IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319 1775 Online 2320-7876

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Mosquito Repellent Dhoop

Main Article Content

Niranjan Babu Mudduluru*1, Devi Avula

Abstract

Background: Mosquitoes, belonging to the family Culicidae, encompass 3,600 species and are vectors for diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and malaria. Herbal dhoop, a natural product composed of mosquito-repellent plant parts, offers a non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative to chemical repellents. This study evaluated the effectiveness of essential oils and plant extracts at varying concentrations in handmade mosquito sticks, tested in mosquito-prone areas. The findings indicated that combinations of herbal plants, including camphor, rutidosperma, neem, tulsi, and lantana camara, demonstrated significant mosquito repellent properties without causing skin irritation, making them safe and eco-friendly. Aim: To reduce eye irritation and minimize carcinogenic effects through the use of a polyherbal mosquito repellent dhoop, devoid of harmful sticks. Objectives: To develop commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients, which are increasingly popular among consumers due to their perceived safety compared to synthetic repellents. Method: The solubility of the herbal ingredients in various solvents was assessed. Different formulations of dhoop with various fragrances were created and evaluated. The most effective formulation was selected based on its mosquito repellent activity. Results: The preformulation parameters of the powder form met specific criteria, and all evaluation tests for the dhoop were successfully completed, yielding satisfactory results. Conclusion: The study concluded that the formulated herbal dhoop is an effective, cost-efficient, and non-toxic alternative to currently available chemical-based mosquito repellents, promoting a mosquito-free, healthy environment.

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