subject of this study and will be used in

the experimentation.

The Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) will be collected at New San Carlos City

Public Market in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. The experimentation will be conducted in the

households of the members of the group in-charge in this study.

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Sources of Data

The informations regarding Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) were gathered through

verified websites and established studies. Conducting an experimentation will be also held for

gahering of data.

Instrument in Data Gathering

Measuring spoon Bowl Fresh Siling Labuyo Mosquito Coil

Measuring cup Spatula Siling Labuyo Flakes Corn starch

Grater Blender Chili powder Isopropyl Alcohol

Aluminum Foil Candle Oven Toaster

Data Gathering Procedure

A. Collection and Preparation of Sample

The fresh plant material that weighs 1250 grams will be divided into two parts – 750

grams which will be dried and flaked and 500 grams which will be blended to get the extract.

B. Making the coil

In a bowl, 3 cups of the blended Siling Labuyo, 3 cups of the Siling Labuyo Flakes, 1 cup

of chili powder, 1 cup of corn starch, ¾ cup grated candle and ½ cup Isopropyl Alcohol

will be measured out and will be mixed to form a paste. To make a coil, the mosquito coil

will be used to serve as a molder of the mixture and the aluminum foil will be used to

hold the coil and mixture together while being baked in an oven toaster for 5 minutes.
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C. Experimentation

In this research, the experimentation will be performed in the households of the members

of the group in-charge in making this study. In the evening, food will be left in the sink to attract

cockroaches and also beside the cupboard and after 30 minutes, the researchers will observe if

there will be cockroach appearance. After that, the cockroach coil will be left beside the

cupboard and will be there until it was fully consumed. On the next day, the researchers will

observe the sink if there are still cockroaches there as well as the cupboard where the coil will be

placed the night before. The researchers will document and observe any movement/observations

that will be noticed during the experimentation.

Statistical Treatment

The main tool used in this study will be tested t-test because only two groups will be

compared, the experimental and the control group.

Where:

= arithmetic mean of the first variable

=arithmetic mean of the second variable

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=variance of the first variable

=variance of the second variable

=number of cases of the first variable

=number of cases of the second variable