Aromatic Plants for Mosquito Control
Aromatic Plants for Mosquito Control
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Assistant Professor of Zoology, Sarojini Naidu Govt Girls P.G Autonomous College Bhopal
ABSTRACT
Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant public health challenges worldwide, necessitating effective
control measures to mitigate disease transmission. Aromatic plants, with their natural repellent properties,
have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides for mosquito control. This review paper
provides a comprehensive overview of the efficacy, mechanisms of action, and practical applications of
certain aromatic plants in mosquito control. It examines the repellent properties of key aromatic plants
such as citronella, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, and neem, elucidating their chemical
constituents and mechanisms of action against mosquitoes. Additionally, the review discusses the
effectiveness, safety considerations, challenges, and limitations associated with the use of aromatic plants
for mosquito control. By synthesizing existing literature and research findings, this review aims to inform
policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the potential of aromatic plants in integrated mosquito
management strategies and their role in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to mosquito
control.
1. INTRODUCTION
Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant threats to public health globally, particularly in regions where
they are endemic. The control of mosquito populations is crucial in mitigating the transmission of these
diseases and reducing their burden on human populations. While synthetic insecticides have traditionally
been employed for mosquito control, concerns over their environmental impact and the development of
insecticide resistance have prompted the search for alternative methods [1]. In recent years, there has been
growing interest in the use of certain aromatic plants for mosquito control due to their natural repellent
properties. These aromatic plants, often containing volatile compounds with insecticidal or repellent
properties, have shown promise in repelling mosquitoes and disrupting their breeding cycles. [2]
and 409,000 deaths reported in 2019, predominantly affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue fever, on the
other hand, is a rapidly spreading viral disease, with an estimated 3.9 billion people at risk of infection
and approximately 390 million cases reported annually, leading to significant morbidity and economic
costs. Zika virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and West Nile virus also pose significant threats to public
health, with outbreaks occurring sporadically and causing considerable social and economic disruptions.
The impact of mosquito-borne diseases extends beyond health, affecting livelihoods, economic
development, and societal well-being. Therefore, effective control measures are essential to mitigate the
transmission of these diseases and protect human populations from their devastating consequences. [3]
mosquito repellent properties make it a valuable asset in integrated mosquito management strategies,
promoting both pest control and relaxation. [6]
in sensitive individuals. Overall, neem's mosquito repellent properties make it a valuable asset in
integrated mosquito management strategies, offering effective protection against mosquito bites while
promoting environmental sustainability.
as citronella, lavender, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, and neem, in repelling mosquitoes both in
laboratory settings and field trials.
In laboratory studies, aromatic plants' essential oils and extracts have shown repellent effects against
various mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex pipiens. These studies
have documented the ability of aromatic plants to deter mosquitoes from landing on treated surfaces,
inhibit host-seeking behavior, and disrupt mosquito feeding.
Field trials conducted in real-world environments, such as residential areas, gardens, and agricultural
fields, have also provided evidence of aromatic plants' efficacy in reducing mosquito populations and
mosquito-borne disease transmission. Aromatic plants have been used in various formulations, including
sprays, lotions, candles, and diffusers, to provide personal protection against mosquito bites during
outdoor activities. [10]
Furthermore, comparative studies have evaluated the effectiveness of aromatic plant-based repellents
against synthetic repellents like DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and found comparable or even
superior repellent properties in some cases. This suggests that aromatic plants can offer effective protection
against mosquitoes while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic
insecticides.
