Evaluation of lantana camara linn leaves and flowers for larvicidal property
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of lantana camara linn leaves and flowers for larvicidal property
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Surendra Kumar M., Astalakshmi N., Anagha C. M., Aparna P., Lulushad N., Vijisha C. P. and Babu G.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of lantana camara linn leaves and flowers for larvicidal property
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20168-6692
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant health threats, particularly in developing countries, where they are responsible for the transmission of serious illnesses such as dengue fever, filariasis, and malaria. The vector responsible for many of these diseases is Aedes aegypti, which affects billions globally. To combat these diseases, strategies such as larviciding to decrease mosquito populations at their breeding sites have become crucial. This study explores the larvicidal properties of aqueous extracts from the leaves and flowers of Lantana camara Linn, a plant believed to contain beneficial properties for mosquito control.
Assessment of Larvicidal Properties
The research evaluated the larvicidal potency of Lantana camara using aqueous extracts of its leaves and flowers on third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The extracts were prepared through a cold maceration process and tested at various concentrations (250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 μg/ml). Measurements of larvicidal activity were taken at different intervals (0, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 12th, and 24th hours) to assess the percentage of mortality in the larvae. Contrary to expectations, the results indicated that neither aqueous extract possessed any larvicidal properties.
Importance of Plant-Based Insecticides
Given the adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on the environment and human health, there's an increasing need for alternative solutions that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Plant-derived insecticides, such as those sourced from local flora, have been identified as promising candidates due to their specificity, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. The current study aimed to explore Lantana camara, a common plant in Kerala, as a potential source for natural larvicides. Although the plant's extracts proved ineffective in this instance, the research is instrumental in highlighting the necessity of continuing exploration into plant-based solutions for insecticide alternatives.
Challenges in Larvicidal Research
The findings of this study underscore the challenges faced in discovering effective bioinsecticides from locally available plants. While many plants are thought to possess medicinal or larvicidal properties, rigorous testing is critical to substantiate these claims. Factors such as the method of extraction, concentration, and even the specific life stage of the larvae being tested can all influence the effectiveness of the plant extracts. The negative results observed with Lantana camara urge researchers to refine methodologies and explore other flora that may yield better outcomes against mosquito larvae.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of Lantana camara Linn leaves and flowers were determined to lack larvicidal effectiveness against Aedes aegypti larvae. This finding emphasizes the importance of extensive screening of various plant species to identify viable alternatives to synthetic mosquito control methods. The quest for effective and safe larvicides remains critical in addressing public health concerns associated with mosquito-borne diseases, thereby urging future research to continue exploring the rich biodiversity available, particularly in regions like Kerala.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Lantana camara?
The study evaluates the larvicidal properties of aqueous extracts from Lantana camara leaves and flowers against Aedes aegypti larvae.
What mosquito-borne diseases are associated with Aedes aegypti?
Aedes aegypti is a major vector for diseases like dengue, yellow fever, and filariasis, threatening health in numerous countries.
How were the aqueous extracts of Lantana camara prepared?
The leaves and flowers were shade dried, coarsely powdered, and extracted using a cold maceration technique.
What concentrations of extract were tested in the study?
The study tested five concentrations of extracts: 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 μg/ml.
What were the findings regarding the larvicidal properties?
The study concluded that the aqueous extracts of Lantana camara had no larvicidal activity against the tested Aedes aegypti larvae.
Why is there a need for plant-derived insecticides?
Plant-derived insecticides are cost-effective, biodegradable, and non-toxic, providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Evaluation of lantana camara linn leaves and flowers for larvicidal property”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Camara (Camará):
Camara refers to the species Lantana camara, a flowering plant that has gained attention for its potential uses, including larvicidal properties to control mosquito populations. Known for its wide distribution and medicinal applications, understanding camara helps in exploring natural solutions to health problems, particularly those caused by mosquito-borne diseases.
2) Study (Studying):
Study pertains to systematic investigation aimed at understanding certain phenomena, in this context, the research on the larvicidal properties of Lantana camara. The study's outcomes help validate or challenge existing knowledge, driving further exploration and potentially influencing public health strategies regarding mosquito control.
3) Kumar:
Kumar is a common surname in India and the lead author's name in the study. Authors like Kumar contribute valuable insights in the field of pharmacognosy, promoting research that can lead to natural alternatives for synthetic chemicals in pest control and healthcare.
4) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to an abundant supply or diversity, in this context, referring to the rich biodiversity of flora found in Kerala, India. This richness is crucial for discovering new plant species that could provide valuable pharmaceutical compounds or eco-friendly pest management solutions.
5) Disease:
Disease describes health conditions resulting from infections, mutations, or environmental factors, with mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever representing significant public health challenges. Understanding disease dynamics helps in developing effective control measures, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions such as exploring natural insecticides.
6) Kerala:
Kerala is a state in India known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It serves as a focal point for this study, where local flora like Lantana camara is investigated for potential medicinal applications, highlighting the region's contribution to natural resource exploration and healthcare.
7) Water:
Water serves as a critical medium for the larvicidal assay. The study highlights the importance of water in mosquito breeding and the effectiveness of aqueous extracts. Understanding water dynamics is essential for developing environmental-friendly insecticides and managing mosquito populations effectively.
8) Fever:
Fever refers to a common symptom of many diseases, particularly associated with infections like dengue and malaria. The link between mosquito-borne illnesses and fever underscores the need for effective vector control strategies, such as studying plant extracts for potential larvicidal properties.
9) Developing:
Developing signifies nations or regions with emerging economies facing significant public health challenges, such as mosquito-borne diseases. Research like this is vital in these areas to identify sustainable pest management strategies, which may alleviate disease burden and improve health standards.
