Larvicidal Activity of Essential Oil from Kaempferia galanga Linn and its Toxicity Effect on Non-Target Organism (Epipremnum aureum)
TL;DR
While KGL essential oil shows promise as an alternative to synthetic pesticides, future studies should optimize the concentration for targeted applications, minimize non-target effects, and evaluate its environmental sustainability for large-scale implementation.
Abstract
Kaempferia galanga Linn. (KGL) is an herbaceous plant renowned for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nematicidal, and larvicidal properties. However, research on its mosquitocidal potential is limited. With the increasing global mosquito population, there is an urgent need for effective and eco-friendly mosquito control methods. This study aims to evaluate the larvicidal activity of KGL essential oil against Aedes aegypti larvae and its toxicity effect on the non-target organism Epipremnum aureum. The essential oil was extracted using solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) at 450 W for 120 minutes and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying ethyl p-methoxycinnamate as the major constituent. Toxicity assessment on Aedes aegypti larvae revealed LC50 and LC90 values of 53.97 ppm and 90.50 ppm, respectively, at 24 hours of exposure. The 50 ppm concentration provides a balanced effect, supporting significant stem elongation and moderate leaf area growth of Epipremnum aureum. These findings highlight the effectiveness of KGL essential oil as a natural larvicide and raise concerns regarding its impact on non-target plant species. Thus, while KGL essential oil shows promise as an alternative to synthetic pesticides, future studies should optimize the concentration for targeted applications, minimize non-target effects, and evaluate its environmental sustainability for large-scale implementation.