European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON MOSQUITO REPELLANT CREAM FROM LEMONGRASS PLANT: A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC REPELLENT CREM

*Poonam Ankush Jadhav (Asst. Proff.), Bhagyashree Rajesh Sonawane, Tanvee Uday Shinde,
Dipali Suresh Chormale (Lecturer)

ABSTRACT

The growing awareness of the harmful effects associated with synthetic chemical repellents has led to a heightened demand for herbal and natural alternatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 19,404 reported cases of dengue in the Philippines as of February 2023. Malaria also remains a major global concern, with the African continent, particularly Nigeria, bearing the highest mortality burden. Mosquito-borne diseases continue to be a significant public health challenge worldwide. Mosquito repellents play a crucial role in minimizing mosquito bites, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. In response to this need, a herbal mosquito repellent cream was developed using plant-based ingredients such as neem (Azadirachta indica), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), all known for their insecticidal and repellent properties. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physical characteristics, stability, skin safety, and repellency efficacy of the formulated cream. The cream was prepared via the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion method, employing beeswax, liquid paraffin, and coconut oil as the oil phase, and glycerine, borax, and rose water as the aqueous phase. The final product demonstrated an optimal skin-compatible pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. Skin irritation tests conducted on human volunteers showed no signs of redness, discomfort, or irritation, confirming the cream’s safety for topical application. Additionally, the formulation exhibited excellent stability, with no phase separation observed. Overall, this study highlights the potential of herbal-based mosquito repellents as a natural, safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional synthetic repellents. The successful formulation and testing indicate promising scope for wider application and further enhancement of plant-derived mosquito repellent product.[5][6][7]

Keywords: Mosquito repellent, Cymbopogon citratus, Azadirachta indica, Eugenia Caryophyllus, Ocimum Sanctum, Cream, Repellent action.