Review Natural Protection Redefined: Nirgundi as a Safe Herbal Mosquito Repellent

Herbal drugs, also known as botanical drugs or phytomedicines, utilize various plant parts such as seeds, berries, roots, leaves, wood, and flowers for medicinal and remedial purposes. These herbal formulations are commonly used for treating chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and asthma, and are recognized for their supplementary, nutritive, and cosmetic benefits. Mosquitoes, including species such as Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex, are vectors for several serious diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and encephalitis. The rising prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases, with over one million reported cases by 2018, underscores the urgency of effective mosquito control. While synthetic chemical repellents are widely used to prevent mosquito bites, their hazardous chemical components pose significant health risks to humans and the environment. As an alternative, herbal-based repellents, such as those derived from Vitex nigundo (Nirgundi), have demonstrated efficacy in repelling mosquitoes and reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. This review explores the potential of herbal medicines, particularly Vitex nigundo, in mosquito repellent formulations and their role in integrated vector control strategies, emphasizing their safety and effectiveness in comparison to conventional chemical repellents.