Abstract

Eliningaya J. Kweka , Hassan M. Nkya , Lucile Lyaruu , Epiphania E. Kimaro1 Beda J. Mwang

Reducing vector-human contact is of priority in breaking the transmission chain of malaria parasites. The use of plant extracts as repellents against malaria vectors have been advocated in different studies. The feeding inhibition of four years old Ocimum kilimandscharicum in liquid paraffin or glycerin was compared with N, N-diethyl-3- methylbenzamide (DEET) using cage evaluation method. The four years old extracts of O. kilimandscharicum performed similarly when mixed either in glycerine or liquid paraffin. Blood feeding succession was highest in negative control (glycerine/liquid paraffin alone) while low in OK and DEET. Therefore, promotion of plant extracts for commercialization is of priority in rural Tanzania where whole plants are currently used as repellents against malaria vectors.