Formulation And Preliminary Evaluation of “Ayuraksha,” A Plant-Based Mosquito-Repellent Dhoop Containing Neem and Essential Oils

Abstract

Mosquito-repellent dhoop is a traditional spatial-delivery format that can continuously release plant volatiles, but efficacy and safety depend on formulation, combustion and exposure conditions. This study organizes the development and preliminary evaluation of “Ayuraksha,” a dhoop containing cow dung powder, neem powder, sawdust, camphor, acacia gum, ghee, beeswax, citronella oil, lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil and clove oil. A reproducible 100 g development formula and quality-control protocol were constructed from an author-supplied project poster and current evidence on plant repellents. Powders are sieved and blended, warmed lipid binders are incorporated, volatile oils are added below 45 °C, and units are shaped and dried at or below 40 °C. Planned evaluation covers weight uniformity, moisture, burning time, ash, smoke visibility, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, chamber repellency and acceptability. The source poster reported a burning time of 20–25 minutes, ash of approximately 0.4 g per tested unit, low-to-moderate visible smoke, moderate hardness, good shape retention, good user acceptability and moderate-to-high repellent activity. Because batch sizes, replicates, mosquito species, raw counts and emission data were unavailable, findings were analysed descriptively and no significance test was applied. Published field evidence supports biological plausibility but not equivalence: 5% citronella incense reduced Aedes bites by 24.2% in one field study, while efficacy varies with concentration, species, ventilation and formulation. The prototype is therefore a candidate spatial repellent, not a validated safe alternative to registered products. Confirmatory work should use authenticated materials, replicated negative and positive controls, a standardized cage or room assay, stability testing and combustion-emission limits before efficacy or safety claims are made.