Larvicidal activity of Artemisia absinthium extracts with special reference to inhibition of detoxifying enzymes in larvae of Aedes aegypti L

Abstract

Insect-borne diseases continue to be a major source of sickness and death worldwide. Resistance to chemical pesticides and their risks have been regarded as a setback in mosquito vector control. Due to the presence of various phytocompounds in plant species, botanicals can manage and prevent vector (insect) transmitted illnesses by killing insect eggs and larvae. The purpose of this study was to determine the toxicity ofArtemisia absinthiumextracts (methanolic and ethanolic) against Aedes aegypti larvae (vector of arboviruses). Larval mortality was recorded after 24 h of exposure. Our findings showed that the ethanolic leaf extract ofArtemisia absinthiumhas higher larvicidal activity (92 ± 1.99 percent at 1000 ppm) than the methanolic extract (68 ± 1.99 percent at 1000 ppm). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract inhibited the activity of detoxifying enzymes acetylcholinesterase, α and β-carboxylesterases activity significantly. Besides, the protein level was also lowered upon exposure of ethanolic extract for 24 h against 4th instar larvae at an LC50 of 694.3 ppm. These findings clearly show that the Artemisia absinthium active extract (ethanolic) can be utilized as a pest and vector control option, helping to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses.