Does Watermelon juice have viagra effect ?

Secret behind Watermelon Juice.

Watermelon or Citrullus lanatus / Citrullus vulgaris, family Cucurbitaceae, originally from southern Africa, this flowering plant produces a special type of fruit, which has a thick rind (exocarp) and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp), watermelon fruit, has a smooth exterior rind, green and yellow color, and a juicy and sweet, red, orange, yellow, or pink interior flesh colors, due to a carotenoid pigment Lycopene content, watermelon contains about six percent sugar by weight, almost 92 % of watermelon is water, but the remaining 8 percent is loaded with lycopene, an anti-oxidant that protects the human heart, prostate and skin health, it is a source of vitamin C, beside that, watermelons contain a significant amount of amino acid citrulline, it also contains Vitamins A, B₁, B₆ etc.

The George Mateljan Foundation

The Great Phytonutrient of Watermelon

Lycopenes

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment**), found in tomatoes and other red fruits, like Watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit and pink guava. Its name is derived from the tomato’s species classification, Solanum lycopersicum. Lycopene is a proven antioxidant, the strongest anti-oxidant existing in nature, helps prevent cancer of the lung, bladder, cervix, skin, prostate and gastrointestinal tract, also prevents heart disease and macular degenerative disease. Anti-oxidants neutralize free radicals which oxidize the cells in our bodies, cause disease and cell aging, when we take antioxidant lycopen, we neutralize the radicals and help our bodies in its fight against damaging substances and thus contributes to postponing the aging process, similar to other carotenoids, lycopene is a natural fat-soluble pigment, which is synthesized by some plants and micro-organisms but not by animals, where it serves as an accessory light-gathering pigment and to protect these organisms against the toxic effects of oxygen and light.

Lycopene is the most common carotenoid**) in the human body and is one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants. Lycopene is easily absorbed and is naturally present in human plasma and tissues in higher concentrations than the other carotenoids. Its level is affected by several biological and lifestyle factors, because of its lipophilic nature, lycopene concentrates in low-density and very-low-density lipoprotein fractions of the serum. Lycopene is also found to concentrate in the adrenal, liver, testes, and prostate, unlike other carotenoids, lycopene levels in serum or tissues do not correlate well with overall intake of fruits and vegetables.

**)Carotenoids are the principal pigments responsible for the colors of vegetables and fruits: these include ß-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene which is responsible for the red color of red tomatoes, red color of watermelon, Its colour is due to its many conjugated carbon double bonds: each double bond reduces the energy required for electrons to transition to higher energy states, allowing the molecule to absorb visible lengths of progressively longer wavelengths. Lycopene absorbs most of the visible spectrum, so it appears red.

Lycopene is the most common carotenoid in the human body and is one of the most potent carotenoid antioxidants. Lycopene is easily absorbed by the organism and is naturally present in human plasma and tissues in higher concentrations than the other carotenoids. Its level is affected by several biological and lifestyle factors. Because of its lipophilic nature, lycopene concentrates in low-density and very-low-density lipoprotein fractions of the serum. Lycopene is also found to concentrate in the adrenal, liver, testes, and prostate. However, unlike other carotenoids, lycopene levels in serum or tissues do not correlate well with overall intake of fruits and vegetables.

Watermelon may have Viagra effect.

Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, says watermelon may have Viagra-like effects, it is just because watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.

The beneficial ingredients in vegetables and fruits like watermelons are known as phyto-nutrients, naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions, in watermelons, these include carotenoid pigment lycopene, beta carotene and amino acid citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among them is the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.

When watermelon is consumed, L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine through arginine-synthase (AS) enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system, the citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes,

Arginine boosts nitric oxide (NO), which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it. while there are many psychological and physiological problems that can cause impotence, extra nitric oxide (NO) could help those who need increased blood flow.

Watermelon may not be as specific substance as Viagra (Sildenafil), but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.

Nitric oxide (NO):

Nitric oxide or NO is a free radical gas that was originally discovered in the endothelial cells and is produced by the highly conserved NO-synthase from L-arginine. NO binds to its guanylyl-cyclase receptors and stimulates the subsequent increase in intracellular cyclic guanylyl monophosphate that in turn stimulates the protein kinase, which depends on cyclic guanyl monophosphate. This protein kinase inhibits intracellular calcium release by inhibiting phospholipase C and inositol triphosphate, and perhaps other intracellular calcium-release channels. Hence, NO assures blood flow through the vessel (Vasodilatation), protecting the tissue by antagonism of vascular smooth-muscle contraction.

