Mosquito Repellent Compounds from the Seeds of N igella sativa L (Black cumin)

Abstract

Isolation and characterization o f Mosquito repellent compounds from the seeds o/Nigella sativa L (Black cumin) is presented. The volatile oil o f the seeds was isolated by steam distillation followed by extraction with diethyl ether. Mosquito repellent activity o f oils was investigated by carrying out bioassays with mosquitoes. Seed oil o f N.sativa showed significant ability to repel mosquitoes. The compounds responsible for the repellent activity were isolated and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. These compounds were identified as terpenoids containing carbonyl and hydroxyl functionalities.