10) Surendra (Sura-indra, Suremdra):
Surendra is the first name of the lead researcher associated with the study. Such contributions highlight the role of dedicated researchers in addressing significant health issues, exploring natural solutions to tackle prevalent challenges faced in both healthcare and pest control.
11) Devaki:
Devaki refers to the Devaki Amma Memorial College of Pharmacy, representing the institution's role in pharmaceutical research and education. This affiliation emphasizes the need for academic input in tackling health challenges through innovative research incorporating traditional and modern therapeutic approaches.
12) India:
India is a country rich in biodiversity and traditional medicine. This context showcases the importance of local flora in addressing health issues through research, supporting the exploration of indigenous plants for larvicidal properties and contributing to sustainable pest management strategies.
13) Table:
Table refers to the data presentation format in the study, allowing for organized visualization of results. Such tables are essential for conveying complex information efficiently, helping researchers and readers interpret findings that assess the larvicidal effectiveness of the studied extracts.
14) Amma:
Amma is part of the formal name of the institution involved in the research, indicating its commitment to education and health sciences. The name reflects cultural values, signaling the importance of maternal figures in society, which could also resonate with community health initiatives.
15) Post:
Post in this context refers to the geographical identifier within the address and signifies specific locality related to the research. Understanding locality enhances the context of the study findings, particularly regarding the species habitat and its implications for broader ecological studies.
16) Common People (Common Folk):
Common people represent the general population significantly affected by mosquito-borne diseases. This highlights the intent behind the research, which seeks to identify sustainable solutions that benefit public health, especially in developing regions where such diseases pose grave threats.
17) Biodegradable:
Bio-degradable refers to substances that can be decomposed by microorganisms. This aspect is crucial in the context of pest control, promoting environmentally friendly practices and reducing the ecological impacts associated with synthetic pesticides, thereby pushing for the exploration of plant-based alternatives.
18) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the spread of diseases, particularly those carried by vectors like mosquitoes. Understanding transmission mechanisms is key to developing effective control strategies, emphasizing the need for investigations like this study that aim at breaking disease cycles through natural interventions.
19) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section in research articles where findings are interpreted in context. This part is vital for understanding the implications of results, providing insights into further research directions, average trends, and potential applications in controlling mosquito populations and associated diseases.
20) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid is a class of compounds known for their potential health benefits, often found in plants. Their presence in Lantana camara suggests possible biological activities that could be explored for larvicidal effects, indicating the significance of phytochemicals in developing natural pest control methods.
21) Swelling:
Swelling is a physiological condition often associated with inflammation or injury that may be treated using traditional remedies. It represents the medicinal uses attributed to Lantana camara, indicating its potential in pharmacognosy despite the negative findings regarding its larvicidal properties.
22) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness of extracts in causing larvicidal effects on mosquito larvae. Understanding the activity (or lack thereof) is critical for evaluating the potential use of natural products in pest control, guiding future research towards more effective solutions.
23) Species:
Species refers to a group of living organisms capable of interbreeding. In the context of the study, the term emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and the need to explore various plant species for potential medicinal and pest control applications.
24) Killing (Killed):
Killing refers to the lethal action against mosquito larvae, a primary concern in vector control. Exploring natural products for such effects is essential in the context of reducing disease transmission, necessitating ongoing research for effective alternatives to chemical pesticides.
25) Anagha:
Anagha is one of the co-authors in the study, emphasizing the collaborative nature of scientific research. Contributions from individuals like Anagha showcase the collective effort required to address complex issues, particularly in public health and environmental sustainability.
26) Insect:
Insect refers to a diverse group of organisms, including mosquitoes, which are significant vectors for disease. Understanding insect biology is crucial for developing effective pest control strategies, including the investigation of natural insecticides derived from plant sources like Lantana camara.
27) Powder:
Powder refers to the physical form of the plant material post-processing, essential for the extraction of bioactive compounds. The method of converting plant materials into powder facilitates their use in various assays, influencing the efficacy of the larvicidal tests conducted in the study.
28) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, which is fundamental in understanding their properties and potential uses. Botanical knowledge allows researchers to identify, evaluate, and utilize plant species such as Lantana camara for various applications, including medicinal and ecological solutions.
29) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, often treated using traditional herbal remedies. The presence of properties within Lantana camara to address such conditions adds another dimension to its potential uses, despite the findings related to its larvicidal effectiveness.
30) Babu:
Babu is likely a co-author's name, representing contributions to the research project. The collaboration between individuals is essential in scientific studies, allowing for diverse expertise and perspectives to be integrated in exploring innovative solutions to health and pest control challenges.
31) Sage:
Sage commonly refers to plants in the Salvia genus, but in this context, it relates to the colloquial name for Lantana camara, indicating its cultural significance. Understanding various names for plants highlights the interplay between culture, traditional use, and scientific investigation of flora.
32) Pain:
Pain is a symptom often associated with many health conditions, including those treated with herbal remedies. The study indicates the traditional uses of Lantana camara for ailments, showcasing the plant’s relevance in folk medicine even when its effectiveness as a larvicide is uncertain.
33) Worm:
Worm refers to various parasitic organisms often targeted in traditional herbal medicine. The mention of Lantana camara's use against worms suggests its role in folk remedies, underscoring the importance of exploring diverse applications of plant species within medicinal contexts.
34) Viru:
Viru likely refers to a term related to viral infections, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes, highlighting the health issues that the study aims to address. Understanding viral transmission vectors is crucial for developing effective preventive measures against diseases like dengue and malaria.