A novel approach for development and characterization of effective mosquito repellent cream formulation containing citronella oil.
Citronella essential oil (CEO) has been reported as an excellent mosquito repellent; however, mild irritancy and rapid volatility limit its topical application. It was aimed to develop a nonirritant, stable, and consistent cream of CEO with improved residence time on skin using an industrial approach. Phase inversion temperature technique was employed to prepare the cream. It was optimized and characterized based on sensorial evaluation, emulsification, and consistency in terms of softness, greasiness, stickiness, and pH. The optimum batch (B5) was evaluated for viscosity (90249.67±139.95 cP), texture profile with respect to firmness (38.67±0.88 g), spreadability (70.33±0.88 mJ), and extrudability (639.67±8.09±0.1 mJ) using texture analyzer along with two most popular marketed products selected as reference standard. Subsequently, B5 was found to be stable for more than 90 days and showed enhanced duration of mosquito repellency as compared to CEO. HS-GC ensured the intactness of CEO in B5. Investigated primary irritation index (PII 0.45) positioned B5 into the category of irritation barely perceptible. The pronounced texture profile and stability of B5 with extended residence time and less PII revealed its potential application in industry and offered a promising alternative to the marketed products of synthetic origin.
Herbal Medicinal Products Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Narayan Prasad
NP
Yadav
Herbal Medicinal Products Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Vineet Kumar
VK
Rai
Herbal Medicinal Products Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Nidhi
N
Mishra
Herbal Medicinal Products Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Priyam
P
Sinha
Molecular Bioprospection Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Dnyaneshwar Umrao
DU
Bawankule
Molecular Bioprospection Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Anirban
A
Pal
Plant Pathology Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Arun Kumar
AK
Tripathi
Laboratory of Aromatic Plants and Chiral Separation, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226 015, India.
Chandan Singh
CS
Chanotiya
D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D009033:Culicidae / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007302:Insect Repellents; D010938:Plant Oils; C076730:citronella oil