Brotowali (tinospora crispa) extract-based anti-mosquito lotion: Effectiveness against malaria vector mosquitoes and a military pharmacy perspective.

Authors

  • Arsyadi Republic of Indonesia Defense University Author
  • Andriningrum Sarnoko Pharmaceutical Institute of the Indonesia Navy Author
  • Zuliar Permana Indonesia Navy Health Center Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/jhep.v2i1.80

Keywords:

Mosquito repellent, Natural lotion, Tinospora crispa, Topical formulation

Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases remain a persistent health concern in tropical regions and pose operational challenges in field and military settings, highlighting the need for safe and effective repellent alternatives. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a natural mosquito repellent lotion formulated with Tinospora crispa stem extract. Ethanolic extracts were incorporated into oil-in-water lotion formulations at concentrations of 15% and 20%. The formulations were assessed for physical characteristics, pH, viscosity, homogeneity, microbiological quality, and mosquito repellency using an arm-in-cage bioassay. Both formulations demonstrated good physical stability, acceptable pH for topical use, and compliance with microbiological quality standards. The 20% extract lotion showed superior repellency, maintaining protection levels above 90% for up to six hours, whereas the 15% formulation provided a shorter duration of protection. These results indicate that Tinospora crispa extract-based lotion has promising potential as a plant-derived mosquito repellent for health and field applications.

References

1. Fletcher TE, Beeching NJ. Malaria. J R Army Med Corps. 2013;159(3):158–66.

2. WHO. World malaria report 2021 [Internet] [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2021. 2013–2015 p. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-report-2021

3. Thellier M, Gemegah AAJ, Tantaoui I. Global Fight against Malaria: Goals and Achievements 1900–2022. J Clin Med. 2024;13(19):1–20.

4. Diaz JH. Chemical and plant-based insect repellents: Efficacy, safety, and toxicity. Wilderness Environ Med. 2016;27(1):153–63.

5. Dos Santos J, Lino Lourenço R, Rosa P, Adams AIH. Evaluation of quality and safety parameters of DEET commercial repellents: photostability, penetration/permeation and eye irritation studies. Drug Anal Res. 2022;6(1):21–6.

6. Ahmad W, Jantan I, Bukhari SNA. Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson: A review of its ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects. Front Pharmacol. 2016;7(MAR):1–19.

7. Warsinah, Baroroh HN, Harwoko. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of brotowali (Tinospora crispa l. mier) stem. Molekul. 2020;15(2):73–8.

8. Sivasubramanian A, Narasimha KKG, Rathnasamy R, Campos AMFO. A new antifeedant clerodane diterpenoid from Tinospora cordifolia. Nat Prod Res. 2013;27(16):1431–6.

9. Sun Z, Xue L, Li Y, Cui G, Sun R, Hu M, et al. Rotenone-induced necrosis in insect cells via the cytoplasmic membrane damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Pestic Biochem Physiol [Internet]. 2021;173(September 2020):104801. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104801

10. Rowe R, Sheskey P, Quinn M, Editors, editors. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. 6th ed. Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2009.

11. Kementerian_Kesehatan_Republik_Indonesia. Farmakope Indonesia. Vol. Edisi VI, Kementerian Kesehatan RI. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia; 2020.

12. Trongtokit Y, Rongsriyam Y, Komalamisra N, Apiwathnasorn C. Comparative repellency of 38 essential oils against mosquito bites. Phyther Res. 2005;19(4):303–9.

13. Yoon JK, Kim KC, Cho Y, Gwon YD, Cho HS, Heo Y, et al. Comparison of Repellency Effect of Mosquito Repellents for DEET, Citronella, and Fennel Oil. J Parasitol Res. 2015;2015.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-30