Mixture of olive oil and Aloe vera gel: A natural mosquito repellent and a skin moisturizer

Abstract

Aloe vera is also called a succulent plant belonging to Order Asparagales, family sphodelaceae and genus Aloe and found in arid areas and conserves water. Aloe vera leaves are fleshy having gel like substance inside. Olive oil is also being used since ancient times for skin care and smoothening agent for skin. Human skin is prone to be invaded by mosquitos and other vectors that can transmit so many diseases like Dengue, Malaria, Zika virus, Arbovirus and others. Fresh Aloe vera plant was collected from its natural habitat i.e. Hangu road grave yard in district Kohat, Pakistan. Leaves were properly cut i.e. their hard epidermis was peeled off by sharp knife and the inner gel was scooped out by a spoon. Gel was kept in a glass jar for further experimental analysis. Refined olive oil was purchased from local market of district Kohat. Olive oil was mixed with the Aloe vera gel and sample was prepared in different concentrations. The mixture was applied to the skin by volunteers overnight. It was revealed in this study that Aloe vera gel and Olive oil have a mosquito repellent property when mixed. Mixture can be prepared with different concentration as per skin sensitivity keeping in mint the allergic reactions of the Aloe vera gel. As one’s skin can be allergic to the Aloe vera. Moreover, Olive oil has skin smoothening property it can keep skin moisturized.