Abstract:

background: Lantana camara essential oil is a very effective mosquito repellent, due to its natural chemicals. Scientists have developed plant-based metal nanoparticles, like silver nanoparticles, which have shown promise in killing mosquitoes.

This study aims at determining the repellency activity of both Lantana camara essential oils and silver particles.%0AMethod%3A A laboratory based experimental study conducted at CUHAS Medicinal and Pharmacognosy laboratory and Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority for one month. Essential oil extraction was done via hydro distillation using clevenger apparatus, and the plant extract was obtained by decocting method. Silver nanoparticle was synthesized using a green bio reduction method with an aqueous extract from Lantana camara leaves. A total of 2,000 flying and blood sucking female Anopheles Gambiae s.s mosquitoes were divided into groups to test the oil, silver nanoparticles (another repellent), positive controls, and negative controls.%0AResults%3A Both essential oil and silver nanoparticle had repellency against mosquitoes with an increased repellency at 17 hours compared to 15 minutes. N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide had a significant higher repellence compared to both essential oils and silver nanoparticles at 15 minutes and 17 hours (p %3C 0.05). Silver nanoparticle also showed a significant higher repellence compared to plant extract at both 15 minutes and 17 hours (p %3C 0.05).%0AConclusion%3A Lantana camara essential oil and silver nanoparticle effectively repelled mosquitoes. Silver nanoparticles were more efficient compared to both plant extract and essential oil. N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide had higher repellence compared to both sliver nanoparticles and essential oils.