A natural weapon against lymphatic filariasis and dengue vectors: The larvicidal potential of Leonurus sibiricus L

Abstract

Phytochemicals are natural, biodegradable, and cost-effective biomolecules that effectively target and eliminate mosquitoes, significant carriers of deadly vector-borne diseases responsible for millions of yearly deaths. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of extracts obtained from the leaf and flower of the plant species Leonurus sibiricus, belonging to the family Lamiaceae, on the 3rd-stage larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Larvicidal bioassay and statistical analysis revealed significant mosquito larvicidal potentiality in both the leaf and flower extracts of the plant L. sibiricus against both mosquito species. Both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. albopictus achieved 100% mortality after 72 hours of exposure to the crude leaf extract, with LC50 values of 0.161% and 0.450%, respectively. Over the same exposure period, the crude flower extract was also proved effective and exhibited 100% mortality in Cx. quinquefasciatus and 86.67% mortality in Ae. albopictus, with LC50 values of 0.391% and 0.686%, respectively. Comparative bioassay indicated that the leaf extract has more significant larvicidal potential than the flower extract and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae are much more susceptible to the toxicity of tested plant parts than Ae. albopictus. This study suggests that the plant L. sibiricus could be a promising, environmentally friendly, and organic alternative to synthetic pesticides for controlling mosquito populations without harming non-target organisms and ecosystems.