Effective treatment of insect repellents: A Synthesis of Findings from 22 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Several studies have shown the promising potential of various plant-derived ingredients and chemicals as effective repellents and insecticides against mosquitoes and other pests. 3 revealed that essential oils extracted from turmeric rhizomes and leaves exhibited both repellent and insecticidal effects against imported fire ants. Additionally, 9 found that limonene exhibits a strong repellent effect against red flour beetles (Tribolium confusum), with its effectiveness linked to the olfactory receptor gene TconOR93. Furthermore, 22 demonstrated that ethanol extracts from the flowers, leaves, and stems of Ageratum houstonianum exhibited larvicidal, repellent, and antifeedant effects against the common house mosquito (Culex pipiens) larvae.

8 suggests that combining essential oils extracted from various plants could potentially enhance repellent effects against the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus). These studies highlight the potential of utilizing plant-derived ingredients for effective pest control without relying on synthetic insecticides.

Treatment Summary

Turmeric essential oil exhibits repellent and insecticidal effects against imported fire ants. 3

Limonene exhibits a strong repellent effect against red flour beetles, and its effectiveness is linked to the olfactory receptor gene TconOR93. 9

Ethanol extracts from the flowers, leaves, and stems of Ageratum houstonianum exhibit larvicidal, repellent, and antifeedant effects against the common house mosquito larvae. 22

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Plant-derived ingredients, compared to synthetic insecticides, offer a lower environmental impact and potentially reduce the development of insect resistance. Additionally, some plant-derived ingredients are known to be relatively safe for humans and animals.

Risks Summary

Certain plant-derived ingredients may cause allergic reactions in humans or animals. Furthermore, the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients might be weaker than synthetic insecticides, and insufficient effects might occur with improper usage or dosage. Therefore, thorough information gathering and caution are crucial when using plant-derived ingredients.

Research Comparison

Research Similarities

Multiple studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients in controlling pests. These ingredients share a common benefit of having a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic insecticides.

Research Differences

Since each study focuses on different pests and utilizes distinct plant-derived ingredients, the effectiveness and safety of these ingredients may vary depending on the specific pest and ingredient.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients in controlling pests. However, due to variations in the ingredients, pests, and experimental methods used in each study, it is challenging to directly compare their effectiveness and safety. Further research is needed for a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness and safety of plant-derived ingredients.

Application in Real-Life Settings: Precautions

When using plant-derived ingredients, it is crucial to gather information beforehand regarding the specific ingredient, the target pest, its effectiveness, and its safety. Adhering to usage instructions, selecting appropriate products, and prioritizing safety are essential for proper application.

Limitations of Current Research

Many studies evaluate the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients in laboratory or semi-field settings. However, real-world field conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind, can differ significantly, rendering the results of laboratory or semi-field trials less reliable in practical applications. Therefore, field trials are necessary to accurately assess the effectiveness of plant-derived ingredients.

Future Research Directions

For a more accurate evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of plant-derived ingredients, it is crucial to conduct field trials and accumulate data on their effectiveness and safety across diverse environmental conditions. Technological advancements are also necessary for efficient utilization of these ingredients. Furthermore, identifying active components within plant-derived ingredients and synthesizing or modifying them could lead to the development of more effective and safer products.

Conclusion

Plant-derived ingredients hold great promise for effective pest control. However, further research is essential for a more accurate assessment of their effectiveness and safety. Utilizing plant-derived ingredients could pave the way for environmentally friendly pest control solutions.

Treatment List

Turmeric essential oil, limonene, ethanol extract from Ageratum houstonianum

Keywords

Benefit Keywords

Risk Keywords

Literature analysis of 22 papers

Positive Content

Neutral Content

Negative Content

Article Type

Randomized Controlled Trial0

Meta-Analysis0

Systematic Review1

Review1

Journal Article21

Treatment for inhalant dependence and abuse.

Author: KonghomSuwapat, VerachaiViroj, SrisurapanontManit, SuwanmajoSomporn, RanuwattananonApichart, KimsongneunNipa, UttawichaiKanok

Learning and memory impairment

Motor impairment

Neuropsychological effects

Inhalant abuse, prevalent among disadvantaged children and adolescents, can lead to various neuropsychological effects including motor impairment, altered motor activity, and effects on learning and memory.

