Insecticidal Activity of Salvia officinalis, Pistacia vera and Eucalyptus sp. Extracts Against Phlebotomus papatasi: A Potential Plant-Based Approach for Vector Control

Azadeh  Asadi; Mohammad Saaid  Dayer; Amrollah  Azarm

doi:10.18502/jad.v19i3.20896

Azadeh Asadi Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Saaid Dayer Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Amrollah Azarm Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v19i3.20896

Keywords: Sage; Pistachio bark; Eucalyptus leaves; Phlebotomus papatasi; Bioinsecticides

Abstract

Background: Insecticides are essential for controlling Leishmania vectors, but their extensive use leads to adverse environmental effects, particularly on non-target species. Given the health challenges associated with synthetic insecticides and the dire need for safe and sustainable alternatives, plant-based insecticides offer a promising solution. This study explores the insecticidal potential of Salvia officinalis, Pistacia vera and Eucalyptus sp. as environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling Phlebotomus papatasi.

Methods: Methanolic extracts of S. officinalis, P. vera and Eucalyptus sp. were prepared using the maceration method. The extracts were analyzed using titration methods for bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and antioxidant properties. Susceptibility tests on Ph. papatasi were performed using WHO standard kits, with median lethal time (LT₅₀) and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) values calculated by probit analysis.

Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids in S. officinalis and Eucalyptus sp. None of the extracts contained alkaloids, but all contained tannins. Pistacia vera was the only extract containing saponins. The LD₅₀ values after 24 hrs for S. officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. and P. vera were 0.156, 0.576 and 0.41 μg/ml, respectively. The LT₅₀ values for S. officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. and P. vera at 1.6 μg/mL were 11.9, 12.5 and 14.4 hrs, respectively.

Conclusion: Plant-derived insecticides are gaining attention due to their potential to mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by synthetic insecticides. The findings suggest that S. officinalis, P. vera and Eucalyptus sp. extracts may serve as effective biopesticides, contributing to integrated vector management strategies for leishmaniasis control.