Development of a Multi-Plant Herbal Insect Vaporizer Liquid Using Ethanolic Extracts of Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic mosquito vaporizers containing pyrethroid-based compounds has raised concerns about environmental persistence, human toxicity, and the development of resistance in mosquito populations. This study reports the formulation and preliminary evaluation of an herbal insect vaporizer liquid using ethanolic extracts of Azadirachta indica, Citrus limon, and Cymbopogon citratus, along with the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus. Plant materials were ovendried (60°C, 48 h), powdered, and extracted with 70% ethanol by leaching for 48 h. The filtrate was stabilized with glycerin and filled into reusable vaporizer bottles. UV–Visible spectroscopic analysis revealed characteristic absorption bands in the 300–700 nm range, confirming the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and chlorophyll derivatives. Preliminary qualitative assays indicated repellent activity against mosquitoes. The formulated herbal vaporizer shows promise as a biodegradable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical vaporizers. Further quantitative bioassays and compound profiling are recommended to standardize the product.