Language : English

A volatilized pyrethroid insecticide from a mosquito repelling device does not impact honey bee foraging and recruitment.

Author: CouvillonMargaret J, OhlingerBradley D, BizonConnor, JohnsonLindsay E, McHenryLaura C, McMillanBenjamin E, SchürchRoger

No significant effect on bees

This study investigates the impact of a portable mosquito repeller, which emits prallethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, on honey bee foraging and recruitment. The findings suggest that the insecticide does not significantly affect honey bee behavior, offering reassurance for consumers concerned about the impact of mosquito repellents on pollinators.

Language : English

Curcuma longa essential oils: toxicity and repellency against imported fire ants (Formicidae: Hymenoptera).

Author: AliAbbas, ShahFarhan Mahmood, RadwanMohamed M, ElhendawyMostafa A, ElsohlyMahmoud A, KhanIkhlas A

Fire ant control

Natural product efficacy

Toxicity

This study evaluated the toxicity and repellency of essential oils derived from Curcuma longa L. leaves and rhizomes against invasive fire ants. The study found that both essential oils and a major constituent, ar-turmerone, exhibited significant repellency and toxicity against fire ants, suggesting potential for natural pest control applications.

Language : English

Neem oil against Aeromonas hydrophila infection by disrupting quorum sensing and biofilm formation.

Author: LiShengping, YangQiuhong, ChengBo, LiuYongtao, ZhouShun, AiXiaohui, DongJing

Treatment of A. hydrophila infections

This study investigates the inhibitory effects of neem oil on quorum-sensing (QS) in Aeromonas hydrophila, an opportunistic pathogen that can cause fish infections, showing that neem oil can reduce bacterial virulence factors and protect against infection, suggesting its potential as a treatment option.

Language : English

Effects of transfluthrin-treated jute and cotton clothing against resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in a semifield system.

Author: AhebwaAlex, HiiJeffrey, NeohKok-Boon, LeepasertTheerachart, ChareonviriyaphapTheeraphap

Mosquito control

TI-jute protection

Transfluthrin resistance

This study evaluated the protective efficacy of transfluthrin-treated jute and cotton fabrics against *Aedes aegypti* mosquitoes in a semifield system. Jute fabric provided better protection, particularly in the morning. However, the study also found that sublethal exposure to transfluthrin stimulated egg production in resistant mosquito strains, highlighting a potential challenge for vector control strategies.

Language : English

Efficacy of topical administration of prallethrin-permethrin-piperonyl butoxide (Bronco® Equine Fly Spray) for the treatment and control of flies and other nuisance insects of horses.

Author: GenchiMarco, KramerLaura, ValentiniGaia, AllieviGiulia, CiucaLavinia, VismarraAlice

Insect control

This study evaluated the repellent activity of a spray formulation based on prallethrin and permethrin synergized with piperonyl butoxide (BRONCO® Equine Fly Spray) against insect pests in horses. The spray demonstrated high insecticide and repellent efficacy against various insect species, including *Hippobosca equina*, tabanid flies, and *Simulium spp.*

Language : English

Poly(oxyethylene)/Poly(oxypropylene) butyl ether prolongs the repellent effect of N,N-diethyl-3-toluamide on the skin.

Author: KawaguchiMayu, MatsumotoKana, YoshitomiJoji, OtakeHiroko, SatoKanta, TagaAtsushi, SasabeTatsuji, NobuharaKenji, MatsubaraAkira, NagaiNoriaki

Insect repellent effectiveness

Reduced skin penetration

Skin damage

DEET, a widely used insect repellent, was formulated with ethanol and POE-POP. POE-POP increased DEET's retention in the superficial layers of rat skin and decreased penetration into deeper tissues, enhancing its repellent effect without causing skin damage.

Language : English

Sequential Isolation of Essential Oils Repellent to the Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Author: Levi-ZadaAnat, SteinerSara, Ben-AzizOrna, FeferDaniela

Pest control

This study utilizes a comprehensive approach to identify repellents for the red palm weevil, a major pest of palm trees. The study systematically tested volatiles from 79 essential oils (EOs) in traps with pheromone attractants. Two groups of four EOs were found to significantly reduce pheromone trap catches, indicating their repellent effects. The study highlights the effectiveness of this systematic approach in identifying repellents for insect pests.

