Parade Towards Green Revolution: Larvicidal Activity Of Catunaregam Spinosa Against Aedes Aegypti

P.K. Lawrence; W.T.P.S.K. Senarath; M.D. Hapugoda

doi:10.47743/jemb-2026-244

Authors

P.K. Lawrence Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
W.T.P.S.K. Senarath Department of Botany, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
M.D. Hapugoda Molecular Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47743/jemb-2026-244

Keywords:

Catunaregam spinosa, seeds, Aedes aegypti,, larvicide, phytochemicals

Abstract

Dengue is a common vector-borne disease prominent in tropical and subtropical climates. It causes losing of millions of human lives per year around the world. Catunaregam spinosa is an underrated medicinal plant in Sri Lanka which rumored in possessing larvicidal activity against mosquitoes. Present study investigated the toxicity of seed extract of C. spinosa against fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L to provide a scientific validation to the embedded property and to support the ethnobotanical vector control approaches. Mosquito larval cultures exposed to a series of concentrations (75.0, 125.0, 250.0, 500.0, 1000.0 mg L^-1) showed concentration dependent mortalities and teratogenic effects after 24 hours. Statistical analysis computed 24 h, LC₅₀ as 233.67 mg L^-1 and LC₉₀ as 659.93 mg L^-1 reporting a moderate larvicidal activity. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, saponins and flavonoids. Presence of butanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, n-hexadecenoic acid and palmitic acid along with 19 compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. In conclusion, the study unveils a lodged property in an abandoned plant in Sri Lanka whilst supporting the green-revolution and sustainable health system for future developments of bio-larvicides using natural compounds available in C. spinosa.

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