L-Citrulline

H₂NC(O)NH(CH₂)₃CH(NH₂)CO₂H

Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.) is a natural and rich source of the citrulline. Citrulline, the precursor to arginine, is found in higher concentrations in the rind of watermelons than the flesh, unfortunately the rind is not commonly eaten, the organic chemical compound Citrulline is an α-amino acid, a non essential amino acid, its name is derived from citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, it is a key intermediate in the urea cycle, the pathway by which mammals excrete ammonia. Citrulline is used in the nitric oxide (NO) system in humans and has potential antioxidant and vasodilatation roles, our bodies use citrulline to make Arginine, an other amino acid, which helps cells divide, wounds heal, and ammonia to be removed from the body.

Citrulline content in flesh and rind of Watermelon:

1. Citrulline content in watermelon fruit about 3.9 mg – 28.5 mg based on dry weight (dwt):
2. Seeded Watermelon: 16.6 mg / g dwt.
3. Non seeded Watermelon: 20.3 mg / g dwt.
4. Red Watermelon: 7.4 mg / g det.
5. Yellow Watermelon: 28.5 mg / g dwt.
6. Orange Watermelon: 14.2 mg / g dwt.
7. Watermelon Rind: 24.7 mg / g dwt. Compares with Watermelon flesh: 16.7 mg / g dwt.
8. Fresh Watermelon Rind: 1.3 mg / g fwt, compares with fresh Watermelon flesh: 1.9 mg / g fwt. (fwt = fresh weight)
9. 
   

How does Citrulline works ?

L-citrulline is converted to L-arginine through arginine-synthase (AS) enzymes, Arginine boosts nitric oxide (NO), continues with Nitric oxide’s work, which finally relaxes blood vessels (see the following chart).

How does Viagra works ?

Viagra / Sildenafil

Viagra works becuase part of the physiological process of erection involves the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide (NO) then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in increased inflow of blood and an erection.

Viagra / Sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum (form 5-Guanyl-Mono-Phosphate). This means that, with Viagra, normal sexual stimulation leads to increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum which leads to better erections. Without sexual stimulation and no activation of the NO / cGMP system, Viagra should not cause an erection.

Citrulline compares with Viagra :

Citrulline and Viagra both has effect on blood vessel, causes Vasodilatation, but through different way.

1. Citrulline maintain the existence of cGMP by coverting to Arginine, Arginine produces Nitric oxide (NO), Nitric oxide activate the Guanylate-cyclase-enzyme, which stimulate the changes of Guanyl-Triphosphate into cGMP (Cyclic-Guanosie-Mono-Phosphate), cGMP causes Vasodilatation.
2. Viagra maintain the existence of cGMP (Vasodilatation) by inhibiting the Phospho-Diesterase-Type-5 Enzyme which convert the cGMP into 5-Guanyl-Mono-Phosphate (non-vasodilatator)

From this view of point

it is not easy to find the equivalent

between

consuming Watermelon and Viagra.

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Star Fruit is harmful for kidney patients, but it is safe for healthy persons.

Safety use of Star Fruit Juices.

Averrhoa carambola or Star fruit is a seasonal fruit, originally from Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and the Moluccas Islands, Indonesian people recognize Star fruit as Belimbing, it has been cultivated in southeast Asia and Malaysia for many centuries. Averrhoa carambola belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, It is also found in southern China, Taiwan, India, Philippines, Australia, Central America, Africa and Brazil, in the tropical and subtropical areas. It is served either as freshly sliced fruits, as a naturally fresh beverages or as an industrialized juices, and sometime used in restaurants for decorative purposes throughout the world.

Star fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C, naturally sodium and cholesterol free, it is low in fat, it contains high oxalic acid (see below), an average of 0.50 gram per 100 ml of juice. Star fruits contain a neurotoxin, which is not present in other fruits, affecting the brain and nerves, the various star fruit subspecies contain different neurotoxin that is suspected to accumulate in blood, cross the blood-brain barrier. In healthy persons, the kidneys filter it out, excreted it from the blood quickly and thus they do not suffer from its effect when a reasonable portion of the fruit is consumed, but in kidney patients, patients with renal failure condition, it cannot be removed and worsens their condition, So it is highly advisable:

• for kidney patients (renal failure patients) to avoid eating star fruit, while,
• for people with normal kidneys have no problem with the star fruit intoxication, but do beware of over consumption.

