Review On API (Lemon Grass) Citronella As A Herbal Mosquito Repellent

Citronella oil is a well-known natural mosquito repellent obtained from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon species, mainly Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus. For many years, it has been used as an ingredient in natural insect repellent products. Citronella is recognized for its pleasant lemon-like fragrance and its ability to repel mosquitoes by masking human odors that attract them. This review paper presents a detailed summary of citronella oil, including its sources, chemical composition, mechanism of action, various formulations, advantages, disadvantages, and future research possibilities. It also compares citronella with synthetic repellents such as DEET and discusses how natural alternatives can be made more effective through new technologies like nanoencapsulation and controlled release systems. Although citronella oil is less long-lasting than synthetic repellents, its safety, eco-friendliness, and potential for improvement make it a promising herbal solution against mosquito-borne diseases