Larvicidal efficacy of Ocimum sanctum oil against Culex quinquefsciatus by in-silico and in vivo methods

Abstract

Culex quinquefsciatus is an insect vector responsible for transmission of lymphatic filariasis, a vector-borne disease that leads to swelling of lymph nodes and lymph vessels. The disease is more common in the tropics and primarily effects arms, legs and genitalia. The present study aims to determine the efficacy of Ocimum sanctum oil as a potential control agent of the mosquito larvae. In-silico methods are used to determine the effect of phytochemicals present in Ocimum sanctum against the target enzyme receptors of the mosquito larvae. Targeted inhibition of biologically important enzymes leads to disruption of key biological pathways ultimately leading to the death of the organism. Direct toxicity tests are performed using Ocimum sanctum oil and its effect on total protein content of the larvae are also noted. The results of the in-silico study corroborated with direct toxicity tests confirm the efficacy of Ocimum sanctum oil as a potential larvicide against Culex quinquefsciatus.