NCL's natural repellent to hit markets in 3 years

PUNE: Scientists at the city-based National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) have formulated a completely natural mosquito repellent compound from grapefruit that, they claim, is as efficient or better than commonly used chemicals.
The product will reach markets after undergoing extensive safety studies over the next three to four years.
"We have synthesized several compounds based on the natural product and identified a couple of compounds which are comparable or better than DEET ((N-diethyl-metatoluamide) in terms of efficacy," said Avalokiteswar Sen, scientist and entomologist at NCL's organic chemistry division, who formulated the natural compounds.He added, "The objective is to develop safe and effective insect repellents to control household pests."
Most insect repellents use DEET, which is considered the golden parameter.
With no new compounds being identified, the commercially available products are based on synthetic pyrethroids and prolonged use has resulted in development of resistance. Consequently, the dosage required for effective control had to be increased resulting in a hike in the pesticidal load on the environment
"Our intended products are structurally different from the existing products which are essentially synthetic pyrethroids. Our repellents are based on natural products derived from grapefruits," Sen explained.
The product is slated to undergo extensive safety study. "We need to evaluate the products' safety, which will require toxicological studies. If everything goes as planned, it may take three to four years to reach the market as it has to undergo extensive evaluation. We have now signed an MoU with Ross Lifesciences Pvt Ltd to take up the activity since they have the expertise," Sen said.
Mosquitoes spread several diseases across the globe. "Our natural repellents keep away these mosquitoes which are carriers of several vector-borne diseases," Sen said.
Various household pests can potentially help transmit infectious diseases and remain one of the main causes of concern for human health, particularly in tropical countries like India.
"The new compound, extracted from elements naturally found in grapefruit, will be prepared and evaluated for their effect against Aedes aegypti, the vector for diseases like dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses," said scientist D Srinivasa Reddy, who is also working on the project.