Patchouli oil tested as a natural mosquito repellent

Researchers have published a study in the journal ACS Omega investigating the efficacy of patchouli essential oil against the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This insect species is a major vector for diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Laboratory analysis revealed that the oil consists of 16 chemical compounds, with patchouli alcohol being the primary component at approximately 40 percent. In a controlled test involving 50 adult female mosquitoes and human volunteers, a cream formulation was evaluated at various concentrations. The study found that a 200 ppm concentration provided 100 percent protection against mosquito landing and biting for a duration of 180 minutes. The research aims to identify plant-based alternatives to synthetic substances like DEET to combat the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. Lower concentrations of the cream did not demonstrate significant repellent properties during the trials.