Systematic evaluation of native medicinal plants for mosquito repellent activity: A focus on traditional use and bioactive constituents

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant global public health threat, necessitating the development of safe and sustainable alternatives to synthetic repellents. This study aimed to systematically identify and evaluate native medicinal plants with documented mosquito repellent properties through an extensive review of ethnobotanical literature and scientific databases. Twenty plant species were selected based on historical use and empirical evidence. The results provide a validated inventory, detailing the scientific name, family, plant part used, and key bioactive compounds (e.g., citral, eugenol, azadirachtin) responsible for repellency for each species. The plants were taxonomically classified, revealing a diverse phylogenetic spread across 16 families, with Lamiaceae being the most represented. The essential oils and extracts of these plants demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy against major vector genera, including Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex. This work concludes that these plants hold significant potential for the development of effective, natural mosquito repellents. Future research should focus on the standardization of active compounds, development of advanced formulations to enhance stability, and rigorous field trials to validate efficacy under real-world conditions, thereby bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern vector control solutions.