Formulation of mosquito repellent soap using neem extract, and Musa paradisiaca covers as a substitute source of alkalis

This paper presents the formulation of anti-mosquito soap from indigenous lye prepared from plantain peels ash. Neem oil is employed as the key repellent in this formulation. The study investigates the mosquito repelling power of the formulated soaps. The plantain peels ash was found to contain 9.72% of sodium and 76.93% of potassium, indicating its suitability for soap formulation purposes. Out of the 40 individuals supplied with the formulated soaps to measure the mosquito repelling power, 19 individuals (47.5%) reported 4 hours protection from mosquito sting, 8 individuals (20.0%) reported 3 hours protection from a mosquito bite. The results obtained from this study will inform local soap manufactures and the cosmetic industries to consider soap production with mosquito-repelling properties to lessen the possibility of people being bitten by mosquitoes which may result in malaria.