The potentials of Pangi leaf extract for Aedes spp. mosquito control

Abstract

Aedes spp. are the primary vectors of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. To date neither an approved vaccine nor a drug that can definitively prevent or treat these diseases, vector control continues to be an essential method of disease prevention. Plant-based insecticides are an alternative to chemical insecticides because they are less toxic to non-target insects and degrade more quickly. The Papuan people have used Pangi leaves for generations as a potent natural chemical against head lice and mosquito larvae. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of pangi (Pangium edule) leaf extract as a biolarvicide and mosquito repellent. Fresh pangi leaves were extracted with water by using a blender to pulverize the leaves. One-way ANOVA was used to examine the variance in mortality rates, and the LC50 value was calculated for probit analysis. Dead larvae were identified and counted. In addition to testing the effectiveness of the extracts as biolarvicide, the extract was also tested as potential insect repellents. The findings demonstrated that pangi leaf extract can kill mosquito larvae. The concentration of the extract affected larval mortality. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated its effectiveness as an insect repellent. Pangi leaf extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, and cyanide compounds, with alkaloids being the most abundant. The study found that there was a direct correlation between the concentration of the insecticide and the number of dead Aedes spp. larvae. The LC50 probit test revealed that pangi leaf extract belongs to the category of toxic substances. Several compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and cyanide, may be responsible for the toxicity of pangi leaf extract. Thus, pangi leaf extract might be established as a means of overcoming numerous health issues caused by mosquito vectors.