Evaluation of larvicidal properties of two Indian plants (Lantana camara and Cinnamomum tamala) solvent extracts against mosquito larvae (Aedes sp. and Culex sp.) and their phytochemical composition through spectroscopy

Abstract

The primary vectors for the spread of diseases are mosquito species, particularly Aedes and Culex. There has been growing interest in the use of botanicals as alternatives to insecticides due to their widespread insecticidal properties. In this study, we investigated the larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity effects of solvent extracts from Lantana camara and Cinnamomum tamala against the larvae of Aedes sp. and Culex sp. We examined the phytochemical composition of the extracts through GC–MS analysis. Results revealed that the ethanol extracts of these plants exhibited the greatest larvicidal activity with the lowest LC50 values at 24 h post-treatment, with the former found to be significantly less toxic towards annelids used as non target organism. The GC–MS analysis of the extract indicated the presence of Caryophylene and humulene which, have been documented for their larvicidal activities. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use and development of bioinsecticides.