Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Vitex cofassus Reinw. Extracts on the Larval and Pupal Stages of Aedes aegypti

Aims and objectives: This study sought to investigate the chemical composition, larvicidal, and cytotoxic potentials of the fruit extract of Vitex cofassus Reinw.

Materials and methods: The chemical composition was analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Separately, mortality data were evaluated by probit analysis to determine the lethal concentration (LC)₅₀ and LC₉₀ values on brine shrimp and Aedes aegypti larvae. Moreover, the effects on different stages of Ae. aegypti were also examined.

Results: Fourteen majority components representing carboxylic acid were identified. The extract was very toxic to both brine shrimp and Ae. aegypti larvae with LC₅₀ values of 0.308 and 0.514 µg/mL, whereas the LC₉₀ values were 4.317 and 1.921 µg/mL, respectively. The effect of the fruit extract of V. cofassus on different stages of Ae. aegypti indicated that high concentrations (2.00-4.00 µg/mL) promoted complete mortality. A concentration of 0.125 to 1.00 µg/mL inhibited larval metamorphosis.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the chemical composition and larvicidal effects of the fruit extract of V. cofassus. The results indicate that the extract may be a promising source of larvicidal compounds that could be useful for pharmaceutical applications.