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The chief ingredient of many mosquito repellent creams is derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a plant widely recognized for its insect-repelling and medicinal properties. Neem leaves and neem oil contain natural compounds like azadirachtin, which disrupt the life cycle of insects and prevent mosquitoes from biting humans.
Neem-based repellents are eco-friendly and non-toxic, making them a popular alternative to chemical insecticides. The oil extracted from neem seeds is often used in creams, lotions, and sprays to keep mosquitoes away. This natural protection works by masking human odors and by producing compounds that are unpleasant to insects.
Other options are incorrect in this context:
Lemon contains citric acid and limonene, which have mild insect-repellent properties but are not the chief ingredient in commercial mosquito creams.
Rice bran is used in cooking and skincare but does not repel mosquitoes.
Tulsi (Holy Basil) has some medicinal and insect-repellent qualities, but it is not the primary ingredient in most mosquito repellent creams.
Neem’s effectiveness as a mosquito repellent is due to its bioactive compounds, which interfere with the feeding, growth, and reproduction of mosquitoes. This has made neem-based products a major part of traditional medicine and modern natural skincare products.
Understanding the role of plants like neem in everyday life connects students to practical applications of biology, including plant chemistry, natural product utilization, and environmental safety. It illustrates how plant-based compounds can solve real-world problems, such as controlling mosquito-borne diseases, in an accessible and sustainable way.
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