Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF A NATURAL MOSQUITO REPELLENT OIL USING COCONUT OIL, LEMONGRASS, AND CAMPHOR

*Indrayani Sambhaji Pagare, Heena Yunus Maniyar, Utkarsh Ravindra Mandage, Priyanka Hiraman Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya, continue to pose significant health threats globally, necessitating the development of effective mosquito repellents. While synthetic repellents like DEET are widely used, concerns over their potential health risks and environmental impact have prompted a shift toward natural alternatives. This study explores the formulation and evaluation of a natural mosquito repellent oil using coconut oil, lemongrass oil, and camphor, each known for their insect-repellent properties. The primary aim of this research was to develop a safe, effective, and eco-friendly mosquito repellent oil and evaluate its performance in comparison to synthetic repellents. The formulation was prepared by combining coconut oil as the base, which serves as a carrier and skin moisturizer, with lemongrass oil (a rich source of citronella) and camphor, both of which have demonstrated strong mosquito repellent properties. The formulation process involved heating the coconut oiland lemongrass oil in a water bath for 30 minutes, followed by filtration using muslin cloth to remove any impurities. Camphor was then added in small quantities and thoroughly dissolved to complete the oil. The final repellent was packaged in 5 mL glass bottles for ease of use. To evaluate the effectiveness of the formulated mosquito repellent oil, a series of tests were conducted, including mosquito cage tests to measure the repellent's activity and skin patch tests for safety evaluation. The results revealed that the natural repellent demonstrated a significant reduction in mosquito landings and bites, offering protection for several hours, comparable to synthetic commercial repellents. Additionally, the formulation was found to be safe for use on the skin, with no signs of irritation or adverse reactions. In conclusion, the coconut oil, lemongrass, and camphor-based mosquito repellent oil shows promising potential as an alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents. Its natural ingredients, coupled with effective repellent activity and safety for topical use, make it a suitable candidate for further development and application, especially in regions with limited access to chemical-based products. Future research should focus on enhancing the duration of protection and scaling up the formulation for field trials.

Keywords: Mosquito repellent, coconut oil, lemongrass, camphor, natural formulation, repellent efficacy, plant-based oils, sustainable solutions, skin safety, dengue, malaria.