Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Davilla rugosa, a plant native to Brazil and other regions of South America, has a history of traditional use by indigenous and rural communities as an insect repellent. Ethnobotanical surveys document that local populations commonly crush the leaves and apply them directly to the skin or hang them in living spaces to ward off insects, particularly mosquitoes and other biting arthropods. The rationale behind this practice is primarily anecdotal, passed down through generations, and is rooted in local knowledge rather than formal scientific study. While there are some preliminary phytochemical analyses indicating that Davilla rugosa contains compounds with potential bioactive properties, such as flavonoids and tannins, there is a lack of rigorous laboratory or clinical studies specifically validating its efficacy as an insect repellent. No standardized extracts or active constituents have been isolated or tested in controlled trials for their repellency effect. Therefore, the use of Davilla rugosa for insect repellent purposes is justified by ethnomedicinal tradition, but scientific support remains minimal, and the strength of evidence is limited to observational and cultural reports rather than experimental data.

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