Comparative Study on Natural Insect Repellent Properties of Euphorbia hirta and Plectranthus amboinicus

Authors

  • Hanis Nur Nabilah Hazri Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
  • Arbanah Muhammad Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
  • Nur Hazirah Rozali Annuar Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia
  • Siti Rahika Abdul Halim Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Fatimah Hashim, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/mjcet.v8i2.6849

Keywords:

insect repellent, Euphorbia hirta, Plectranthus amboinicus

Abstract

Growing concern over the health and environmental risks of synthetic repellents like DEET and permethrin has spurred interest in natural, plant-based alternatives. Although many plants have long been used in Malaysia for traditional medicine and pest control, scientific evidence of their repellent potential remains limited. Therefore, this study aims to (1) evaluate the insect repellent efficiency of Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) and Plectranthus amboinicus (P. amboinicus) against hematophagous insects, ants and (2) characterise the bioactive compounds responsible for their repellent properties. The active compounds of phenolic, terpenoids, thymol, and carvacrol from the plants were extracted using ethanol via Soxhlet extraction and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. Repellence tests were conducted at a 10% concentration, with formulations prepared based on terpenoid-to-phenolic ratios of 3:2, 1:1, and 2:3. Results revealed that P. amboinicus contained high levels of thymol (41.9%) and carvacrol (28.5%), while E. hirta showed notable amounts of quercetin (4.5%) and kaempferol (3.2%). P. amboinicus exhibited stronger repellence against ants at higher terpenoid-to-phenolic ratio of 3:2, whereas E. hirta demonstrated effective repellence even at lower ratio of 1:1, with minimal ant attraction. Overall, both plants showed promising insect repellent activity, with P. amboinicus being more effective at higher concentrations. These findings emphasise the attractiveness of plant-based repellents as sustainable pest control solutions, reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals and promoting eco-friendly practice.

Author Biographies

  • Hanis Nur Nabilah Hazri, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia

    Hanis Nur Nabilah Hazri, is a diploma student in thr Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the UiTM Johor Branch, Pasir Gudang Campus. She started her research journey in the preparation of insect repellent properties using  Euphorbia hirta and Plectranthus amboinicus.

  • Arbanah Muhammad, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia

    Arbanah Muhammad, PhD is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Chemical Engineering at the UiTM Johor Branch, Pasir Gudang Campus. Her main interest is the utilization of sustainable practices in the production of biomaterial product. Her current publication is the utilization of polymer nanoparticle with antimicrobial properties. She can be reached through email at arbanah7188@uitm.edu.my.

  • Nur Hazirah Rozali Annuar, Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai, Johor, Malaysia

    Nur Hazirah Rozali Annuar, PhD is a Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Applied Science at the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Pasir Gudang Campus. She is specializing in heterogeneous catalysis, green chemistry, and biofuel production. Her research focuses on developing solid acid-base catalysts and advanced materials for biomass conversion and sustainable chemical processes. She is actively involved in collaborative research projects and science outreach, aiming to promote eco-friendly technologies and innovative solutions for cleaner energy and industrial sustainability. She can be reached through email at nurha5668@uitm.edu.my

  • Siti Rahika Abdul Halim, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Fatimah Hashim, 81100 Johor Bahru, Malaysia

    Siti Rahika Abdul Halim, a teacher at SMK Tun Fatimah Abdul Hashim which involved in many innovations’ competition in utilization of natural herbs as insect repellent properties.

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Published

2025-10-31

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): 2025 MJCET Vol 8 Issue 2

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Hanis Nur Nabilah Hazri, Arbanah Muhammad, Nur Hazirah Rozali Annuar, Siti Rahika Abdul Halim

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How to Cite

Comparative Study on Natural Insect Repellent Properties of Euphorbia hirta and Plectranthus amboinicus. (2025). Malaysian Journal of Chemical Engineering and Technology, 8(2), 146-157. https://doi.org/10.24191/mjcet.v8i2.6849

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