Cases on Star Fruit intoxications:

There have been reports of hiccup, confusion, and occasional fatal outcomes in uraemic patients after ingestion of star fruit. a Neurotoxin from star fruit has been implicated, although the exact nature of this toxic substance has not been identified. A group of seven patients is described from the dialysis centers at Queen Mary and Tung Wah Hospitals who developed symptoms including hiccup, confusion, vomiting, impaired consciousness, muscle twitching and hyperkalaemia shortly after ingestion of star fruit. Symptoms of most patients resolved after intensified dialysis or spontaneously, and no mortality was observed. The close temporal relationship of ingestion of star fruit and onset of symptoms strongly suggests the existence of a causal relationship between the two. It is recommended that uraemic patients (kidney patients / renal failure patients) should totally abstain from star fruit due to these rare but potentially fatal complications.

It is said that these symptoms are caused by the oxalic acid and a kind of neurotoxin contained in the star fruit. However, the claim of oxalic acid being problematic, in this case is controversial as the other foods that contain higher level of oxalic acid such as spinach (note: USDA: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L) contains 5.3 % to 11.6 % oxalic acid on a dry weight basis, but there are significant differences in oxalate concentration among varieties.) do not seem to cause the symptoms, oxalate is found in a lot of food and generally healthy people would have no problem with it. The Brazilian researchers Carolino et al. (2003) have proven that the AcTx, a neurotoxic compound found in star fruit, is the causal to the convulsion after ingestion, for people with normal kidneys, this compound can be excreted from the blood quickly and thus they do not suffer from its effect when a reasonable portion of the fruit is consumed. Chemical characterization of AcTx showed that this compound is a nonproteic molecule with a molecular weight less than 500, differing from oxalic acid. This neurotoxic fraction of star fruit may be considered a new tool for neurochemical and neuroethological research.

A service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health (pubmed), in a published article: “Neurotoxic effects of Carambola in rats: the role of oxalate”, stating that Star fruit contains neurotoxins and oxalate. Oxalate can lead to kidney stones, but it would take a large amounts and many years to lead to such condition.Pubmed gives a conclusion: Oxalate is a main constituent of carambola neurotoxicity, this finding suggests that patients with carambola intoxication should be treated for oxalate toxicosis.

What is Neurotoxin ?

A neurotoxin is a substance which inhibits the functions of neurons. Neurons are found throughout the brain and nervous systems, and the function of these unique cells is critical for a variety of tasks, ranging from autonomic nervous system jobs like swallowing to higher-level brain functions. Neurotoxins can work in a variety of ways, with the danger of exposure varying, depending on the neurotoxin involved and the dosage.

In some cases, neurotoxins simply severely damage neurons so that the neurons cannot function well. Other neurotoxins attack the signaling capability of neurons, by blocking releases of various chemicals or interfering with the methods of reception for such transmissions, and sometimes telling neurons to send false signals, furthermore, a neurotoxin may also destroy neurons altogether. The body actually generates some neurotoxins, many of the neurotransmitters produced to send messages across the nervous systems can be dangerous in high amounts, sometimes the body produces neurotoxins as it responds to a threat to the immune system.

Neurotoxins are also present in large numbers in the natural environment; some venomous animals produce neurotoxins, while heavy metals such as lead are also neurotoxins, there are also many plants that produce Neurotoxins.

Samples of Plants containing Neurotoxin:

1. Conium maculatum (Poison hemlock): coniine a neurotoxic alkaloid.
2. Karwinskia humboldtiana (Buckthorn, coyotillo, tullidora): Paralysis (demyelination of peripheral nerves).
3. Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae family): atropine, scopolamine.
4. Strychnos family (curare): respiratory failure.

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Personal hygiene, Dandruff and related problem, How to treat it.

What should we know about Dandruff and its treatment.

What is Dandruff ?

Dandruff is an excessive flaking of the skin on the hairy area of the scalp, with some skin flakes caught amongst the hair, shedding of surface skin cells is normal, as they are gradually replaced with cells formed at the base of the epidermis which then move towards the surface, this process takes about a month, an increase in the number of cells being shed , which tend to clump together is called dandruff, if the scalp is excessively dry, what appears to be dandruff may just be dry flaking skin.

