title: An ethnobotanical survey of mosquito repellent plants in uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to document plants traditionally used to repel mosquitoes in the uMkhanyakude district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) identify plant species and their parts being used; (2) determine the condition of plant material used and the method of application.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was collected from 60 respondents in five villages in the district using standardised and pre-tested questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen plant species are used in the study area to repel mosquitoes. These species belong to 11 genera from 9 families. Meliaceae and Anacardiaceae were the most represented families with two species each. The most frequently recorded species were Lippia javanica (91.67%), followed by Aloe ferox (11.67%), Sclerocarya birrea (5%), Melia azedarach (3%), Balanite maughamii (3%) and Mangifera indica (3%). Leaves were the most (38%) common plant part used. The majority (82%) of the plant parts were used in a dry state. Burning of plant materials to make smoke was the most (92%) common method of application. Nine plant species, namely: A. ferox, Calausena anista, Croton menyharthii, S. birrea, B. maughamii, Olax dissitiflora, Trichilia emetic, M. indica, and Atalaya alata are documented for the first time as mosquito repellents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This documentation provides the basis for further studies in developing new, effective, safe and affordable plant-derived mosquito repellents especially for Africa where malaria is highly prevalent. The study also plays a part in documenting and conserving traditional knowledge of mosquito repellent plants for future use.
authors: Malaria Research Unit, Medical Research Council, 491 Ridge Road, Overport, Durban 4001, South Africa.
authors: E J
authors: EJ
authors: Mavundza
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Maharaj
authors: J F
authors: JF
authors: Finnie
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Kabera
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Van Staden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003625:Data Collection; D019448:Ethnobotany; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007302:Insect Repellents; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods*; D028321:Plant Preparations; D013019:South Africa; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D007302:Insect Repellents; D028321:Plant Preparations