Language : English

Identification of odorant receptors of Tribolium confusum in response to limonene repellent activity.

Author: LiaoMin, PengYu, ZhaoXinping, YueShuaili, HuangYong, CaoHaiqun

This study explores the repellent activity of limonene against the storage pest Tribolium confusum, identifying the TconOR93 gene as a major effector in limonene perception.

Language : English

10.

Selection Behavior and OBP-Transcription Response of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, to Six Plant VOCs from Kidney Beans.

Author: WangYanhui, ZhuXiaobing, JinYixuan, DuanRuichuan, GuYunkai, LiuXiaowei, QianLei, ChenFajun

IPM

Pest control

This study investigated the selective behavior of western flower thrips (F. occidentalis) to specific VOCs from kidney bean plants, identifying potential attractants and repellents for integrated pest management.

Language : English

11.

In vitro toxicity of combination of amitraz and carvacrol on Demodex canis.

Author:

Demodicosis treatment

None mentioned

Carvacrol, as one of the most important bioactive terpenes, had the most effective acaricidal activity against Demodex canis compared to a combination of carvacrol and amitraz.

Language : English

12.

Combining chemical, bioanalytical and predictive tools to assess persistence, seasonality, and sporadic releases of organic micropollutants within the urban water cycle.

Author: ArlosMaricor J, ArnoldVictoria I, BumagatJ Seth, ZhouJiangboyuan, CerenoKatrina M, DeasAlison, DaiKaiping, RueckerNorma J, MunkittrickKelly R

Improved water quality monitoring

Micropollutant persistence

This study evaluated the presence of 55 organic micropollutants in wastewater effluents and receiving waters in Calgary, Canada. It found that certain pharmaceuticals, including metformin, DEET, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, and sulfamethoxazole, were persistent in the environment. The study also suggests that caffeine and E. coli can be used as indicators of untreated anthropogenic inputs.

Language : English

13.

1,8-Cineole Alleviates OGD/R-Induced Oxidative Damage and Restores Mitochondrial Function by Promoting the Nrf2 Pathway.

Author: LiuZhenyi, WangJing, JinXiaofei, GaoPing, ZhaoYanmeng, YinMeijuan, MaXian, XinZiyuan, ZhaoYuemou, ZhouXiaohong, GaoWeijuan

Mitochondrial function restoration

Nrf2 pathway activation

Oxidative stress reduction

1,8-cineole was found to reduce oxidative stress injury and restore mitochondrial function in OGD/R HT22 cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This effect was mediated by the increased expression of NQO1 and HO-1, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for neuroprotection.

Language : English

14.

Occurrence and removal rate of typical pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in an urban wastewater treatment plant in Beijing, China.

Author: LiuJia, GeSimin, ShaoPeng, WangJianfeng, LiuYanju, WeiWei, HeCan, ZhangLilan

PPCPs removal

Aquatic organism risk

This study investigated the occurrence and removal rate of 52 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in a wastewater treatment plant. The overall removal efficiency was 94.3%.

Language : English

15.

Semi-field evaluation of a volatile transfluthrin-based intervention reveals efficacy as a spatial repellent and evidence of other modes of action.

Author: BurtonTimothy A, KabingaLewis Hambayi, SimubaliLimonty, HayreQuinton, MooreSarah J, StevensonJennifer C, LoboNeil F

Delayed mortality

Deterrence

Immediate mortality

Reduce mosquito host seeking

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a volatile pyrethroid-based spatial repellent (VPSR) for malaria control in outdoor spaces, specifically in open-walled outdoor kitchens where outdoor biting is suspected to contribute to transmission. The VPSR reduced mosquito host-seeking by approximately 40% and demonstrated deterrence and immediate mortality, suggesting a primarily personal protective mode of action.

Language : English

16.

CDC light traps underestimate the protective efficacy of an indoor spatial repellent against bites from wild Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in Tanzania.

