Structural elucidation of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata and its ovicidal, larvicidal and pupicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Both human beings and animals around the globe are vulnerable to the transmission of infectious diseases carried by mosquitoes. They have the ability to transmit a diverse array of pathogenic agents, such as viruses and parasites, while feeding on blood. The objective of this research is to investigate andrographolide isolation, characterization, and structure elucidation from Andrographis paniculata. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate the activity of andrographolide against the immature stages of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The fractions obtained from A. paniculata extracts underwent further purification and analysis to identify the most active ones. To confirm the structure of andrographolide, spectroscopic methods including IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and GC-MS were used. Biological assays were conducted to assess its ovicidal, larvicidal, and pupicidal activities. Importantly, andrographolide demonstrated moderate ovicidal activity, resulting in mortality rates of 36% and 32% in Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus eggs, respectively, at a concentration of 2 ppm. Additionally, it exhibited strong larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy, with LC₅₀ values of 2.02 ppm and 3.19 ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae and pupae, and 2.14 ppm and 2.73 ppm against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae. These findings highlight the potential of andrographolide as a powerful natural compound in mosquito control efforts. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of natural products as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides in managing vector-borne diseases.