THE UTILIZATION OF LEMONGRASS EXTRACT (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS) IN OIL DIFFUSER AS MOSQUITO REPELLENT

Abstract

project aims to evaluate the efficacy of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil diffusers as a mosquito repellent, offering a potentially safer and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical insecticides. Lemongrass oil contains citronella, a compound recognized for its mosquito-repelling properties.

Studies have demonstrated that lemongrass oil can effectively repel mosquitoes. Research indicates that lemongrass oil is an active substance affecting the olfactory receptors of mosquitoes, thereby deterring them from feeding. However, the duration of protection may be limited; for instance, one study found that a 10% lemongrass oil emulsion provided protection for about half an hour. While topical applications of lemongrass oil have been extensively studied, using oil diffusers to disperse lemongrass oil into the air is less documented. Some sources suggest that diffusing lemongrass oil can help repel mosquitoes and other insects, potentially reducing the risk of bites and associated diseases. Utilizing lemongrass oil in diffusers offers an environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control, reducing reliance on synthetic insecticides that may have adverse ecological effects. However, it's important to note that while natural, essential oils should be used with caution. Undiluted essential oils can be hazardous, potentially causing skin irritation or allergic reactions. Exploring the use of lemongrass oil diffusers as a mosquito repellent could provide a natural and eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. Further empirical research is needed to determine the effectiveness and optimal usage conditions of lemongrass oil diffusers in repelling mosquitoes. This study utilized a true experimental design to assess the effects of different treatment concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20%) on mosquito behavior. Mosquitoes were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups, ensuring unbiased comparisons. The experiment involved observing mosquito behavior over a 30-minute period to evaluate differences in response across treatment groups. Behavioral indicators such as [mention specific indicators: movement patterns, landing rates, mortality, repellency, etc.] were systematically recorded to determine the effectiveness of each treatment. This study investigated the mosquito-repellent efficacy of three different concentrations of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract—5%, 10%, and 20%—compared to a control group. A concentration-dependent effect was observed, with higher concentrations providing stronger repellent activity over a 30-minute observation period.

5% Lemongrass Extract: Significantly reduced the mosquito count, though less effectively than the higher concentrations.

10% Lemongrass Extract: Demonstrated a more pronounced repellent effect, with a notable decline in mosquito count compared to the 5% group.

20% Lemongrass Extract: Proved to be the most effective, achieving near-complete repellency within 30 minutes. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract, when diffused using an oil diffuser, exhibits a significant mosquito-repellent effect. The results indicate that lemongrass extract can serve as an effective natural repellent, particularly at higher concentrations. These findings align with previous research highlighting the insect-repelling properties of citronella, a key component of lemongrass essential oil.

Key Findings:

Higher concentrations of lemongrass extract were more effective in repelling mosquitoes.

The 20% lemongrass extract group demonstrated a repellency effect comparable to a commercial product, suggesting its potential as a viable natural alternative to synthetic chemical repellents.

No adverse side effects were reported, supporting the safety of lemongrass extract for use in oil diffusers.

Limitations and Future Directions:

The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, which may limit its generalizability to real-world environments. Future research should assess its effectiveness in field settings.

This study focused exclusively on mosquitoes. Further research could explore the repellent effects of lemongrass extract on other insects and pests.

These findings highlight the potential of lemongrass extract as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical mosquito repellents. Future studies should further explore its effectiveness in diverse environmental conditions and against a broader range of insect species.