Repellent Activity of Lotion of Essential Oils from Piper betle Linn and Cymbopogon nardus [L.] Rendle http://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v6i12.20

Abstract

Long term use of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) in insect repellents can cause some effects such as mild irritation, itching, rash, urticaria, contact dermatitis, swelling and seizures. In addition, DEET can also contaminate aquatic environments. Because of these side effects, it is necessary to look for alternative repellents. Betel leaves (Piper betle Linn.) and Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus [L.] Rendle) contain essential oils that repel insects. This study aimed to develop an effective, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable natural insect repellent by formulating a mosquito-repellent lotion from betel leaves and citronella grass essential oils. The betel leaves and citronella grass essential oils were formulated into a lotion with three concentrations (1, 5, 10% w/w). Evaluation of lotions stored at 1% (F1), 5% (F2), and 10% (F3) concentration was conducted in 7 cycles of freeze-thaw. Lotion quality was analyzed
for organoleptic, pH, viscosity, homogeneity, stability and skin sensitivity. The evaluation results showed that the four lotion formulae were stable, did not cause skin irritation, were homogeneous, and had a pH of 7. The results of the centrifugation test showed that 1% lotion was stable, while 5% and 10% had phase separation. The protection against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes at 1hr, 2hrs and 3hrs was 68.73%, 95.83% and 100%, respectively. The repellent activity of lotions with betel leaves and citronella grass oils was concentration dependent.