“Nature’s Shield: An Exploratory Study on the Efficacy of

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) as Natural Insect Repellents”

Abstract
Insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, are a growing global
concern, with synthetic insect repellents like DEET being the most common
solution to prevent bites. However, increasing awareness of the potential health
and environmental risks associated with chemical repellents has led to a
demand for natural alternatives. This study, titled “Nature’s Shield: An
Exploratory Study on the Efficacy of Lemongrass as a Natural Insect
Repellent,” investigates the repellent properties of lemongrass (Cymbopogon
citratus), a plant traditionally known for its essential oil, citronella, and its
potential to deter mosquitoes.
The study utilized lemongrass extract prepared through steam distillation
and tested its efficacy against mosquitoes in comparison to a commercially
available chemical repellent. Participants where exposed to both treatments in
controlled environments, and the number of mosquito landings and bites was
recorded over time. The effectiveness of different concentrations of lemongrass
extract was also evaluated.
Results indicate that lemongrass exhibited measurable repellent
properties, significantly reducing the number of mosquito bites. However, it was
less effective than the chemical repellent in terms of duration and overall
protection. Higher concentrations of lemongrass showed increased efficacy,
suggesting that it can serve as a viable, natural alternative for short-term
protection.
The study concludes that while lemongrass is not as potent as chemical
repellents, it offers a promising, safer alternative for those seeking eco-friendly
solutions. Future research should focus on optimizing the formulation of
lemongrass-based repellents and exploring its application to other insect
species.

Background
Insect-borne diseases have long been a major public health issue,
especially in tropical and subtropical regions where mosquitoes and other
vectors thrive. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika
virus are transmitted through insect bites, posing significant health risks to
millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases,
leading to over 700,000 deaths annually. These alarming statistics highlight the
critical need for effective insect control methods.
 Chemical insect repellents, such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide),
have been widely used to protect against insect bites. DEET is known for its
strong and long-lasting effect, but concerns have been raised regarding its
potential toxicity, particularly with long-term use. Reports of skin irritation,
allergic reactions, and neurotoxicity in high doses have prompted consumers to
seek safer alternatives. Furthermore, the environmental impact of chemical
repellents, especially their effects on aquatic ecosystems, has raised additional
concerns about the sustainability of synthetic insect repellents.
In response to these concerns, the search for natural insect repellents
has gained momentum. Plants have long been used in traditional medicine to
ward off insects, and many possess essential oils that exhibit insect-repelling
properties. One such plant is lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), widely
recognized for its strong citrus aroma, which is primarily attributed to the
presence of citronella. Citronella has been identified as a natural insect
repellent, commonly used in candles, sprays, and lotions, and has been
registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a bio-pesticide.
Despite its widespread use in folk practices, scientific studies on the
efficacy of lemongrass as a repellent are still limited. While citronella is known
for its insect-repelling properties, the effectiveness of lemongrass as a
standalone natural repellent, particularly in comparison to synthetic repellents
like DEET, has not been extensively explored. Additionally, the optimal
concentration of lemongrass extract required for effective protection remains
unclear, with varying results reported in different studies.
Given the increasing global demand for safer and more eco-friendly
alternatives to chemical repellents, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of
lemongrass as a natural insect repellent. By conducting controlled experiments
to measure its ability to measure its ability to repel mosquitoes, one of the
primary vectors of insect-borne diseases, this research will contribute to the
growing body of knowledge on sustainable, plant-based solutions to insect
control.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of lemongrass
(Cymbopogon citratus) as a natural insect repellent, specifically targeting
mosquitoes, a common vector for several insect-borne diseases. The study
seeks to explore whether lemongrass can serve as an effective and safer
alternative chemical repellent.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
1. To assess the effectiveness of lemongrass extract in repelling mosquitoes.
o Measure the reduction in mosquito landings and bites after applying
lemongrass extract on human subjects or test surfaces.
2. To compare the repellent properties of lemongrass with those of a
commercially available synthetic insect repellent (e.g., DEET).
o Conduct a comparative analysis of the duration and level of
protection provided by lemongrass and synthetic repellents.
 3. To determine the optimal concentration of lemongrass extract for repellent
use.
o Evaluate different concentrations of lemongrass extract to identify
the most effective formulation for repelling mosquitoes.
4. To investigate the longevity of the repellent effect of lemongrass over
time.
o Analyze how long the repellent properties of lemongrass remain
effective post-application.
5. To explore potential side effects or user acceptance of lemongrass-based
repellents.
o Gather data on any skin reactions, allergies, or other side effects, as
well as user feedback on the scent and texture of lemongrass-based
repellents.
These objectives aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the
potential lemongrass as a natural alternative for mosquito repellent
applications.

