CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

a. Background of the Study

The occurrence of body pain brought by excessive work and stressful activities is

a problem commonly experienced by most of the people. These body pains maybe in the

form of back pain headache, arthritis and others. People especially workers want to

relieve these body pains for them to feel comfortable and relax.

In an effort to relieve these body pains, varieties of pain reliever products in the

forms of ointments are marketed in the different pharmaceutical stores in our country.

Some ointments products that are used as pain relievers though highly effective are

expensive and cannot be afforded by the common people usually farmers. Some,

although affordable are not all efficient in relieving body pains and their lasting effects

easily lasts.

Today, there are lots of pain reliever products that come from indigenous

materials especially from plants. Lemon grass which is scientifically known as

Cybopogon ciatrus is a type of citronella plant which are native to many Asian countries

like India, Nepal and Philippines and known for its lemon scent (where it carries its

name) with ginger twist and aromatic flavour. This grass is one of the best herbal

medicines discovered.

Nowadays, medical records have been found out that lemon grass extract can be a

potential reliever. This observation led the researchers to venture a study of making pain

relievers in the form of ointments from lemon grass extract. Thus, the study entitled

“Lemon Grass Extract: A Potential Body Pain Reliever” was conceived.

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b. Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of lemon grass extract as a

potential body pain reliever.

Specially, it sought to answer the following sub-problems:

1. Can the lemon grass extract be utilized as a body pain reliever?

2. What chemical component/s of the lemon grass is/are responsible for relieving body

pains?

3. On what concentration of the lemon grass extract is the most effective?

c. Hypotheses

Null Hypotheses

1. The lemon grass extract cannot be utilized as a body pain reliever.

2. There is no any chemical component of the lemon grass that is responsible for relieving

body pains.

3. The concentration that is most effective is the concentration with 25% lemon grass

extract.

Alternative Hypotheses

1. The lemon grass extract can be utilized as a body pain reliever.

2. There is a chemical component of the lemon grass that is responsible for relieving body

pains.

3. The concentration that is most effective is the concentration with 75% lemon grass

extract.

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d. Significance of the Study

This Research Study aimed to create an effective pain reliever from Lemon Grass

Extract. It has the following significance:

1. It helped people who cannot afford to buy commercial pain relievers.

2. It was very easy to prepare, non-toxic and made with plant that can be found in most

households.

3. It was proven economically beneficial to the community.

4. It was a cheap, organic and environmental friendly pain reliever ointment.

e. Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study was conducted at Barangay 22 San Cristobal, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. The

task of this research was to produce ointment with the lemon grass extract. Three

treatments were used as control.

The product of this study was tested to 10 hard workers such as farmers and

construction workers ages 35 and above for a period of seven (7) days.

e. Definition of Terms

1. Extraction/decoction - in chemistry, method used both commercially and in the

laboratory to separate a substance from a mixture or solution. This is usually done

by using a solvent in which the substance being extracted is very soluble but the

materials from which it is being extracted are not.

2. Efficascent - is a linament preparation with an oily base in liquid form especially

formulated for fast and effective relief of back muscle pains and joint pains

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caused by rheumatism, lumbago, arthritis, stiff neck, headache, flatulence, insect

bites, minor sprains and strains.

3. Concentration – general term expressing the amount of solute contained in a given

amount of material.

4. Ointment - a smooth greasy substance used on the skin to soothe soreness or

itchiness, help wounds heal, or make the skin softer.

5. Gravimetry – measures the density or weight of a substance.

6. Titrimetry – measures the volume of standard solution needed to react with an

unknown substance.

7. Camphor- a volatile, white, crystalline compound, C10H16O, with a characteristic

aromatic odor.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

A. BODY PAIN

Body pain is a symptom which is due to the sensation of pain throughout the

body.

1. HEADACHE-FREE MIGRAINE

Headache-free migraine is characterized by such migraine symptoms as visual

problems, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.

The most common neurologic symptom, headaches may be localized or generalized,

producing mild to severe pain. About 90% of all headaches are benign and can be

described as vascular, muscle-contraction, or a combination of both. Occasionally,

though, headaches indicate a severe neurologic disorder associated with intracranial

inflammation, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), or meningeal irritation. They may

also result from an ocular or sinus disorder, tests, drugs, or other treatments.

2. MUSCLE CRAMPS

Muscle cramps result from an involuntary contraction of the skeletal muscles and

are a common symptom of dehydration, fatigue, poor circulation, and nerve compression.

Muscle fatigue from improper conditioning or prolonged exercise is a common cause of

muscle cramps. Other common causes include sitting in one place for a long period of

time and vascular disorders, both of which decrease blood circulation to the muscles.

