Organic Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation (Herbal Dhoop): A Sustainable Alternative to Commercial Chemical Dhoops

Abstract

Commercial mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers, and commercial dhoops are widely used across tropical countries. These products typically contain hazardous chemicals like pyrethroids, organophosphates, or other chemicals that provide rapid knockdown effects. However, continued exposure to the smoke and fumes generated from these commercial repellents leads to indoor air pollution, respiratory disorders, neurological toxicity, skin irritation, eye irritation, and environmental hazards. The Organic herbal mosquito repellent dhoops has emerged as a promising eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. Herbal dhoops traditionally prepared using natural plant materials is rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as terpenoids, phenolic, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Common ingredients include neem (Azadirachta indica), basil (Ocimum sanctum), pepper mint (Mentha piperita), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), marigold (Tagetes sp.). Repellent activities of the above botanicals, disturbs the insect nervous system and mask off host odours. When compared to commercial dhoops, herbal alternatives offer several advantages like indoor air safety, renewable raw materials, cost effective, environment friendly, and cultural acceptability in traditional households. This review compares the effect of several plant materials that are effective in controlling mosquitoes. Further it discusses the evaluation procedures, advantages of herbal dhoop formulation over commercial ones.