Can insect repellents shield us from COVID-19?

According to a UK-based study, Citriodiol, an active ingredient with anti-viral properties, may provide protection from the strain of deadly virus

An active compound found in insect repellents may provide protection from a strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to a preliminary study conducted by UK’s defence laboratory.

Scientists at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) said in a statement that Citriodiol, the active ingredient in repellents such as Mosiguard, had anti-viral properties if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase and on a test surface.

“Mixing a virus suspension with Mosiguard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2,” according to the yet-to-be published findings.

However, it is unclear whether the spray would make any practical difference beyond frequent hand-washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers in protecting against the virus.

Citriodiol is derived from the leaves and twigs of Eucalyptus citriodora tree, and is marketed as a natural alternative to Deet, another ingredient used in insect repellents.

The military scientists adopted two experimental approaches. The first approach asessed the anti-viral activity of the product when applied directly to the virus as a liquid drop.In the second method, assessment of the product was done following its application to latex ‘synthetic skin’.

The study found that one minute liquid suspension tests indicated that Mosi-guard has anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2 England-2 isolate if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase.

“Additionally, viral studies on latex indicated that Mosi-guard had antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 England-2 isolate,” the scientists said in a statement.

The scientists said they are sharing their preliminary findings, which have not been peer-reviewed, in the hope that further research will be carried out. “This research paper demonstrates preliminary findings on the effectiveness of Citriodiol against COVID-19,” the statement said.