Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Garlic peel (Allium sativum) as a mosquito repellent (Isoptera)

In Partial Fulfilment for the Requirements in Research II

Castro, Sofia L.

Salandron, Kimberly Kate T.

Senara, Kent DJ A.

8 - Einstein

EDISON B. FRANCISCO

Research Teacher

Ayala National High School

Ayala, Zamboanga City

January 2024
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to be a significant global health concern, leading to

numerous illnesses and fatalities each year. Traditional mosquito repellents often

contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse effects on human health and the

environment. As a result, there is a growing interest in exploring natural and herbal

alternatives for mosquito control. This literature review aims to examine the potential of

oregano (Origanum vulgare) and garlic peel (Allium sativum) as effective mosquito

repellents.

Effectiveness of Natural Mosquito Repellents

Thorsell et al. (1998) explored the effectiveness of natural mosquito repellents, including

yarrow extract, birch/pine tar, citronella, clove, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lily of the

valley, and peppermint oils. Laboratory tests against Aedes aegypti demonstrated that

yarrow extract was comparable to conventional repellents, while birch/pine tar and

eucalyptus oils also showed strong repelling effects. Field tests supported these

findings against Aedes communis and Aedes cinereus. Citronella and lily of the valley

oils displayed similar efficacy to standard substances. Chromatography/mass

spectrometry analyses highlighted diverse constituents in each natural product,

providing insights into their effectiveness and safety.

Chemical Composition of Oregano and Garlic Peel

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) possesses promising antibacterial and antioxidant

properties, attributed to its major essential oil components like carvacrol, β-fenchyl

alcohol, thymol, and γ-terpinene. The hot water extract demonstrated the highest

phenolic content and antioxidant strength, while the essential oil showcased significant

antibacterial efficacy, particularly against Listeria strains. Although the extracts exhibited

limited effectiveness against other bacteria, these findings highlight the potential of

oregano as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with diverse applications

(Teixeira et al., 2013).

Discarded garlic peels, far from useless scraps, act as nature's chemical shield for the

vulnerable cloves within. Packed with active enzymes like chitinases and proteases,

they fend off microbial foes. Sugars like rhamnose and trehalose, along with the

collagen-linked amino acid 5-hydroxylysine, add layers of stress tolerance. Surprisingly,

peel extracts even promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while halting fungal spore

germination. Thus, these humble peels, once tossed aside, reveal themselves as a

sophisticated arsenal safeguarding the future of the garlic (Singiri et al., 2022)
Safety and Environmental Impact of Industrial Mosquito Repellant

Lawler (2016) provides an environmental safety review specifically focused on the use

of methoprene and bacterially-derived pesticides for sustained mosquito control.

Methoprene, an insect juvenile hormone mimic, and bacterial larvicides such as Bacillus

thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), Lysinibacillus sphaericus, and Saccharopolyspora

spinosa (spinosad) are examined as common biorational pesticides.

The review critically assesses the potential environmental effects of methoprene,

addressing concerns about non-target toxicity. The study also evaluates newer

formulations of bacterially-derived pesticides for sustained mosquito control, providing

insights into their safety and effectiveness. The study evaluates the safety and

environmental impact of these industrial mosquito repellents, particularly in aquatic

systems. The realized environmental concentrations of methoprene used in mosquito

control were found to be generally low (≤10 ppb), and its motility was limited. Most

tested vertebrates and invertebrates showed no toxicity, except for specific species.
Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

Effectiveness:

Specific efficacy against relevant mosquito species: While the reviewed studies tested

natural repellents against some mosquito species, further research is needed to assess

the specific effectiveness of oregano and garlic peel against prevalent disease vectors

like Aedes albopictus and Anopheles gambiae.

Field studies in diverse environments: Field studies conducted in different geographical

locations with varying climates and environmental factors are crucial to confirm the

repellency observed in laboratory settings.

Dosage and formulation optimization: Determining the optimal dosage and formulation

(e.g., extracts, oils, combinations) of oregano and garlic peel for maximal repellency and

sustained duration of action is essential.

Comparative studies with established repellents: Head-to-head comparisons with

conventional repellents, including DEET and icaridin, in terms of both efficacy and

safety, are necessary for evaluating the potential of these natural alternatives.
Chemical Composition and Mechanism of Action:

Identification of active components: While major constituents of oregano and garlic peel

have been identified, further research is needed to pinpoint the specific compounds

responsible for mosquito repellency and their modes of action. This knowledge would

facilitate targeted extraction and formulation strategies.

Synergistic effects: Investigating potential synergistic interactions between bioactive

compounds in oregano and garlic peel could lead to more potent repellents than

individual components.

Safety and Environmental Impact:

Skin irritation and sensitization: Comprehensive safety assessments of oregano and

garlic peel extracts and oils on human skin are necessary to identify potential irritants

and allergens.

Environmental impact of application and disposal: Studies should assess the potential

environmental consequences of releasing oregano and garlic peel-based repellents into

the environment, particularly their effects on non-target organisms and ecosystems.

Biodegradability and sustainability: Investigating the biodegradability and sustainable

sourcing of oregano and garlic peel for repellent production is important for ensuring

eco-friendly pest control practices.

Additional Research Directions:

Development of long-lasting formulations: Exploring methods to increase the repellency

duration of oregano and garlic peel, such as through microencapsulation or controlled-

release technologies, would enhance their practical value.

Investigating repellent properties against other biting insects: Researching the efficacy

of oregano and garlic peel against other nuisance or disease-carrying insect pests like

ticks, flies, and bed bugs could broaden their potential applications.

Combining natural repellents with other control methods: Exploring the integration of

oregano and garlic peel with existing mosquito control strategies, such as larvicides,

traps, and habitat modification, could lead to more comprehensive and sustainable pest

management solutions.
Conclusion

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a global threat, demanding safe and effective control

strategies. This literature review explored the potential of oregano (Origanum vulgare)

and garlic peel (Allium sativum) as natural mosquito repellents. While promising

evidence exists for their chemical composition and potential effectiveness, several

knowledge gaps warrant further research. Investigating the specific efficacy against

relevant mosquito species, optimizing dosage and formulation, and understanding the

mechanisms of action are crucial next steps. Ensuring skin safety and minimal

environmental impact is also paramount. By addressing these knowledge gaps and

exploring future research directions, we can unlock the full potential of oregano and

garlic peel as sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional mosquito

repellents, contributing to a healthier future for communities worldwide.

References

Azmat, S., Aadil, R. M., Zeng, X. A., & Haq, M. A. (2023). Garlic peel: A potential natural

source of bioactive compounds for various applications. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-

0067/23/4/2126
Lawler, S. P. (2016). Environmental safety review of methoprene and bacterially-derived

pesticides for sustained mosquito control. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28187397/

Thorsell, W., Mikiver, A., Tunón, H., & Jaenson, T. G. T. (1998). Repellency of extracts of

yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) and other plants against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera:

Culicidae). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3232110/

Teixeira, B., Marques, A., Ramos, C., Neng, N. R., Nogueira, J. M. F., Saraiva, J. A., &

Nunes, M. L. (2013). Chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant properties

of commercial oregano essential oils.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124166417000717