An ingredient in a popular insect repellent may help kill Covid-19, new research suggests.
Citriodiol, a component of Mosi-guard Natural, was found to reduce the amount of virus detectable in a sample, according to tests carried out in the UK.
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) tested the product in two different ways.
They assessed its anti-viral capabilities when applied directly to the virus as a liquid drop, and analysed the product after applying it to synthetic skin.
Mosi-guard Natural was found to show anti-viral activity when mixed, in a liquid, with a sample of the virus taken from a patient in the UK.
The study found that at a higher concentration (90 per cent), Mosi-guard Natural decreased the amount of virus present to an almost undetectable amount.
The second study, Mosi-guard Natural also combatted the virus on latex synthetic skin.
But the report highlights that the material was saturated with the insect repellant, and latex is unlikely to behave exactly as human skin would when treated.
The scientists wrote: “We have no data relating the concentration applied experimentally to the latex to that resulting from a spray and rub application of Mosi-guard on human skin.”
They added that while under the conditions tested, pre-application of Mosi-guard to a latex synthetic skin resulted in a reduction of the virus, it “did not result in complete viral inactivation on the latex synthetic skin”.
The scientists released their findings on Wednesday, as the foundation for other scientific bodies who are researching the virus and possible solutions.
DSTL is hopeful the results can be used as a springboard for other organisations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication.
Defence minister Jeremy Quin said: “We are sharing our preliminary findings today so others can take forward additional research to confirm and expand on our findings.
“Defence has played a wide variety of roles in supporting efforts to tackle coronavirus.
“We are pleased that this is another example of Defence sourcing innovative ways to keep people safe.”
In May, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed the insect repellent was being given to the Armed Forces to offer potential protection against coronavirus.
He said a Citriodiol-based spray had been given to personnel in light of the Surgeon General’s advice that it would “do no harm” and should be used on a precautionary basis as an “additional layer of protection” against exposure to the virus.