The causes of dandruff and dry scalp:

Dandruff (or flaky dry scalp) is an itchy, discomfort and persistent skin disorder of the scalp, today most skin specialists agree that dandruff is associated with a tiny fungus called Pityrosporum ovale. Dandruff is thought to be caused by overgrowth of Pityrosporum ovale which live on normal skin, this fungus lives on our bodies and scalp all the time, usually without causing a problem, but unfortunately for some people, the fungus increase in numbers, leading to dandruff, various environmental factors make the condition more serious, such as perspiration, climate, inadequate diet as well as stress, hormonal activity, or even a person's genetic, dandruff is often known as "dry scalp", but people with oily scalps tend to suffer most, an oily scalp supports the growth of Pityrosporum ovale. this overgrowth causes local irritation resulting in hyper-proliferation of the cells (keratinocytes) forming the outer layer of the skin, these form scales which accumulate and are shed as dandruff flakes.
Dandruff is most easily recognized as whitish scales on the scalp and red around the hair follicles, if the scales are yellow and greasier than normal dandruff scales, and your skin is red and itchy, you may have a severe form of dandruff known as seborrheic dermatitis. This may spread to other areas, for example the eyebrows, beard, or the folds around the nose.

Latest research has been focusing on the role of sebum as a cause of dandruff, sebum is the oily substance secreted by the glands around the hair follicles, it should be noted that neither dandruff nor seborrheic dermatitis occur commonly before puberty, an age when sebum production starts to be stimulated, dandruff is more common in areas where sebum production occurs, overproduction of sebum is therefore an important factor, this is why people with oily hair are more likely to suffer from a dry flaky scalp!

Treatment of dandruff:

To treat dandruff, particularly if it is severe, use medicinal which relieves severe itching, flaking, tender and inflamed scalps while leaving the hair soft, shining and manageable, pH of 5.5 will protect the cuticle of the hair, preventing further damage to the skin, once the condition has been brought under control, use antidandruff shampoo or medicated shampoo to help discourage growth of bacteria and fungi.

How does antidandruff shampoo work ?

Antidandruff shampoos work by three mechanisms, ingredients such as coal tar are antikeratostatic and they inhibit keratinocyte cell division, detergents in the shampoo are keratolytic to remove warts and other lesions in which the epidermis produces excess skin, they break up accumulation of scale, antifungal agents such as ketoconazole inhibit growth of the fungus itself, other components such as selenium sulphide also inhibit fungus growth .

Coal Tar

Coal tar is a dark brown or black liquid of high viscosity, which smells of naphthalene (camphoraceous) and aromatic hydrocarbons. Coal tar is among the by-products when coal is carbonized to make coke and coal gas. Coal tars are complex and variable mixtures of phenols, polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds, The NPF states that coal tar contains approximately 10,000 different chemicals, Coal Tar can be used in medicated shampoo, soap and ointment, as a treatment for dandruff, psoriasis, and to repel head lice.

How Coal Tar works ?

It is not clear how coal tar works, it may reduce the turnover of the skin cells, reduces inflammation and have 'anti-scaling' properties.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation and the FDA, coal tar is a valuable, safe and inexpensive treatment option for millions of people with psoriasis (psoriasis is a common skin condition which commonly develops as patches of red, scaly skin) and other scalp conditions, concentrations between 0.5% and 5% are safe and effective for psoriasis, and no scientific evidence suggests that the coal tar in the concentrations seen in non-prescription treatments is carcinogenic, contact of coal tar products with normal skin is not normally harmful, therefore, coal tar creams can be used liberally and can be used for both large plaques of psoriasis, and for widespread small patches, for some people coal tar can cause skin irritation, a contact allergy, or an acne-like rash, but this occurrence are temporary and clear if the cream is stopped. modern creams typically contain between 0.4% and 2% crude coal tar. Crude coal tar is the most effective form, mainly used in hospital skin departments, typically in a concentration of 1 to 10% in a soft paraffin base, however, it is messy and smelly to use, only few people can tolerate it. Some coal tar preparations are used to add to bath water which can also be helpful for widespread psoriasis.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole belongs to imidazole group, it is synthetic antifungal drugs inhibit the enzyme cytochrome P450 14α-demethylase, that converts lanosterol to ergosterol (ergosterol inhibitors / lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase inhibitors), which is required in fungal cell membrane synthesis. Ketoconazole is used topically, it is very lipophilic which leads to accumulation in fatty tissues, ketoconazole is best absorbed at highly acidic levels, so when taken orally, antacids or other causes of decreased stomach acid levels will lower the drug's absorption.

Fluoconazole

The less toxic and more effective triazole compounds fluconazole and itraconazole have largely replaced ketoconazole for internal use.

Fluconazole (INN) is a triazole antifungal drug (fungistatic) used in the treatment and prevention of superficial and systemic fungal infections. In a bulk powder form, it appears as a white crystalline powder, it is soluble in alcohol , but very slightly soluble in water.

fluconazole inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14α-demethylase (ergosterol Inhibitors / lanosterol14 alpha-demethylase inhibitors), same as ketoconazole, this inhibition prevents the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane, and subsequent accumulation of 14α-methyl sterols.

