Pasay city: A retired professor from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has developed a plant-based mosquito repellent and insecticide, offering Filipino families a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic products. Dr. Gracia Fe Yu, a former professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the UP College of Medicine, introduced "Mox Oil" (Mosquito Away Oil) at the recent TeknoLusugan 2026 in Pasay City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the innovation aims to address a critical gap in the market for consumers, particularly parents, seeking gentler yet effective protection against disease-carrying mosquitoes. Laboratory studies and animal model testing revealed that mosquitoes consistently avoided areas treated with the plant extract-based formulation. Beyond acting as a deterrent, the formulation also exhibits potent insecticidal properties.
"We tested several concentrations of the extract, and within 10 minutes, the lotion with 15 percent and 20 percent extract already showed mosquito mortality. After 20 minutes, around 80 percent of the mosquitoes had died, and after 40 minutes, all of them were dead," Yu said. She added that skin irritation tests yielded negative results, confirming that the formulation is safe for topical use.
To ensure a safe alternative, Yu's team screened multiple plant samples with natural insect-repelling properties. Their work focused on balancing maximum protection against mosquitoes with a gentle formulation safe enough for regular use on children's sensitive skin. The specific names of the plants used in the research were not disclosed.
Originally formulated as an oil, the technology has since been expanded into lotions, sprays, and other applications. The product has also shown effectiveness against other household pests like ants. Additionally, the Mox Oil production champions sustainability and local resource mobilization as it supports indigenous and local communities, including Aeta groups, who cultivate the medicinal plants and source the raw materials needed for the formulation.
The Department of Health (DOH) previously reported a 75-percent decrease in dengue cases earlier this year compared to the same period last year. However, fatalities continue to be recorded since mosquitoes thrive year-round due to the country's tropical climate. According to the Philippine Medical Association Ad Hoc Committee on Dengue, the Philippines has overtaken its neighbors by a significant margin. Data show the country reached 285,109 cases, nearly double that of second-ranked Vietnam at 168,000. The disparity in fatalities showed that the Philippines recorded 1,132 deaths, while Bangladesh followed with 412. Meanwhile, zero deaths were recorded in other countries in the region.
Aside from dengue, other vector-borne threats like malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis continue to pose public health risks, especially in rural areas. While the DOH maintains its advocacy for environmental controls like stagnant water elimination and use of mosquito, personal protection remains an important form of defense. UP Manila and Yu are now looking for partners to bring Mox Oil to the mainstream market to help curb deaths related to dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
