FORMULATION & EVALUATION OF MOSQUITO REPELLENT POLYHERBAL BODY SPRAY

Bhagyashri Dhakate* and Nilesh M. Mahajan

ABSTRACT

The research aims to formulate and evaluate polyherbal body sprays using natural essential oils, such as citronella oil and catnip oil, which are safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic mosquito repellents like DEET. The body sprays are formulated in three types: temporary emulsion (F1), alcohol-based (F2), and aqueous-based (F3). Pre-formulation studies include verifying the absorption maxima (λ max) for both oils and preparing calibration curves. To remove the objectionable smell of alcohol in the formulations, pre-fixation and distillation processes are applied. The formulation process involves creating stock solutions of the oils, blending various excipients, and evaluating the physical and chemical properties of the final products. Key materials include propylene glycol, butylated hydroxytoluene, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, isopropyl myristate, and Tween 80. The formulated sprays undergo a series of tests including pH, viscosity, density, drug content analysis, and skin irritation tests. The efficacy of the sprays is determined through a mosquito repellence test using human subjects, and stability studies are conducted in accordance with ICH guidelines. The results demonstrate that the polyherbal body sprays have significant potential as effective mosquito repellents.

Keywords: Polyherbal body spray, Citronella oil, Catnip oil, Mosquito repellent.