International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160     Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 1 (January-February 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of February to publish your research paper in the issue of January-February.

Plant-Based Insect Repellents: A Critical Review of Efficacy, Development, and Testing of Herbal Sprays

Author(s) Ms. Maithili Taduri, Ms. Malavika Papagari, Mr. Boja Reddy Soma, Prof. Dr. Asha Ranjani V
Country India
Abstract Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus, continue to pose significant global health threats, necessitating the development of effective personal protection measures (1,35). While synthetic repellents such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) have served as the gold standard for decades, increasing concerns regarding their neurotoxicity, skin irritation, and environmental persistence have shifted consumer preference toward plant-based alternatives (10,21). This review critically examines the efficacy and development of herbal sprays, focusing on the botanical profiles and repellent properties of guava leaf extract (Psidium guajava), castor oil (Ricinus communis), and marigold extract (Tageteserecta) (3–5). Furthermore, we analyze the role of secondary metabolitesterpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics—in disrupting insect host-seeking behavior(6,7). The article outlines standardized testing methodologies (WHO/ASTM) and essential safety protocols required to transition these traditional remedies into reliable, commercial-grade biopesticides (1,17). Challenges such as high volatility and the need for advanced formulation techniques like microencapsulation are discussed as the way forward for sustainable insect management (26,31).
Keywords Plant-based insect repellents, herbal insect repellents, botanical repellents, essential oils, phytochemicals, natural mosquito repellents, repellent efficacy, formulation development, bioassay testing, laboratory and field evaluation, vector control, eco-friendly pest management, toxicological assessment, stability and shelf-life
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On 2026-01-31
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.67750

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