Researchers collaborating between Wales and Uganda report that a mosquito-repellent lotion made from locally grown catnip works as well as DEET in laboratory and field tests. The project focuses on Nepeta cataria, a common mint-family herb. Scientists say the plant’s insect-repelling chemical, nepetalactone, is the active ingredient responsible for the repellent effect. Trials conducted in rural, malaria-endemic areas in Uganda measure mosquito avoidance and compare the catnip-based product with DEET, a widely used commercial repellent. The researchers report that the catnip lotion achieves similar effectiveness while being more affordable, which they describe as potentially important for communities that need preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria. The initiative is also presented as an economic opportunity: by using locally cultivated catnip and supporting a community enterprise model, it aims to create local jobs and a supply chain for the repellent rather than relying on imported chemical products. Both laboratory and field results are cited as showing strong performance for the homegrown lotion.
Ugandan researchers find catnip lotion as effective as DEET for mosquito repellent
Researchers collaborating between Wales and Uganda report that a mosquito-repellent lotion made from locally grown catnip works as well as DEET in laboratory and field tests. The project focuses on Ne...
- A mosquito-repellent lotion made from Nepeta cataria (catnip) is tested in Uganda.
- Laboratory and field experiments report similar effectiveness to DEET.
- The plant chemical nepetalactone is identified as responsible for insect-repelling properties.
- Researchers describe the catnip product as cheaper and based on locally grown ingredients.
- The project is linked to community enterprise efforts that create economic opportunities in rural Uganda.
Researchers testing a cheap, homegrown oil in Uganda found what cats knew all along – it worked as well as the artificial chemical used globally A homegrown catnip lotion has proven “just as effective as Deet” as a mosquito repellant in trials carried out in Uganda.Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb from the mint family. The chemical in the plant that causes feline euphoria – nepetalactone – also has insect-repelling properties but this has not previously been commercialised. Continue reading...
1 month agoPlant researchers from Wales and Uganda have collaborated on a community enterprise project in rural Uganda, becoming the first to create an affordable and highly effective mosquito repellent distilled from locally grown catnip plants. Laboratory and field experiments reveal that the catnip-based repellent skin lotion is just as effective as DEET and offers a much cheaper alternative for preventive action against mosquito-borne diseases in malaria-endemic regions, while also providing new economic opportunities for local Ugandans.
1 month ago
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