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.

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.

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.
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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
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.

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.
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
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.
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, C 10H16O, 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).

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
a. Materials
Lemon Grass

Match

Extract

Gas Stove

Efficascent Oil

Test Tube
Graduated Cylinder

Mortar and pestle

Filter Paper
Funnel
Test Tube Rack
Container
basin

b. PROCEDURE
1. Collection of Lemon Grasses
c.

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

d.

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
e.
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.
f.
g. Respondents/Participants/Subject
h.
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.
i. Research Instruments/Tools
1) Interview
j.

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
k.

Respondent
q.
u.
y.
ac.
ag.
ak.
ao.
as.
aw.
ba.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

l.
n.
r.
v.
z.
ad.
ah.
al.
ap.
at.
ax.
bb.

CONCENTRATION OF LEMON GRASS EXTRACT

25%
o.
50%
p.
75%
s.
t.
w.
x.
aa.
ab.
ae.
af.
ai.
aj.
am.
an.
aq.
ar.
au.
av.
ay.
az.
bc.
bd.
9

be.
bi.

TOTAL

bf.

bg.

bh.

bj.
bk.
bl.
bm.
bn.
bo.
bq.

br.

Respondent

bx.
1
ca.
2
cd.
3
cg.
4
cj.
5
cm.
6
cp.
7
cs.
8
cv.
9
cy.
10
db.
TOTAL
df.
dg.

bp.
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

bs.

CONCENTRATION OF LEMON GRASS EXTRACT

bu.
25%
bv.
50%
bw.
75%

by.
bz.

cb.
cc.

ce.
cf.

ch.
ci.

ck.
cl.

cn.
co.

cq.
cr.

ct.
cu.

cw.
cx.

cz.
da.
dc.
2 20 %
dd.
2 20%
de.
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

10

lemon grass extract present in the sample treatment, the higher the efficacy and ability to
relieve body pains.
dh.
di. RESPONDENTS
dj. NAME
Presentacion
Balagat
dp. Joseph Lagazo
ds. Aurelio Picoc
dv. Juanita Lagazo
dy. Teofillo Gonzales
eb. Carmelo Domingo
ee. Antonio Gumayagay
eh. Purificacion
Gumayagay
ek. Francisco Pisquel Sr.
en. Imelda Cudapas
dm.

dk. AGE
dn. 54

dl. OCCUPATION
do. Housewife/farming

dq. 57
dt. 40
dw.57
dz. 64
ec. 40
ef. 47
ei. 46

dr. Government Employee

du. Farming
dx. Farming
ea. Farming
ed. Farming
eg. Farming
ej. Farming/Housewife

el. 45
eo. 50
eq.

em.Farming
ep. Farming/Housewife

er.
es.
et.
eu.
ev.
ew.
ex.
ey.

11

ez.
fa.
fb.
fc.
fd. CHAPTER V
ff.

fe. 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 oils 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.
fg.

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.
12

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

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