2. LITERATURE REVIEWS
The study evaluated eight essential oils derived from citrus plants for their repellent activity against female
adults of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, comparing them with a chemical repellent. Each
herbal essential oil was applied on the forearms of volunteers, and protection time, biting rate, and
protection percentage were measured. Results showed that the essential oil of Citrus aurantifolia was
effective as a repellent and feeding deterrent against both mosquito species, exhibiting high protection
times, low biting rates, and high protection percentages. The order of effectiveness among the essential
oils was “Citrus aurantifolia > Citrofortunella microcarpa > Citrus maxima > Citrus reticulate > Citrus
sinensis > Citrus hystrix > Citrus aurantium > Citrus medica var sarcodaclylis”. Moreover, the protection
time provided by all herbal essential oils was higher than that of the chemical repellent IR3535 against
both mosquito species. [12]
Worries over the potential harm to humans, non-target species, and the environment stem from the
widespread use of synthetic pesticides in mosquito vector control efforts. On the other hand, more and
more people are turning to natural goods, especially essential oils made from plants, because of their little
impact on the environment and high effectiveness. The evaluation focused on the adult knockdown effect
and repellent actions of three plant essential oils as they pertain to Culex quinquefasciatus. Probit analysis
was used to process the data. Essential oils from each of the plants tested had a significant inhibitory
impact on Cx. quinquefasciatus, according to the findings. Furthermore, at all doses, the repellent action
of the essential oils produced from plants was statistically significant. Some research suggests that
essential oils made from the citrus fruit limon are effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. [13]
The study focused on evaluating the larvicidal and pupicidal activities of the crude methanol extract of
Anisomeles malabarica, a highly aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Results indicated
significant larvicidal effects against Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, with the highest mortality observed
in both larvae and pupae after exposure to the plant extract. These findings suggest the potential of
Anisomeles malabarica as an eco-friendly approach for mosquito vector control. Additionally, the paper
provided an overview of the biological activities and pharmacological actions of Anisomeles malabarica,
highlighting its diverse medicinal applications, including anti-allergic, anti-anaphylactic, anti-bacterial,
anticancer, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, antifertility, anti-pyretic, and
antispasmodic properties. [14]
The study evaluated the larvicidal activity of essential oils derived from 11 aromatic medicinal plants
against early 4th-stage larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens in laboratory conditions. Results
showed that at 100 ppm concentration, all essential oils caused 100% mortality against both mosquito
species. At 25 ppm, essential oils from Citrus bergamia, Cuminum myrrha, and Pimenta racemosa also
induced 100% mortality in larvae of both species. However, at lower concentrations (12.5 ppm and 6.25
ppm), the efficacy of essential oils varied, with Citrus bergamia and Pimenta racemosa showing reduced
larvicidal activity. The findings suggest that further studies are warranted to explore the potential of these
plants as agents for mosquito control, particularly at lower concentrations where efficacy may be
compromised. [15]
The study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activities of essential oils from 11 local plants against laboratory
colonies of Anopheles arabiensis and Aedes aegypti larvae, with the intention to assess their potential for
field applications. In laboratory conditions, the essential oils exhibited varying degrees of larvicidal
activity, with LC50 values ranging from 17.5 to 85.9 ppm against A. arabiensis and from 9.1 to 67.8 ppm
against A. aegypti. Chenopodium ambrosioides and Ocimum lamiifolium oils demonstrated the highest
efficacy, with LC50 values of 17.5 and 9.1 ppm against A. arabiensis and A. aegypti, respectively. A.
aegypti larvae were generally more sensitive to the essential oils compared to A. arabiensis larvae.
