Scientists claimed that COVID-19 could be killed using citriodiol, an ingredient found in insect repellent. British researchers said that they discovered that it is an active ingredient that can be used to fight against the viral disease, which causes the current global pandemic.

(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @muratkgirgin)
Experts Claimed that This Insect Repellent's Ingredient Could Kill COVID-19, Suggesting Using It In Face Masks

#Citriodiol maddesi Mosi-Guard isimli sinek kovucu firmasının patentlediği bir ektraktmış. Siz sakın sinek kovucu filan içmeyin. pic.twitter.com/yDWFaC1ayZ — murаt kgirgin (@muratkgirgin) August 26, 2020

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In a preliminary study, scientists at Technology Laboratory and UK's Defense Science stated that Citriodiol could help battle coronavirus. However, using insect repellents with Citriodiol is not enough to be used alone to protect against the viral disease.

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Experts suggested that people should use it with face masks, acting as an additional protective layer against the deadly virus. These products could also be used in other health recommendations, such as handwashing.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency already approved the use of Citriodiol, which is extracted from the twigs and leaves of the eucalyptus citriodora tree. Jacqueline Watson, Citrefine's managing director, the company which manufactures the naturally sourced active ingredient, said that she believes that the ingredient could prevent further spread of the deadly virus.

"What we can say is that we do feel there is a very good chance it could work against this virus but it does of course need to be thoroughly tested," she added.

Citriodiol was already used by military forces

According to Sky News' latest report, the insect repellents containing Citriodiol were already provided to Britain's armed forces since it can be used as an additional protection.

(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @Cecalli_Helper)
Experts Claimed that This Insect Repellent's Ingredient Could Kill COVID-19, Suggesting Using It In Face Masks

Pretty sure this is loaded with Citriodiol. https://t.co/9ca9XFfvey pic.twitter.com/GVxOH92pxI — The Ghost of Dr Carl Jensen (@Cecalli_Helper) August 26, 2020

Mosi Guard is among the brands that produce products with the ingredient. Research of Defence scientists stated that only products with Citriodiol, and not containing Deet, are regarded as having the potential of any kind of utility against the viral disease.

Although there is not enough research to show its effectiveness, the armed forces already saved insect repellents' stocks and figured it was worth trying as protection against COVID-19.

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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.