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Electrolyte depletion in the blood can also lead to muscle cramps. In rare cases

muscle cramps can be a symptom of kidney disorders. The endocrine condition diabetes

may be accompanied by cramping of muscles in the legs and arms, and hypoglycemia, or

low blood sugar, can also cause muscle cramps. Depending on the cause, cramping may

occur in one muscle or a group of muscles, and it may be accompanied by sharp pain and

a hard visible lump in the muscle.

3. BACK PAIN

Back pain is any type of pain or discomfort throughout the posterior portion of

your trunk, from the pelvis up through the neck. Back pain is the second most commonly

reported problem according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and

Stroke.

Lower back pain is any type of pain or discomfort throughout the posterior (back)

portion of your lower trunk area, extending down to your pelvis. The lower back is also

referred to as the lumbar area or lumbar spine.

Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Lower back

pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and absenteeism from work,

according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

B. LEMON GRASS

Lemon grass is perennial plant that is native to India and Nepal. It has a light,

lemony scent and flavor with a hint of ginger. Lemon grass is one of the wondrous herbs.

Lemon grass is also often used as a medication for viral diseases like fever, colds

and flu. Many studies revealed that citronella are also best for liver, pancreas, kidney and

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bladder detoxification and helps clear the digestive tract. It cuts down uric acid level,

lessens bad fats and eliminates free radicals in the body.

But the most impressive properties of lemon grass are its ability to reduce your

overall blood cholesterol. Lower cholesterol means good blood circulation, lower blood

pressure, and healthy heart and prevents the risk of many diseases such as stroke and

heart attack. Many lemon grass products are being promoted as cholesterol reducer.

Today, lemon grass cannot only give you medicinal effect to various illnesses, it

also now used for food flavoring, perfuming scents, candles, soaps, insect repellent and

its oil can be used for cooking. Most herbal products that used lemon grass are in a form

of a tea bag which is ideal to deliver the best concentration of its healthful substances.

C. EFFICASCENT OIL

Efficascent Oil (Regular) is a liniment preparation with an oily base in liquid

form especially formulated for fast and effective relief of back muscle pains and joint

pains caused by rheumatism, lumbago, arthritis, stiff neck, headache, flatulence, insect

bites, minor sprains and strains. It is also ideal for expectant mothers and little children

for the relief from gas pains, headaches, itchiness, and minor burns. Efficascent Oil

Regular comes in 25mL, 50mL, 100mL + 35mL.

Efficascent Oil - Extra Strength - Muscle pains come in varying degrees.

Efficascent Oil Extra Strength is a stronger liniment formulated for intense muscle aches

and joint pains caused by rheumatism, lumbago, arthritis, stiff neck, head ache,

flatulence, insect bites, minor sprains and strains. Efficascent oil Extra Strength comes in

25mL, 50mL, and 100mL + 35 mL.

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Muscle cramps can occur in different degrees. There have been many approaches

used for treating muscle cramps. Massage has been top of them, and throughout years,

massage to the muscle with efficascent oil has been the first thing that is usually applied.

Efficascent oil is a liniment preparation specially formulated for fast relief of back and

muscular pains from overwork, cramps, rheumatism, lumbago, gas pain, insect bites,

minor bruises and burns, sprains and skin irritations.

D. CAMPHOR

Camphor is a volatile, white, crystalline compound, C10H16O, with a characteristic

aromatic odor. Ordinary camphor is obtained from the camphor tree, Cinnamomum

camphora, which grows in Asia and Brazil. The camphor is distilled by steaming chips of

the root, stem, or bark. The leaves of certain plants, such as tansy and feverfew, contain a

second form of camphor, which is not used commercially. A racemic form is present in

the oil of an Asian chrysanthemum and is also produced synthetically for most

commercial uses. Camphor is used in the manufacture of celluloid and explosives and

medicinally in liniments and other preparations for its mild antiseptic and anesthetic

qualities. It is poisonous if ingested in large amounts.

Camphor is insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and melts at 176° C

(349° F) and boils at 209° C (405° F).

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

a. Materials

Lemon Grass

Extract

Efficascent Oil

Match

Gas Stove

Test Tube

Graduated Cylinder

Mortar and pestle

Filter Paper

Funnel

Test Tube Rack

Container

basin

b. PROCEDURE

1. Collection of Lemon Grasses

All the materials needed for the study were gathered. Gathered lemon grasses

were washed. The dried lemon grasses were chopped with the use of knife. Two (2)

kilograms of chopped fresh lemon grasses were weighed for the entire study.

2. Preparation of Extract Lemon Grass

Two kilograms (2 kg) of lemon grass were extracted with the use of mortar and

pestle. The extract of lemon grass was mixed to the boiled/heated camphor cream.