Furthermore, in field tests against wild-collected anopheline larvae, O. lamiifolium and C. ambrosioides
oils maintained their strong larvicidal effects, with LC50 values ranging from 35 to 110 ppm. However, it
was noted that laboratory-bred mosquito larvae exhibited greater sensitivity to the essential oils than wild-
collected larvae, indicating potential challenges in field applications. [16]
The study addressed the pressing issue of vector-borne diseases in developing countries, focusing on the
Aedes aegypti mosquito responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Given the challenges associated with
chemically synthesized compounds and microbial larvicidal proteins, the search for eco-friendly
alternatives is imperative. Annona reticulata was investigated for its larvicidal efficacy, with Fourier
Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR) revealing various functional groups in the extracts exhibiting
100% larvicidal activity. The LC50 values were determined to be 9.96 and 6.918 mg/L for ethanol and
methanol extracts, respectively. The larvicidal activity was attributed to compounds such as saponin,
terpenoids, and alkaloids, highlighting the potential of Annona reticulata as a natural larvicide. However,
further optimization of concentration and identification of novel compounds are warranted to enhance
efficacy and develop sustainable mosquito control strategies. [17]
The study investigated the larvicidal activity of Tagetes and Mentha arvensis essential oils against different
instar larvae of Culex mosquitoes, emphasizing the importance of targeting mosquito larvae due to their
breeding habitats in standing water. Chemical pesticides pose risks to human health and the environment,
prompting the exploration of natural pesticides derived from plants as safer alternatives. The study focused
on essential oils and extracts as potential agents against mosquitoes, which are vectors for diseases such
as malaria, Zika virus, and dengue. The larvicidal activity of Mentha essential oil was attributed to its
menthol content, a key component known for its aroma and pesticidal properties. Synthetic chemical
pesticides are highlighted as toxic and environmentally harmful, underscoring the potential of natural
pesticides like Mentha and Tagetes as eco-friendly alternatives for mosquito control. [18]
The study reviewed various technologies for extracting active components and essential oils from
medicinal and aromatic plants, emphasizing the importance of selecting extraction methods based on
economic feasibility and suitability to specific circumstances. Both TLC and HPLC were highlighted as
essential techniques for analyzing and quality controlling plant materials and extracted products. While
TLC offers advantages such as speed, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness, HPLC provides greater
precision and accuracy. The choice between these techniques depends on the specific requirements and
demands of the situation, enabling researchers to opt for the most suitable method for ensuring the quality
assurance of plant products. [19]
The purpose of this research was to determine if the solvent extracts of three aromatic plants—turmeric
(Curcuma longa), holy basil (Ocimum americanum), and parsley (Petroselinum crispum)—had any effect
on the dengue mosquito (Aedes albopictus) larvae. The next step was to assess the extracts' cellular toxicity
and phytochemical profiles. The findings show that the hexane extracts of P. crispum and O. americanum
were the most effective against larvae. The phytochemical methyl eugenol in O. americanum is known to
have larvicidal effects, and it was also shown to be less hazardous to kidney cells of African monkeys. In
conclusion, the research suggests that certain aromatic plants, particularly O. americanum, have great
potential as bioinsecticide alternatives. [20]
The larvicidal activity of five aromatic plants against mosquito vectors was investigated: caraway (Carum
carvi), celery (Apium graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), mullilam (Zanthoxylum limonella), and
zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria). In this study, two mosquito species—Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of
dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever in urban settings, and Anopheles dirus, the primary vector of
malaria in Thailand—were used. After just 24 hours of exposure, every one of the volatile oils had a
devastating effect on the two mosquito species' larvae. The larvae of Aedes aegypti were most affected by
mullilam essential oil, while the larvae of Aedes dirus were more susceptible to zedoary oil. [21]
3. CONCLUSION
This review highlights the significant potential of certain aromatic plants as effective tools for controlling
mosquito populations and reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Through their natural
repellent properties and diverse chemical constituents, aromatic plants such as citronella, lavender, lemon
eucalyptus, peppermint, and neem offer viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides for mosquito control.
By interfering with mosquitoes' olfactory receptors, disrupting their behavior, or exerting direct
insecticidal effects, these aromatic plants demonstrate efficacy in repelling and deterring mosquitoes.
However, challenges such as variability in repellent effectiveness, limited availability, and safety concerns
need to be addressed to optimize the use of aromatic plants in mosquito control programs. Future research
should focus on standardizing formulations, improving efficacy, and exploring sustainable cultivation and
extraction methods to enhance the practicality and scalability of aromatic plant-based mosquito repellents.
Overall, the findings of this review underscore the importance of integrating aromatic plants into
comprehensive mosquito management strategies, promoting environmental sustainability and public
health protection.
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