Itaconazole

Itraconazole invented in 1984, is a triazole antifungal agent, the drug may be given orally or intravenously. the mechanism of action of Itraconazole is the same as the other triazole antifungals, like ketoconazole and fluconazole, it inhibits the fungal cytochrome-P450-oxidase, mediated synthesis of ergosterol.

Zinc Pyrithione

Zinc pyrithione is a coordination complex of Zinc, while pyrithione is the conjugate base derived from 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide (derivative of pyridine-N-oxide), the pyrithione ligands, which are formally monoanions, are chelated to Zn²⁺ via oxygen and sulfur centers.

Zinc pyrithione is colorless solid as an antifungal and antibacterial agent, was first reported in the 1930s, in the crystalline state, zinc pyrithione exists as a centrosymmetric dimmer, each zinc is bonded to two sulfur and two oxygen centers. In solution, the dimers dissociate via scission of one Zn-O bond.

Its antifungal effect is proposed to derive from its ability to disrupt membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism, fungi are capable of inactivating pyrithione in low concentrations.

Zinc pyrithione is best known for its use in treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also has antibacterial properties and is effective against many pathogens from the streptococcus and staphylococcus class. Its other medical applications include treatments of psoriasis, eczema, ringworm, fungus, athletes-foot, dry skin, atypical dermatitis, tinea, vitiligo.

Zinc pyrithione is approved for over-the-counter topical use in the United States as a treatment for dandruff, It is the active ingredient in several anti-dandruff shampoos, in its industrial forms and strengths, it may be harmful by contact or ingestion.

Selenium Sulfide

( SeS )

Selenium sulfide is an orange-yellow powder that is practically insoluble in water and organic solvents. When heated to decomposition, it emits toxic fumes of sulfur oxides (SOx) and selenium (Se).

When applied topically, Selenium sulfide in an antidandruff shampoo containing 2.5% selenium sulfide, exhibited no carcinogenic effect in mice; however, these studies were not conclusive because the length of study was limited to 88 weeks by the relatively short lifespan of the strain of mouse (NCI 197, 1980; NCI 199, 1980). There were no data available to evaluate the carcinogenicity of selenium sulfide in humans !!!

Selenium sulfide is used especially in shampoos to treat seborrhea, FDA reports that Selenium sulfide is an active ingredient in some drug products to treat dandruff and certain types of dermatitis, an antidandruff shampoo containing 1% selenium sulfide is available without prescription and is recommended for use once or twice a week, by prescription, a shampoo or lotion containing 2.5% selenium sulfide is available, with the recommended application limited to 10 minutes for 7 days to avoid the possibility of acute toxic effects, and a 2.5% aqueous suspension of Selenium sulfide has also been approved by the FDA for marketing by prescription for treatment of Tinea versicolor fungal infection.

The primary routes of potential human exposure to selenium sulfide are dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation, residues of selenium sulfide remain

on the scalp after rinsing, although there is no substantial absorption through intact skin, absorption has been reported in patients with open lesions on the scalp or in

patients using a 1% cream on the back (NCI 199, 1980), a patient with scalp lesions that used selenium shampoos had a level of selenium sulfide as high as 32

µg/ml in her urine (NCI 194, 1980).

Green for Life

Green Mosquito Repellents, Repel the Mosquitoes naturally.

A Community Health

How to Control Mosquito

Part 7: Green Mosquito Repellents, Repel Mosquito naturally !

Environment friendly – Eco friendly :
The environmental friendly (eco-friendly) and biodegradable natural insecticides derive from herbs and plants origin are alternative green mosquito repellent. Repellents of plant origin have been used for medicinal purposes for a long time because they do not cause hazards of toxicity to human beings and are easily biodegradable, when compared with other synthetic chemical compounds, natural products are far safer for human beings use.
The chemical contents extracted from herb and plant materials can be used as larvacides, insecticides, and repellents, herb and plant products have been used in many parts of the world for killing or repelling mosquitoes either as extracts, oils or as the whole herbs or plants, many natural products have been tested for repellent activity against mosquitoes, for examples: Ocimum species, Eucalyptus species and Lemon grass.

