Evaluation of the Mosquito Repellent Activity of Nano-sized Microemulsion of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil Against Culicinae

Abstract

Background: The mosquitoes of Culicidae family are serious vectors of several tropical diseases, such as malaria, filariasis, encephalitis, and nuisance. Control of mosquitoes and protection of people from their bites are of the most important ways to prevent transmitted diseases. Although the efficacy of N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is high and generally used as mosquito repellent, yet a number of biting diptera are tolerant to DEET. Furthermore, there are concerns about the safety of DEET and its allergic and toxic effects. Therefore, it is necessary to use other repellents like plant essential oils. Objectives: The aim of this work was to develop a safe repellent with a long-lasting protection based on micro-emulsion of eucalyptus essential oil. Methods: Eucalyptus globulus essential oil was obtained by water distillation in a Clevenger apparatus. The larvae of Culicidae were collected and adult mosquitoes reared for the repellency test. Preparation of micro-emulsions of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil was made by mixing the specified surfactant (Tween 80 and Span 20) and the appropriate amount of co-surfactant (propylene glycol) under the water titration method. The laboratory method, arm in cage, was used to estimate the time of protection of essential oil micro-emulsion against mosquitoes and DEET used as a standard repellent. Results: Physicochemical properties of formulated micro-emulsions were appropriate and suitable for topical application. Particle size of eucalyptus oil 15% w/w micro-emulsion was lowest. When applying eucalyptus oil micro-emulsion at concentrations of 5, 10,

Repellent, Insecticidal and Antimicrobial Activities of Leaf Essential Oils from Three Eucalyptus Species

“…The protection time increased to 240 min when the concentration was 100 % . When Eucalyptus oil microemulsions were applied at concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % w/w, the protection times for mosquitoes were 82±15.8, 135.7±26.4, and 170.7±26 min, respectively …”

“…[31] When Eucalyptus oil microemulsions were applied at concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % w/w, the protection times for mosquitoes were 82 � 15.8, 135.7 � 26.4, and 170.7 � 26 min, respectively. [32] Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oil…”

In vivo Evaluation of the Repellency Effects of Nanoemulsion of Mentha piperita and Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oils against mosquitoes

“…In a study consistent with the present study, Nuchuchua et al [5] reported that preparation of Nanoemulsion from citronella, hairy basil and vetiver essential oils increased their protection time of these essential oils to 4.7 hours. In a similar study by Sakulku et al, the results showed that the preparation of Nanoemulsions from citronella essential oil and the addition of glycerol greatly improved the physical appearance and stability of the emulsion and increased its protection time [30]. In another similar study, Mohammadi et al [21] reported that the preparation of Nanoemulsion from M. piperita and E. globulus significantly increased their protection and failure time.…”

Green Micro- and Nanoemulsions for Managing Parasites, Vectors and Pests

“…Lastly, Navayan et al showed how MEs could be a suitable tool to prolong the repellent activity of EOs [156]. In fact, 5%, 10% and 15% eucalyptus EO-based MEs showed a protection time against Culicidae of 82, 135 and 170 min, respectively, while free EO at the same concentrations showed lower time of activity, i.e., 34, 47 and 59 min, respectively.…”