Arboviruses
transmitted by arthropods are a global public health threat due to their
expanding geographic range, attributed to the availability of efficient
vectors. While Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are well-known
vectors, other Aedes species, such as Ae. japonicus, Ae. vexans,
and Ae. vittatus, are becoming a concern. This article provides a
comprehensive review of the global distribution, breeding habitats, and virus
transmission potential of Ae. vittatus, a mosquito species known to
transmit yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and dengue virus, as well as reports
on the potential use of natural products as mosquito control agents.
This research article describes a study in which extracts from Murraya
paniculata were tested for their larvicidal activity against the 4th
instar larvae of Ae. vittatus. The extracts were prepared using
different solvents and screened for the presence of secondary metabolites which
exhibit insecticidal properties. The prepared extracts were tested at various
concentrations using larvae in different stages. Methanolic extracts contained
all tested secondary metabolites and exhibited the highest insecticidal
activity, with a mortality rate of 100% at 250 ppm. Aqueous and Ethanolic
extracts also showed significant insecticidal activity, while n-Hexane extracts
demonstrated moderate activity. These findings suggest that M. paniculata
leaves contain insecticidal compounds that can be utilized for mosquito
control. Further research is needed to isolate and identify the active
compounds responsible for the observed activity.