Formulation of herbal-based low-cost mosquito repellent coils from Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Makhioti (Flemingia strobilifera) leaves

Abstract

Mosquitoes are the most disturbing blood sucking insects affecting human beings. Several mosquito species belonging to the genera Anopheles, Culex and Aedes are vectors of pathogens for various diseases such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and several other infections. Mosquitoes also transmit diseases, to more than 700    million and over one million deaths are reported annually across the globe. Therefore, the control of mosquitoes is an important public health concern around the world, despite the technological developments in the healthcare sector, Mosquitoes- borne diseases pose serious challenges. Repellence as one of the strategies has been in practice for a long time in the management of mosquito borne diseases, most of the mosquito repellent products and device available in the market are reported to have harmful effects human beings. They can cause respiratory problems, headache, skin infections etc. Mosquito repellent coil which are available in the market give harmful effects on our health. It is also not good for our environment. So, in his study we had selected Neem (Azardirachta indica) and Makhioti (Flemingia strobilifera) plant leaves to prepare herbal mosquito repellent coils and evaluate their flammability as well as mosquito repellence activity. The leaves of these two plants have been used traditionally to repel insect as well as mosquitoes. Neem oil is used to kill harmful insects. In this study we had found that these herbally prepared mosquito repellent coils gave better results than the chemical mosquito repellent coils. These herbal coils are also eco-friendly as well as not injurious to our health. Results showed that herbally prepared coils possess better mosquito repellent activity than the market available chemical mosquito repellent coils.