In addition to using mosquito repelling plants, we want to consider some other factors that can help keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes find their host by following carbon dioxide, lactic acid and other components that human beings breath out, mosquitoes key in on carbon dioxide signatures of warm-blooded creatures, humans have a CO2 signature of their own which mosquitoes love them best, blood is close to the surface of the skin. Citronella oil (contains Citronellal) sprayed and misted into the air confuses the mosquitoes because it interferes with their ability to detect CO2. Many outdoors-people have noticed that mosquitoes have a greater attraction to people that have been eating processed foods, sugary foods, on the other hand, mosquitoes less attracted to people eating more of a natural diet such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, the processed food diet may make our body odor and blood chemistry more attractive to mosquitoes, beside that, diets high in garlic and onions have been noted to help reduce the attraction of mosquitoes.
We must realize that natural does not always mean safe, because many people are sensitive to plant oils, some of the natural insect repellents are toxic, therefore, although natural repellents provide an alternative to synthetic chemicals repellents, please be careful to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using natural insect repellent products.

Please be noted that different species of mosquitoes are
repelled by and attracted to different things.

Mosquito Repellent Herbs and Plants:

There are a variety of both wild and cultivated herbs and plants that repel mosquitoes, plant-based mosquito repellents are especially useful for people who spend a great deal of time in the wilderness. There are many attractive garden herbs and plants that repel mosquitoes, planting these herbs and plants that repel mosquitoes is a great choice for our house, these attractive herbs and plants do not just enhance the landscape, but we can have a pretty ornaments that also drive mosquitoes away, moreover, it is not only earth-friendly way of repelling those insects, it will add beauty to your gardens, and will not harm our health.

It is important to note that there are many chemical compounds found in the herbs and plants that do repel the mosquitoes, those chemical compounds need to be released from the herbs and plants to increase the mosquito-repelling qualities, depending on the species of herbs and plants themselves, they can be released by either crushing, drying, extracting or steam distillation of the herbs and plants into extracts or oils or alcohol bases that can be applied to skin, clothing, or living rooms, there are also herbs and plants that are best used as smokes, which releases the volatile organic compounds in a smokes.

There two different opinions on Mosquito repellent herbs and plants:
1. First opinion: people who are sure that Just standing near living plants that repel mosquitoes is often not effective, the herbs and plants must be crushed to release the aroma, otherwise mosquitoes can't smell them.
2. Second opinion: people who are sure that those herbs and plants can repel mosquitoes effectively, due to the characteristic aromas they have which mosquitoes don’t like.
Nevertheless, we appreciate, those are free opinions, based on their experiences. It is better to try than do nothing (No Action, Talk Only).

Mosquito Repellent Herbs:

Zodia / Evodia suaveolens :

Zodia or Evodia suaveolens (Rutaceae) is a genuine Indonesia herb, originally from Papua Island. Zodia can repels mosquito, either indoor or outdoor, this is due to its characteristic aroma containing evodiamine and rutaecarpine which mosquitoes don’t like them. It should be noted that Zodia does not kill the mosquitoes, but only gets rid of or repel them from surroundings, Zodia is used besides as mosquito repellent herb, it is also used as decorative plant in house garden. The Papua people usually rub Zodia’s leaves on their skin when they are going to the forest to prevent mosquitoes’ bites, they also believe that Zodia can repel mosquitoes from its surroundings, when there is wind blowing across the herbs, their leaves scratched each other, producing aromatic organic compounds which caused the mosquitoes go away, its scents (stink / unpleasant odor) are totally unacceptable to mosquitoes, so many people now cultivate and place the Zodia herbs at home indoors as well as in front of the doors and the windows (outdoors)

Evodiamine

Gas Chromatographic result of the Oil produced from the leaves of Zodia contains 46% Linalol and 13,26% alpha-Pinene, which area well known as mosquito repellent. Examinations to Aedes aegypti mosquito (mosquito causing dengue desease) indicate that the arms which have been rubbed with leaves of zodia is protected against the mosquito attack during 6 hours compared to arms which are not rubbed. The ability of zodia to repel the mosquito is equal to 70%, more over, the skin bitted by the mosquitoes will faster relief when rubbing with Zodia leaves.

Lavender / Lavandula officinalis

Lavender or Lavandula angustifolia - Mill. Failia Labiatae,
The essential oil obtained from the flowers is very good scented, has a very wide range of applications, it can be used as an insect repellent, the aromatic leaves and flowers are used as an insect repellent, to deliver an aromatic sweet smell to house rooms and to repel mosquitoes.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) which grows in tropical regions, is the most popular cultivated plant used for repelling mosquitoes, Citronella oil obtained from Citronella grass contains Citronellal that has insect repellent properties, research shows high repellent effectiveness against mosquitoes. Citronella oil is the primary ingredient in most natural insect repellents, products applied to the skin are most effective.

