Evaluation of Repellent Activity of an Artemisia absinthium L.-Based Topical Formulation Against Anopheles stephensi...

Vector-borne diseases, such as Malaria and Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes like Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti, are major public health concerns. Although synthetic repellents, particularly DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites. However, growing concerns regarding their safety and environmental impact have increased the interest in natural alternatives. This study investigates the mosquito-repellent activity of a cream formulated with essential oil and methanolic extract of Artemisia absinthium L.

The repellent activity of the cream was evaluated using an Artificial Membrane Feeding System simulating human skin. Non-blood-fed female mosquitoes (5-7 days old) from Anopheles and Aedes species, starved for 12 hours, were used. The cream was applied at various concentrations on the membrane, and its efficacy was assessed and compared with DEET. The complete protection time was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

The test cream showed a dose-dependent repellent activity against both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti. At a concentration of 12 mg/cm², the cream provided 100% protection for 105 minutes against both species. Whereas DEET, at the same concentration, provided complete protection for 105 minutes against Aedes aegypti and 97.5% protection for 105 minutes against Anopheles stephensi.

The Artemisia absinthium-based cream effectively repels both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, indicating its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety on human skin under natural conditions.

Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, Unani Medicine, Mosquito repellent, Artemisia absinthium.