Mosquito-borne diseases continue a major global health challenge, moving millions of people annually and contributing to significant mortality, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Conventional mosquito repellents, particularly those containing synthetic chemicals like DEET, are widely used but are associated with several drawbacks such as skin irritation, potential toxicity, and environmental concerns. This has led to growing interest in safer, plant-based alternatives. This review focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a herbal mosquito repellent cream using natural ingredients such as neem, citronella, lemongrass, tulsi, and eucalyptus oils. These plant-derived components are known for their insect-repellent, antimicrobial, and skin-friendly properties. The extraction processes of active constituents and the preparation of a stable cream base using suitable excipients are discussed in detail. Results indicate that the herbal formulation is effective, non-irritating, and environmentally friendly, with good consistency and stability. Overall, this study highlights the potential of herbal mosquito repellent creams as a safer and sustainable alternative to synthetic products, offering effective protection against mosquito bites while minimizing health and environmental risks.
Sanjay et al. (Thu,) studied this question.