Author: SwaiJohnson Kyeba, KibondoUmmi Abdul, NtabalibaWatson Samuel, NgoyaniHassan Ahamad, MakungwaNoely Otto, MsekaAntony Pius, ChuraMadeleine Rose, MascariThomas Michael, MooreSarah Jane

Mosquito shield

Three different techniques for measuring the indoor protective efficacy (PE) of a spatial repellent (SR) product were compared in Tanzania.

Language : English

17.

Transcriptomic analysis of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) queen brain reveals that gene expression is affected by pesticide exposure during development.

Author: DickeyMyra, WalshElizabeth M, ShepherdTonya F, MedinaRaul F, TaroneAaron, RangelJuliana

Pesticide exposure

This study characterized the brain transcriptome of honey bee queens reared in wax contaminated with pesticides commonly found in commercial beekeeping operations. The results identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the queens exposed to pesticides, suggesting potential sublethal effects of pesticide exposure on queen brain function and behavior.

Language : English

18.

The effect of transfluthrin-treated jute and cotton emanator vests on human landing and fecundity of Anopheles minimus in Thailand.

Author: YanChanly, HiiJeffrey, Ngoen-KlanRatchadawan, AhebwaAlex, SaeungManop, ChareonviriyaphapTheeraphap

Mosquito control

TFT-treated fabric efficacy

This study investigates the efficacy of transfluthrin (TFT)-treated jute and cotton fabrics in reducing human landing activity, feeding, and fecundity of Anopheles minimus mosquitoes. TFT-treated jute fabrics were found to significantly reduce human landings, blood feeding, and egg hatchability, suggesting their potential as a complementary tool in mosquito control.

Language : English

19.

Determination of orally administered 1,8-Cineol in nasal polyp tissues from chronic rhinosinusitis patients using gas chromatography: mass spectrometry.

Author: MacKenzieClaire, GoerkeThomas, BueckingMark, HeidemannMathias, LeichtleAnke, RingbeckBenedikt, MöllenkolkFriederike, PlochMichael, BruchhageKarl-Ludwig, PriesRalph

8-Cineol efficacy

CRSwNP treatment

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a common inflammatory disease. 1,8-Cineol, a natural monoterpene, has therapeutic potential for this condition. This study investigates whether oral administration of 1,8-Cineol reaches nasal tissue in CRSwNP patients. Data revealed that 1,8-Cineol was detected in nasal tissue samples after oral administration, suggesting its systemic distribution and potential therapeutic benefit.

Language : English

20.

Small-scale field evaluation of transfluthrin-treated eave ribbons and sandals for the control of malaria vectors in rural Tanzania.

Author: MmbandoArnold S, MponziWinifrida P, NgowoHalfan S, KifungoKhamis, KasubiriRobert, NjalambahaRukiyah M, GavanaTegemeo, EirasAlvaro E, BatistaElis P A, FindaMarceline F, SangoroOnyango P, OkumuFredros O

ITN effectiveness

Malaria control

This study evaluates the effectiveness of low-cost insecticide-treated eave ribbons and sandals as supplementary interventions against mosquitoes in areas where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are already widely used. The study focuses on areas with early-evening and outdoor-biting mosquitoes, which pose a challenge to traditional malaria control strategies.

Language : English

21.

Eucalyptol alleviates cisplatin-induced kidney damage in rats.

Author: KazakFiliz, DeveciMehmet Zeki Yılmaz, AkçakavakGökhan

Improved kidney health

Eucalyptol treatment was effective in reducing cisplatin-induced kidney damage in Wistar albino rats. Eucalyptol treatment at 100 mg/kg for 7 days decreased the cisplatin-induced increase in serum BUN and CRE levels and restored the reduced Vit C level and CAT activity of kidneys caused by cisplatin.

Language : English

22.

Larvicidal and repellent potential of Ageratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens.

Author: HadidyDoaa El, El SayedAbeer M, TantawyMona El, AlfyTaha El, FaragShaimaa M, HaleemDoaa R Abdel

Mosquito control

This study investigated the larvicidal, antifeedant, and repellency effects of different extracts from Agratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens, a common house mosquito and vector of several virus diseases. The study found that flower extract exhibited significant repellent, antifeedant, and larvicidal activities.

Language : English

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