A Study on Natural Plants Having Insect Repellent Activity

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations in traditional practice as a personal protection measure against host-seeking insect. Recently, commercial repellent products containing plant-based ingredients have gained increasing popularity among consumers, as these are commonly perceived as "safe" in comparison to long-established synthetic repellents. There is a need for further standardized studies in order to better evaluate repellent compounds and develop new products that offer high repellency as well as good consumer safety. How often have we tried to enjoy the great outdoors or a restful night sleep only to be bothered by what seems like an army of insects attacking us? What is it that attracts insects to humans? Are some individuals more attractive to insects than other individuals? Since insects are vectors for many debilitating human diseases, understanding insect attraction to humans is very important. Study has shown that insects associate with humans at multiple stages in their life cycle. The mechanism of this attraction, i.e. CO2, sweat, ABO blood type, chemicals, body temperature, body humidity. For example, scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabies, which can cause intense skin irritation, has been found to be attracted by host odor, body temperature. CO2 plays a significant role in attraction for numerous insects especially mosquitoes. Other examples of insect attraction to humans include: kissing bugs and sandflies. Study has also shown that the common natural plant like Fennel, Neem, Basil, Coriander are having excellent insect repellent activity with medicinal significance.