Formulations for the lotion have considered the use of indigenous local materials. Eucalyptus and citronella oils have been utilized as major ingredients in the concoction.
Recent studies indicate the effectiveness of eucalyptus oil in driving mosquitoes away when used as scent for candles. At ITDI, eucalyptus oil has proven to work more effectively, with an extended timeframe when combined with citronella oil. The formulation using both oils indicated encouraging results with human subjects.
Further studies are currently being undertaken in collaboration with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to confirm results obtained during the preliminary stages of development, including clinical confirmatory tests using subjects from RITM.
Dengue fever is the most dreaded disease propagated by mosquito-borne virus. In some instances, it is fatal. Thus, the DOST has collaborated with the DOH in eradicating, or at least preventing, such a disease. — S&T Media Service