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The Contribution of Ethnobotany to the Discovery of New Plant-Based Repellents

Edokpolor Osazee Ohanmu1, Saheed Ibrahim Musa2, Gloria Omorowa Omoregie3, Anagwonye Uju4, Etinfoh Hope4, Ebiminor Gift Taramapreye4, Alexis Ojeide5 and Beckley Ikhajiagbe4*

1Department of Biological Sciences, Edo University, Uzairue, Benin City, Nigeria

2Department of Biology and Forensic Science, Admiralty University of Nigeria, Delta State, Nigeria

3Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effunrun, Warri, Delta, Nigeria

4Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

5Botany Department, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria

Abstract

Bug, mosquito, mite, tick, and lice are insects that pose a variety of issues for people. There is an ongoing want to produce novel deterrent and insecticide, especially in light of report of insect resistance and necessities to better eco-friendly societies. Traditional plant-based repellant ethnobotanical surveys give direct approach to identify plant for possible usage. A repellent is a chemical or plant-based agent that renders the insect’s surroundings uninhabitable, preventing it from contacting the host. Repellents are chemicals that are applied to treated surfaces to prevent arthropods from settling or crawling. They are safe to use on exposed skin, clothing, and other surfaces. Repellents can be thought of as a specific tool for keeping humans safe from insect-borne illnesses because they aid in the prevention, reduction, and control of disease outbreaks.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, phytomedicine, secondary products, bioinsecticides, plant-based repellents

1.1 Introduction

Bug, mosquito, mite, tick, and lice are hematophagous insects that pose a variety of issues for people. When they sting, they can result in necrosis, blister, or allergy in people [1]. Furthermore, hematophagous invertebrates can transmit infectious pathogens to humans, resulting in the spread of ailment. Humans have tried a variety of tactics to combat hematophagous insects. Native herbs have traditionally been applied in protection of people against bite. Oil derived from plant parts apply to the body, for example [2]. Traditional plant-based insect repellents are no longer practical in urban environments, but are exploited as source for recent pesticides and repellent. Pyrethrum and neem are two instances of actual current product derived through traditional botanicals [3]. Plant items, such as wood and leaves, are also commonly burned to deter insects.

Ethnobotany is the study of plants in a particular place, as well as their practical application based on local culture and expertise. Taxonomy, cultivation, and the usage of indigenous plants as food, medicine, and shelter are all covered. The use of ethnobotany to choose plants demands detailed documenting of indigenous communities’ relationships with plants. Ethnobotanic knowledge is based on observation, relationships, requirements, and traditional ways of knowing and can be applied to both wild and domesticated species. New discoveries, ingenuity, and techniques are constantly added to the mix as knowledge advances. Ethnobotany is now acknowledged as an important subject dedicated to the study of all sorts of human–plant interactions.

1.2 Ethnobotany in the Discovery of New Plant-Based Repellents

Botanical knowledge of a specific ethnic group can be useful in a variety of situations. Plants used for fiber, color agent, poison, manure, construction material, watercraft, and plant-based repellents are among the natural products studied by ethnobotany. Plant-based repellents were use as private defense technique against mosquito for ages. Ethnobotanical research yields relevant information of traditional deterrent plant use in development of novel products [4]. In order to generate new plant-based repellents, ethnobotany is required.

Phytochemicals are produced by many plants to deter insects that feed on plant fluids. Mosquito repellents are required to protect humans from mosquito stings [5]. Depending on their activity, phytochemicals can be extracted from whole plants or specific parts of plants. Photo-activated toxins found in certain phytochemicals have been shown to be effective against mosquitos [5]. Human-friendly plant-based insect repellents should be less harmful and have fewer adverse effects. As a result, using plant derivatives rather than chemicals in mosquito repellents could result in lower manufacturing costs and reduced environmental impact. The development of novel and more effective plant-based repellents has been aided by ethnobotanical research with indigenous peoples and their use of plants as repellents.

1.2.1 Ethnobotany and Its Role in Plant-Based Repellents

For decades, plant-based repellents have been used as a personal defense against mosquitoes looking for a place to lay their eggs [4]. Ethnobotanical research can be used to develop new natural goods based on traditional repellant plants [4]. In comparison to long-established synthetic repellents, consumers are becoming interested on repellent made from plant compound since they are observed to be safe [4]. With a few exceptions, the majority of newly emerging infectious illnesses are arthropod via tick or mosquito which are not vaccine-preventable. Plants are frequently used in the creation of effective plant-based repellents. Tobacco, corymbia, neem, and citronella are some examples.

1.2.2 Problems in Ethnobotanical Studies in Relation to Plant-Based Repellent

Traditional plant-based insect repellents are no longer practical in urban environments, but exploited as means for current pesticides and deterrent. Researchers have screened plants that may operate as natural repellents and characterized their activities and toxicities over numerous generations. Due to their low cost, few individuals in distant regions still employ old ways in control of insects [6, 7].

Also, traditional pest management knowledge is fast being lost because of increases in standard of living and lack of information [18]. Ethnobotany has yielded a harvest of unique, laboratory-proven therapeutic plants and chemicals in recent decades, but it has fallen short of its promise of producing a cornucopia of new and taxonomically focused plant-based repellant discoveries. Individual or group interviews are frequently used to obtain information about how different plant species are used in a community, and range of information varies depending on method applied. Finally, a lack of funding for ethnobotanical research and studies is a barrier. When financing for ethnobotanical research is scarce, progress is stifled, providing a problem for the field’s future growth.

1.3 Plant-Based Repellent

A plant-based repellent is an organic repellent that is created from plant extracts and concentrates or comes in the shape of a plant. Plants were used to deter and eradicate insects since prehistoric times, and many people continue to do so today in the world [8]. Traditional repellent plant knowledge can be applied to produce current natural repellents that can be used instead of synthetic repellents. Plant-based repellents provide a high concentration of bioactive phytochemicals that are both innocuous and non-toxic biodegradable byproducts that might be studied for insecticidal efficiency [2].

There is currently considerable agreement that plant-based products are safer and that phytochemicals degrade swiftly, piquing researchers’ and the general public’s curiosity [8]. One advantage of using a plant-based botanical is user acceptance. The majority of individuals prefer natural things to synthetics. Plant-based repellents are economical, widely accessible, wellknown, and culturally suitable [8]. Ethnobotany plays an important role in the development of new plant-based repellents. It’s a strategy of conducting in-depth interviews with key people knowledgeable about culture and traditional medicine in order to conduct a concentrated search for therapeutic plants. Plant by ethnic group is commonly studied using ethnobotanical research that combines scheduled discussions with plant voucher species collection. Plants that have been wounded or harmed release volatile odors into the environment, providing insect defense from afar. When these chemicals are used in repellents that are applied to the skin, their volatility becomes a concern.

1.3.1 Plant Products Used as Repellents

Plant repellents including citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus, PMD from Eucalyptus Maculata citriodora, and fennel oil from Foeniculum vulgare do little to no harm in societies or human life, and might be a good alternative to artificial repellent like DEET [19, 20]. Some of these plants-derived repellents are discussed below:

1.3.1.1 Citronella

Citronella is a natural oil obtained from stem and leaf of many lemongrass specie (Cymbopogon sp) [9]. It’s made of lemongrass and has a repellent effect on Anopheles culicifacies for 11 hours [10]. Mosquito coils with citronella oil or the citronellal component are also used to keep mosquitos out of outdoor spaces [11]. Citronella was first distilled for perfume use in 1858, and comes from French term Citronelle.

It is widely use natural repellent, with concentrations...