3. Preparation of the Three Treatments

Three treatments were done in the study. For the first treatment, seventy – five

percent (75%) of commercial camphor cream and twenty – five percent (25%) of lemon

grass extract. For the second treatment, twenty –five percent (25%) of commercial

camphor cream and seventy –five percent (75%) of lemon grass extract. For the third

treatment, it was in equilibrium state where fifty percent (50%) of lemon grass extract

and fifty percent (50%) of commercial camphor cream.

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c. Respondents/Participants/Subject

The product of this study which was the body pain reliever ointment was tested to

10 hard workers ages 35 and above for a period of seven days.

d. Research Instruments/Tools

1) Interview

Questions regarding the effectiveness of the ointment out of lemon grass extract

were asked to the respondents. Comparison between the said product and commercial

product was also the concern of this interview.

2) Tally Sheet

RespondentCONCENTRATION OF LEMON GRASS EXTRACT

25% 50% 75%12345678910

TOTAL

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CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

RespondentCONCENTRATION OF LEMON GRASS EXTRACT

25% 50% 75%

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

TOTAL 2 ≈ 20 % 2 ≈ 20% 6 ≈ 60 %

Two (2) or 20 % of the respondents answered that treatment 1 containing 25 %

lemon grass extract and 75% commercial camphor cream as the most effective

concentration. Another 20% of the respondents agreed that the treatment with the same

amount of lemon grass extract (50%) and commercial camphor cream (50%) as the most

effective concentration. Most of the respondents, 60% of them answered treatment 3

containing 75% of lemon grass extract and 25% commercial camphor cream as the most

effective healing concentration. The table and results show that the greater the amount of

lemon grass extract present in the sample treatment, the higher the efficacy and ability to

relieve body pains.

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RESPONDENTS

NAME AGE OCCUPATIONPresentacion Balagat 54 Housewife/farming

Joseph Lagazo 57 Government EmployeeAurelio Picoc 40 FarmingJuanita Lagazo 57 Farming

Teofillo Gonzales 64 FarmingCarmelo Domingo 40 Farming

Antonio Gumayagay 47 FarmingPurificacion Gumayagay 46 Farming/Housewife

Francisco Pisquel Sr. 45 FarmingImelda Cudapas 50 Farming/Housewife

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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on several experiments and surveys, it has been proven that lemon grass

extract has the potential to relieve body pains. In a study that was conducted, it has shown

that every 100 grams of fresh lemon grass when extracted can contain up to 24.205

micrograms of beta-carotene, the powerful anti-oxidant that scientists believe can help to

relieve pains most especially muscle cramps. The researcher noted that lemongrass oil’s

antioxidant qualities are effective because of its geraniol content. Geraniol is the

phytochemical in lemon grass believed to work as a tonic for improving the strength of

the muscles. It is believed to work as a diuretic while functioning as a tonic for the

kidneys. Geraniol is also added to products that fight acne and other oily conditions due

to its astringent properties. Treatment with the highest concentration of lemon grass

extract is considered as the most effective pain reliever.

This research project that utilized lemon grass extract as a natural body pain

reliever has room for improvements despite of its potential. The researcher therefore

recommends further study and modification on the following that are considered

limitations:

1. A process that separates the large amount of the lemon grass extract from the leaves to

minimize the time in preparing and avoid contamination from microorganisms.

2. Deeper study on the chemical component of lemon grass that act as pain reliever.

3. Study on a substance that can improve the colour of the extract without affecting the

capacity to heal so that appearance will be better for the users.

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4. Further testing to higher number of respondents for more reliable and comprehensible

results.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

5. ______________. Cymbopogon Citratus. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from http://www.drugscom/npp/lemongrass.html#ref18: Last Modified February 25, 2005.

6. ______________. Health Benefits of Lemon Grass: Posted November 23, 2010. Retrieved July 23, 2011, from http://lifestyle.com/refreshing_cold_lemongrass/.

7. _____________. Lemon Grass. Lemon Grass. Retrieved July 22, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Recipes_Using_Lemon grass_dt_2007.jpg

8. _____________. The Benefits of Lemon Grass & Lemon Grass Oil. Retrieved July 22, 2011, from http://bodyecology.com/articles/lemongrass.php#.

9. ______________. The Feasibility of Lemon Grass Extract as an Anti-oxidant: Posted by Clark, April 2011. Retrieved July 23, 2001, from http://k3ntpascal08.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default:

10. Gilbert, Linda. Lemon Grass. Retrieved July 24, 2011 from www.sallybersten.com/about/lemongrass.html: by.

11. Meyer, Michael A. Herbal Remedies Using Lemon Grass by: Posted August 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from http://www.ageles.co.z9/herbal_remedies.html:

12. Omulacy,Rosseanne.Phytochemical Constituent in Lemon Grass: Updated October 27, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from http://www.ehow.com/list_6081539_properties_lemon_grass_oil.html.

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