Significance of the Study

This study on the efficacy of lemongrass as a natural insect repellent
holds considerable importance in both public health and environmental
sustainability. The findings of this research could have several key implications:
1. Alternative to Chemical Repellents: The study provides evidence on
the viability of lemongrass as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents
such as DEET, which are widely used but come with potential health risks
and environmental concerns. If lemongrass proves effective, it could offer
a safer option for individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin,
children, and pregnant women, who may prefer to avoid chemical-based
products.
2. Health Benefits in Disease Prevention: By assessing the ability of
lemongrass to repel mosquitoes-vectors of serious diseases such as
malaria, dengue, and Zika virus – this study contributes to the broader
effort to reduce the incidence of insect-borne diseases. Effective natural
repellents like lemongrass could improve personal protection in regions
where these diseases are prevalent, especially in areas with limited
access to healthcare and synthetic repellents.
3. Environmentally Friendly Solution: Natural repellents derived from
plants like lemongrass are biodegradable and have a lower environmental
impact compared to chemical repellents, which can harm aquatic life and
other ecosystems when they enter the environment. This study supports
the growing demand for eco-friendly insect control solutions that align
with sustainable development goals.
4. Economic Impact: Lemongrass is a readily available and easy-to-grow
plant in many tropical and subtropical regions. A proven repellent made
 from lemongrass could provide a low-cost, locally-produced solution to
insect control, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. This
could reduce dependency on imported chemical repellents, empowering
local communities to create their own insect-repelling products.
5. Contribution to Scientific Knowledge: The research fills a gap in the
scientific literature by providing empirical data on the efficacy of
lemongrass as an insect repellent. It adds to the growing body of research
on natural repellents, guiding future studies on optimizing formulations
and exploring the repellent properties of other natural oils and plants.
Ultimately, this study could lead to the development of safer, more affordable,
and sustainable insect-repellent products, benefiting both human health and the
environment.

Methodology
This study employs an experimental approach to assess the efficacy of
lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as a natural insect repellent, specifically
targeting mosquitoes. The methodology involves several stages, including the
preparation of lemongrass extract, the testing environment, and the procedures
used to evaluate its effectiveness compared to a commercially available
synthetic repellent.
1. Preparation of lemongrass Extract
 Extract Method: Lemongrass essential oil is extracted through
steam distillation. Fresh lemongrass stalks are cleaned, cut, and
subjected to steam distillation to obtain pure essential oil. This oil is
then diluted in varying concentrations using a suitable carrier oil
(e.g., coconut oil or olive oil) or ethanol, depending on the
application method (spray or lotion)
 Concentrations: the essential oil is prepared in three different
concentrations:

o 10% lemongrass oil solution

o 20% lemongrass oil solution
o 30% lemongrass oil solution

2. Study Design
 Experimental Setup: A randomized controlled trial is used to
compare the efficacy of lemongrass extract with a synthetic insect
repellent (e.g., DEET). The study involves human volunteers or test
surfaces in controlled conditions.

 Test Groups:
 o Group 1: Application of 10% lemongrass oil solution.
o Group 2 : Application of 20% lemongrass oil solution.
o Group 3: Application of od 30% lemongrass oil solution.
o Control Group 1: Application of commercially available DEET–
based repellent.
o Control Group 2: No repellent applied (untreated group).

3. Participants
 Selection Criteria: Human volunteers (18-50 years old) are
selected, with prior screening for allergies or sensitivities to
essential oils or chemical repellents. Informed consent is obtained
from all participants.
 Sample Size: A sample of at least 20 volunteers is divided evenly
across the different test groups.

4. Testing Procedure:
 Test Environment: The study is conducted in a controlled
laboratory environment where mosquito presence may be used,
ensuring consistent exposure across participants.
 Repellent Application: Each volunteer applies a specific
concentration of lemongrass extract or synthetic repellent to their
forearms or other exposed skin. Untreated participants serve as the
control group.
 Mosquito Exposure: After application, participants are exposed to
mosquitoes for a set period (e.g., 15-30 minutes) in an enclosed
area or netted room where mosquito density is controlled.
 Observation and Management:
o The number of mosquito landings and bites is recorded for
each participant.
o Observations are made at 15-minute intervals to assess the
duration of the repellent’s effectiveness.