Citronellal

Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil or Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) is an effective insect repellent, it is a good plant to grow in house, where it repels insects, essential oil obtained from the whole plant when applied to the skin it makes a good mosquito repellent.

Rosemary / Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary or Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae) belongs to mint family. Its native habitat is the area around the Mediterranean Sea and Portugal, now cultivated in many countries, its leaves are long and skinny like pine needles. Rosemary flowers which are violet in color, bloom briefly in spring, Rosemary is a great natural mosquito repellant herb, its essential oil contains eucalyptol (cineole) is considered to have potential antibacterial effects, and has mosquito repellent properties.

Additional cultivated plants that repel mosquitoes:

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

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Do Insecticides & Pesticides no harm to human beings?

How to choose more user friendly Insecticides?

Which Mosquito Repellents are safe for use?

Natural Sources Mosquito Repellents.

Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet

Natural Sources Mosquito Repellents.

A Community Health

How to Control Mosquito

Part 6: Natural source of Mosquito Repellents.

Thousands of plants have been tested as potential sources of insect repellents. None of the plant-derived chemicals tested to date demonstrate the broad effectiveness and duration of DEET, but a few show repellent activity. Plants whose essential oils have been reported to have repellent activity include citronella, cedar, verbena, pennyroyal, geranium, lavender, pine, cajuput, cinnamon, rosemary, basil, thyme, allspice, garlic, and peppermint. Unlike synthetic insect repellents, plant-derived repellents have been relatively poorly studied. When tested, most of these essential oils tended to give short-lasting protection, usually less than 2 hours. Readily available plant-derived insect repellents are listed in.
On the Contrary: if someone consumes bananas, the mosquitoes like to bite. Stop eating bananas for the summer and the mosquitoes will be much less interested.

Mosquito Repellents from natural sources :
There are many naturally occurring pesticides / insecticides which can be used as a mosquito repellent, and some of these are:
Achillea alpina, alpha-terpinene, carvacol, Castor Oil, Catnip Oil, Cedar Oil, Celery Extract, Citronella Oil, Clove Oil, Eucalyptus Oil (Cineole), Cajuput Oil (Cineole), Fenel Oil, Garlic, Leongrass Oil, Geranium Oil, Lemon eucalyptus (p-methane-3,8-diol), Nee Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, Tea Tree Oil, Thyme.

Plant derived Repellents :

Lemon Eucalyptus Oil:
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil contains p-menthane, 3,8-diol / PMD, was the best non-DEET mosquito repellent, although the people criticized its odor. Lemon eucalyptus plant extract is registered in Canada for use as an insect repellent. It may protect from mosquitoes’ bites for up to two hours, but is not recommended for use on children under the age of three. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil / PMD-based repellents show low toxicity, but care must be taken to keep them out of the eyes because PMD can cause significant eye irritation.
Comparison : Lemon Eucalyptus Repellent provided 120.1 minutes of mosquito protection, more than a repellent with a low concentration of the chemical DEET, 4.75% DEET provided 88.4 minutes of protection and 23.8% DEET provided 301.5 minutes of protection.

Citronella :
Citronella is registered with the EPA (The United States Environment Protection Agency) as an insect repellent since 1948, considers as a non toxic biopesticide, has been verified by research, including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito).
Citronella oil has a lemony scent and was originally extracted from the grass plant Cymbopogon nardus, originally extracted from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon, the oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellal and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, perfumery, cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that citronella oil has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60 year period. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use, because citronella may irritate skin and cause dermatitis in certain individuals. If used according to label instructions in the US, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations. The US Food & Drug Administration consider citronella oil as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Studies show that citronella can be an effective repellent, but it provides shorter complete protection time than most DEET-based products, to be continually effective, frequent reapplication of the repellent to the skin every 30-60 minutes should be done. Citronella oil also shows has strong antifungal properties, and research indicates that citronella oil is an effective repellent for body louse and head louse, Citronella may irritate skin and cause dermatitis in certain individuals. It should not be used on the skin of young children (under 3 years old).

Citronella oil is classified in trade into two chemotypes:
1. Ceylon type: obtained from Cymbopogon nardus Rendle, consists of citronellal (5-15%), geraniol (18-20%), limonene (9-11%), methyl isoeugenol (7-11%), citronellol (6-8%). In Europe, Ceylon type citronella oil is placed on the category 3 list, with some safety concern regarding methyl isoeugenol.
2. Java type: obtained from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt, consists of citronellal (32-45%), geraniol (11-13%), limonene (1-4%), geranyl acetate (3-8%). The higher proportions of geraniol and citronellal in the Java type make it a better source for perfumery derivatives.

