Herbal Approach to Mosquito Repellents: Formulation of a Cream Using Marigold, Neem and Camphor.

Abstract:Plant-based mosquito repellents have become popularity as a more friendly to theenvironment alternative to synthetic formulations, which are frequently harmful. The projectfocuses on the development and testing of a topical herbal cream containing Tagetes erecta(marigold), Azadirachta indica (neem), and Cinnamomum camphora (camphor), all of whichcontain bioactive ingredients with observed insect-repellent and antibacterial features. Thecream the base was formulated for skin compatibility and stability. In response to the growingdemand for safer and more sustainable alternatives, this study focuses on the development ofa herbal mosquito repellent cream formulated from natural plant-based ingredients—marigold (Tagetes spp.), neem (Azadirachta indica), and camphor (Cinnamomum camphora).These ingredients were selected for their well-documented insecticidal and repellentproperties. The formulation involved the extraction of active compounds using appropriatesolvents, followed by incorporation into a stable emulsion-based cream. The final productwas assessed for physical characteristics (texture, spreadability, pH), dermatological safety.The study highlights the potential of combining traditional herbal knowledge with modernformulation techniques to develop effective, eco-friendly mosquito repellents.