Botanical Neem-Based Products as Sustainable Alternatives to Conventional Eco-Toxic Chemical Mosquito Control Agents

A. J. Rama Rao , Dr. Koppula Sampath

Azadirachta indica. A; Eco-friendly mosquito control; Larvicide; Mosquito repellent; Neem oil formulations.

Mosquito-borne diseases pose serious health risks to millions of people worldwide, as mosquitoes act as vectors for several deadly communicable diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue, and yellow fever. The widespread use of conventional chemical insecticides to control mosquito populations has led to the emergence of biological resistance in these vectors, along with significant adverse environmental impacts. In response, recent years have witnessed increasing research efforts focused on developing eco-friendly, plant-based alternatives particularly neem-based products for mosquito control. Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. (commonly known as neem), has emerged as a promising botanical insecticide effective against a wide range of medically and veterinary important mosquito species. It is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and exhibits target-specific action. Neem oil contains several biologically active compounds, primarily limonoids such as azadirachtin A, nimbin, salannin, and many others yet to be fully characterized. Among these, azadirachtin is the most potent and is chiefly responsible for the insecticidal activity. The efficacy of neem oil is largely dependent on its azadirachtin content, which in turn is influenced by the method of extraction and formulation.Neem oil can be applied directly or used in advanced formulations such as nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, or effervescent tablets. When introduced into natural mosquito breeding habitats, it acts through multiple mechanisms as an ovicide, larvicide, pupicide, and oviposition repellent. These effects are achieved by disrupting key physiological pathways in mosquito larvae or inducing physical deformities that hinder development. However, direct use of neem oil may have limitations, particularly its degradation under atmospheric conditions, which can reduce its effectiveness. Despite this, several formulations have demonstrated environmental stability and prolonged efficacy. Additionally, neem seed cake a byproduct of neem oil extraction has also shown mosquitocidal activity. One of the greatest advantages of neem-based products is their low potential for resistance development in target species, primarily due to the complex mixture of active compounds and their synergistic actions. This makes neem and its derivatives promising yet underexplored candidates for sustainable mosquito control. Objective: This study aims to formulate and evaluate herbal mosquito repellent sticks using powders of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi),and Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon) and to assess their physical, combustion, and repellent properties. MethodsTen herbal formulations were developed using different combinations of plant-based powders and natural excipients. Each formulation was evaluated based on its physical appearance, moisture content, potential for irritation, suffocating effect, ash value, burning time, smoke visibility, and mosquito repellency across various indoor environments. Results: Plants as sources of mosquito control agents Throughout history, plants have been recognized as significant sources of chemicals that may be used to control insects. They are the sources of the naturally occurring insecticidal and larvicidal substances such as nicotine and its derivatives present in pyrethrum extract (Azadirachta indica A. Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi),and Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon). The invention of the structurally similar synthetic pyrethroid, nicotinoid, and rotenoid families of insecticides, as well as the piperonyl butoxide synergist, was based on these and other naturally occurring insect repellents. Conclusion: The developed herbal sticks showed promising potential as natural, non-toxic mosquito repellents. Their effectiveness, safety, and eco-friendly nature position them as viable alternatives to chemical repellents. Further field trials and phytochemical standardization are recommended.

Volume 13 Issue 9, September-2025

Pages : d329-d335