Note : Citronella oil from Cymbopogon species should not be confused with other similar lemony oils from Corymbia citriodora and Pelargonium citrosum.
1. Citronella soap is a product that started in the Bahamas and Belize. The soaps are made with olive oil for moisture and great lather, Aloe Vera to soothe the skin, and citronella oil to repel mosquitoes. For high intensity protection you can burn citronella incense. Mosquitoes avoid citronella and they hate the smoke.
2. Citronella essential oil (Java Citronella) is considered to be the highest quality citronella on the market. The best quality is steam distilled from the grass giving it a fresh, sweet woody aroma. It blends well with geranium, cedar wood and other citrus oils. It is 100 percent pure essential oil, no additives, no dilutants, no adulteration, just safe mosquito repellent.

Citronella Candles :
A well-known natural mosquito repellent, effective in protecting from mosquitoes’ bites at concentration of 3% citronella oil in candles, human beeings who are positioned near a citronella candles had 42.3% less bites, citronella candles shouldn't be used as a stand-alone repellent, they may help in combination with topical repellents.

Neem oil :
Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of tropical Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), an evergreen tree which is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and has been introduced to many other areas in the tropics.
Neem oil is generally light to dark brown, bitter and has a rather strong odor that is said to combine the odors of peanut and garlic. It comprises mainly triglycerides and large amounts of triterpenoid compounds, which are responsible for the bitter taste.
Neem oil also contains steroids: campesterol, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and a triterpenoids of which Azadirachtin is the most well known, it has insecticidal properties, the Azadirachtin content of neem oil varies from 300 ppm to over 2500 ppm depending on the extraction technology and quality of the neem seeds crushed.

Geranium oil :
Mix: 20 drops Eucalyptus oil
20 drops Cedarwood oil
10 drops Tea Tree oil
10 drops Geranium oil
2 oz. Jojoba oil as carrier oil.
Apply to skin as needed avoiding the eye area.
Another product: Bite Blocker, available as a spray or lotion, contains the oils of Geranium oil, Soybean oil and Coconut oil, 30 minutes of complete protection from mosquito bites.

Fenel Oil :
An aerosol spray mosquito repellent containing 5% fennel oil was 84% effective after 90 minutes,
A repellent cream with 8% fennel oil was 70% effective after 90 minutes.

Thyme Oil :
Thyme oil contains carvacrol and alpha-terpinene, found to have significantly greater repellency than a commercial DEET repellent, but don't try to make a thyme oil repellent at home, because it is too irritating and strong-smelling to be used at effective concentrations of above 25%.

Clove oil :
Undiluted topical Clove oil is active against mosquitoes, but same like thyme oil, clove oil should not be applied undiluted to skin as a homemade repellent.

Soybean oil :
Soybean oil two per cent can keep human beings from mosquito bites from one to four hours, It has low toxicity, non-irritating. Consequently, it may also be considered as an alternative to DEET.

Garlic :
Another popular theory is that ingesting garlic can provide protection against mosquitoes.


Celery extract :
Celery extract actives against a wide range of mosquito species comparable to a 25% DEET formula, and Celery extract did not irritate the skin or cause a burning sensation

Catnip:
Catnip or Nepeta cataria is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family and grows wild in most parts of the United States, although it also is cultivated for commercial use. Catnip is native to Europe and was introduced to this country in the late 18th century. It is primarily known for the stimulating effect it has on cats, although some people use the leaves in tea, as a meat tenderizer and even as a folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps and migraines.

Catnip contains Nepetalactone, a bicyclic terpenoid, isolated by steam distillation, Nepetalactone is the essential oil component in catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, repels mosquitoes 10 times more effectively than DEET (Diethyl-m-toluamide), Nepetalactone is the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Catnip works against all types of mosquitoes, Nepetalactone is safe for people.
Why catnip repels mosquitoes is still a mystery, it might simply be acting as an irritant or the mosquitoes don’t like the smell.

Vitamin B-1:
Vitamin B1 is often taken to help repel mosquitoes, takes one 100 mg of Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine Hydrochloride) tablet a day. The odor of the tablet comes out through body skin, repels the mosquitoes.

Picaridine / Icaridin / Bayrepel :

Picaridine or hydroxyethyl isobutyl piperidine carboxylate is derives from Pepper, a synthetic chemical compound, picaridine is nearly odorless, does not cause skin irritation, it has been registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which means that the materials have been reviewed and approved for effectiveness and human safety, and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus.

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