Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Cx. quinquefasciatus is a vector for lymphatic filariasis and West Nile fever, diseases for which no vaccine is available. Hence, controlling the population of this mosquito requires urgent attention. Synthetic insecticides are widely used for this purpose. However, the limitations associated with their usage, including the triggering of resistance development and non-target toxicities, necessitate the exploration of alternative, eco-friendly solutions. This study investigated the larvicidal effects of eight medicinal plants against Cx. quinquefasciatus . Notably, with the exception of Ocimum basilicum and Tagetes erecta , the insecticidal activity of the remaining six plants has not been previously studied, to our knowledge. Larvicidal efficacy was assessed following the WHO bioassay protocols. Results The larvicidal bioassay results showed that stigmasterol isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of O. basilicum leaves was highly effective as a larvicidal agent (LC 50 value of 34.97 ppm, i.e., < 50 ppm)). To our knowledge, stigmasterol was isolated from O. basilicum for the first time in this study. Among the tested extracts of the eight selected plants, the ethyl acetate fraction of O. basilicum exhibited the next highest potency (LC 50 value of 97.72 ppm) with moderate larvicidal effectiveness ((LC 50 values > 50 ppm and < 100 ppm), whereas the chloroform fraction (LC 50 value of 115.32 ppm) and n-hexane fraction of Pistacia integerrima (LC 50 value of 298.02 ppm) were effective (LC 50 values > 100 ppm and < 300 ppm). In contrast, the crude methanolic extracts and their soluble fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) from the remaining six plants, as well as the crude methanol extract and n-hexane fraction of O. basilicum and the crude methanol extract and chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions of P. integerrima , exhibited less effectiveness as larvicidal agents (LC 50 values > 300 ppm). Conclusion These findings highlight stigmasterol as a highly effective natural larvicidal agent, offering a promising natural and sustainable alternative for integrated mosquito management.
Authors: Mirza Gul, Muhammad Zahid, Syed Wadood Ali Shah, Muhammad Zahoor, Muhammad Naveed Umar
Institutions: Islamia College University, University of Malakand
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417252594