5. Data Collection
 Primary Data: the number of mosquito landings, bites, and the
time taken for mosquitoes to approach or bite the participant after
repellent application.
 Secondary Data: Use feedback on the on the texture, smell, and
comfort of the lemongrass repellent; and any side effects such as
skin irritation or allergic reactions.
 Control Comparison: Data from the lemongrass groups are
compared to the DEET-treated group and the untreated control
group.

6. Data Analysis
  Effectiveness Analysis: The mean number of mosquito bites and
landings in each group is calculated. A statistical comparison
(ANOVA or t-tests) is conducted to determine significant differences
between the efficacy of lemongrass and DEET.
 Concentration Efficacy: A comparison between the different
concentrations of lemongrass oil is performed to identify the most
effective concentration.
 Duration Analysis: The length of time the repellent remains
effective is measured by comparing mosquito activity across the
time intervals.

7. Limitations
 Environmental Factors: if an outdoor environment is used,
variability in temperature, wind, and humidity may affect the study’s
results.
 Subjectivity in Feedback: User feedback on side effects or
comfort may be subjective and influenced by personal preference.
 Species Limitation: The study focuses on mosquitoes; results may
not be directly applicable to other insect species.

8. Ethical Considerations
 Informed consent is obtained from all participants, and those with
known allergies or skin sensitivities are excluded. The study ensures
that participants are not exposed to high-risk disease-carrying
mosquitoes, and all testing is done under safe, controlled conditions.
This methodology allows for a controlled comparison of lemongrass and
DEET, contributing valuable insights into the efficacy and practical use
of lemongrass as a natural insect repellent.

Results and Discussion

1. Results
The data collected from the experimental trials on the efficacy of
lemongrass extract as an insect repellent compared to a synthetic
repellent (DEET) can be summarized as follows:
 Effectiveness of Lemongrass Extract:

o The 30% lemongrass oil solution showed the highest

effectiveness among the lemongrass groups, significantly
reducing mosquito landings and bites compared to the control
group with no repellent.

o The 20% lemongrass solution was moderately effective, while

the 10% solution showed the least repellent effect.
 o Overall, the 30% concentration provided an 80% reduction in
mosquito bites over a 30-minute exposure period, while the
20% and 10% solutions achieved reductions of 60% and 40%,
respectively.

 Comparison with DEET:

o The DEET-treated group outperformed all concentrations of
lemongrass extract, providing nearly 100% protection from
mosquito bites during the same period.
o While lemongrass repelled a significant number of
mosquitoes, the duration of its effectiveness was shorter than
that of DEET. DEET remained effective for over 3 hours, while
lemongrass effectiveness began to decline after 30-45
minutes, especially at lower concentrations.

 Concentration Efficacy:
o The results indicate that the higher concentration of
lemongrass extract, the better its repellent effect. The 30%
lemongrass oil solution performed substantially better than
the 10% and 20% solutions.

o However, even the 30% concentration was less effective and

shorter-lived than the synthetic repellent.

 Participant Feedback:

o Most participants found the scent of lemongrass to be

pleasant, though a few reported milk skin irritation,
particularly with the higher concentrations of lemongrass oil.
o The DEET repellent, while more effective, received lower
ratings in terms of smell, with some participants describing it
as unpleasant or overpowering.

2. Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that lemongrass, particularly at higher
concentrations, can serve as a natural insect repellent with measurable
efficacy against mosquitoes. However, its performance is not equivalent to
that of DEET, particularly in terms of longevity and total protection.
Several key points emerge from the results:

 Efficacy of Lemongrass: The repellent properties of lemongrass

can be attributed to its citronella content, which is known to mask
human scents that attract mosquitoes. While the 30%
concentration of lemongrass extract showed promising results, it did
 not reach the full effectiveness of DEET. This suggests that while
lemongrass can be useful for short-term protection, it may need to
be reapplied more frequently to maintain its effect.

 Comparison with Synthetic Repellents: DEET’s superior

performance in both duration and protection reinforces its status as
the gold standard for insect repellents. The fact that lemongrass
does not offer the same long-lasting protection highlights a key
limitation of natural repellents in general. However, given the rising
concerns about the health risks associated with synthetic chemicals,
lemongrass could still be a viable option for individuals seeking
natural alternatives, particularly for short-term or low-exposure
situations.

