Repellent properties of essential oils of Afromomum stipulatum (Zingiberaceae) from DR Congo against Anopheles gambiae

Essential oils from different plant species were indicated to possess ovicidal, larvicidal and repellent properties against various insect species and are regarded as environmental compatible pesticides. In this study, essential oils of Afromomum stipulatum leaves, rhizomes, husk and seeds were evaluated for their repellent effect against malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae and their protection effect for human skin. The effective time of the repellent activity increased with concentration of oil. The highest protection time was found to be of one hour. The active compounds could be α-pinene, β-Pinene, β-Caryophyllen, α-humulene and caryophyllene oxide that were found as major compounds of these oils