Phytochemical warfare: Exploring Catharanthus roseus leaf extract as a natural insecticide for Sandfly management

Abstract

The vector-borne disease control program heavily relies on insecticides. However, the increasing resistance to insecticides as a result of prolonged exposure and injudicious usage presents a critical challenge. This situation underscores alternative vector control tools that are sustainable, eco-friendly, effective, and economical. Plants may present a promising solution. This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of Catharanthus roseus methanolic extract against Phlebotomus argentipes. The wild sandflies were reared for F1 generation and a CDC bottle bioassay was performed eventually. The knockdown rate was assessed after 1 hr of exposure and 24 hr of holding phase. Finally, qualitative tests for phytochemicals were performed with the crude extract. This extract exhibited potential adulticidal activity with LC50 at 50.22 mg/ml and LC90 at 272.18 mg/ml. The extract contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. Further studies on purified compounds may provide insights into the development of eco-friendly vector control interventions.