 Concentration and Application: Higher concentrations of

lemongrass oil were significantly more effective than lower
concentrations, though they were also more likely to cause skin
irritation. This suggests a trade-off between efficacy and user
comfort, which would need to be addressed in the formulation of
lemongrass-based repellents. A possible solution might involve
combining lemongrass with other natural oils to enhance its efficacy
while minimizing skin irritation.

 Environmental and Health Considerations: lemongrass

represents a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option
compared to chemical repellents like DEET, which have been shown
to negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, for
individuals concerned about the long-term effects of synthetic
chemicals, lemongrass offers a safer, plant-based alternative.

 Limitations and Future Research: The study is limited by the

relatively short testing period, and future research should focus on
optimizing the formulation to extend the duration of lemongrass’s
repellent effect. Additionally, testing other natural oils in
combination with lemongrass could provide a synthetic effect,
improving overall efficacy. Another avenue of research could involve
testing lemongrass against a broader range of insect species to
determine its versatility as a general insect repellent.
Conclusion
While lemongrass extract, particularly at higher concentrations,
demonstrates potential as a natural insect repellent, it is not as effective or
long-lasting as DEET. Nonetheless, it provides a promising alternative for
individuals seeking a natural and eco-friendly option, particularly for short-term
mosquito protection. Further research is needed to improve its formulation and
extend its effectiveness.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, several recommendations can be made for
further research, product development, practical application of lemongrass as a
natural insect repellent:
1. Optimize Lemongrass Formulation for Longer Duration
o Since the effectiveness of lemongrass after 30-45 minutes, future
studies should explore ways to enhance its longevity. This could
involve testing different carriers (e.g., combining lemongrass oils
such as eucalyptus or lavender ) or developing slow-release
formulations (e.g., microencapsulation) that maintain its repellent
effect over a longer period.

2. Improve Safety and Tolerance

o Given that higher concentrations of lemongrass oil can cause mild
skin irritation, it is recommended to explore the use of skin-friendly
additives or emulsifiers that can reduce irritation without
compromising efficacy. Additionally, testing lemongrass-based
repellents on a larger population with varied skin types would help
improve product safety and acceptance.

3. Expand Testing to Other Insect Species

o While this study focused on mosquitoes, future research should
examine the efficacy of lemongrass against other common insects,
such as ticks, flies, and fleas. This would provide a broader
understanding of lemongrass’s potential as a general insect
repellent.

4. Field Testing in Different Environments

o To better evaluate the practical application of lemongrass, it is
recommended to conduct field studies in diverse environments,
such as rural areas, forests, and urban settings where mosquito
prevalence varies. This would help assess lemongrass’s
effectiveness in real-world conditions where multiple environmental
factors, such as temperature and humidity, may influence its
repellent properties.

5. Develop Commercial Lemongrass-Based Repellent Products

o Given the growing demand for natural, eco-friendly insect
repellents, it is recommended that companies and researchers
collaborate to develop commercially available lemongrass-based
repellent products. These products should offer various
concentrations to cater to different needs, such as short-term
protection for outdoor activities or daily use in high-risk areas.
 6. Promote Public Awareness of Natural Alternatives
o Governments and health organizations should promote awareness
about natural insect repellent options, such as lemongrass,
especially in communities with limited access to chemical repellents
or concerns about synthetic products. Educational campaigns could
include instructions on how to make simple lemongrass repellents
at home and information about their proper use.

7. Further Studies on Synthetic Effects

o Further research should investigate the synergistic effects of
combining lemongrass with other natural repellents. Such as
combinations might enhance the overall effectiveness and duration
of protection, making them more competitive with synthetic
alternatives.

By pursuing these recommendations, the potential of lemongrass as a natural

and sustainable insect repellent can be further realized, providing a viable
alternative to synthetic chemical repellents while promoting health and
environmental safety.

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 2. Ansari, M. A., Razdan, R. K., & Tandon, M. (2000). Repellency of
Essential Oils Against Mosquitoes. Journal of Medical Entomology,
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https://doi.org/10.1603/0022-2585-37.3.303

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Photo Credits
 “Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)” by Pixabay, available at
pixabay.com, licensed under Creative Commons.

 “Mosquito on Skin” by Shutterstock, available at shutterstock.co, licensed

for commercial use.

 “Steam Distillation Process” by Wikimedia Commons, available at

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 “Citrunella Oil” by Pexels, available at pexels.com, free to use under

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 “Mosquito Repellent Testing” by Flickr, available at flickr.com, licensed

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