Citriodiol, an ingredient found in insect repellents, could kill British researchers. The ingredient extrapolated from the eucalyptus citriodora tree was investigated for its use as a protective layer against SARS-CoV-2 by the UK Army, according to a release by the Ministry of Defense.
The team of researchers from the United Kingdom Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) investigated the antiviral properties of Citriodiol against coronavirus by using a mosquito, Mosi-guard, which contains Citriodiol as an active ingredient, released. The insect repellent was applied to a liquid drip of the virus and then to a synthetic skin made of latex.
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Citriodiol, an ingredient found in insect repellents, could kill the novel coronavirus, according to British researchers. (iStock)
“One minute liquid suspension tests indicated that Mosi-guard Natural® has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 isolating England-2 when mixed with the virus in the liquid phase. In addition, viral studies on latex indicated that Mosi-guard had natural antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 isolating England-2, “the British report stated.
Back in May, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that British forces were using the precautionary insecticide as another potential layer of protection against the new coronavirus, which was based on the advice of the British Surgeon General, who said it was unlikely to be harmful, according to an article in Science Focus.
“We are very excited about these findings and have several new studies already going through laboratories as planned,” stated Jacqueline Watson, director of Cetrifine, which produces Citriodiol, in a release on the company’s website.
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The researchers stated in the report that “this research paper demonstrates preliminary findings on the effectiveness of Citriodiol against COVID-19.”
“Dstl is hopeful that the findings in this study can be used as a springboard for other organizations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication,” the study’s authors added.
Citriodiol is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use against mosquito bites, which may ultimately help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
