Enzymatic responses of Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae to Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn extract

Abstract

Mosquitoes are of serious public health concern due to their vector competence. Among mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus, commonly known as the Southern house mosquito, is of major importance due to its potency to spread Lymphatic filariasis. Due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides, more emphasis is now placed on plant-based compounds. In the present study, Clerodendrum infortunatum, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is investigated for its insecticidal potency against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Treatment using the acetone extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum against the fourth-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus showed severe changes in the enzyme profile of the treated sample compared with the control. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPx decreased, while GST levels increased compared with control levels. A significant decrease was observed in the neuroregulatory enzyme Acetylcholinesterase and the osmoregulatory enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase. Extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum thus adversely affects the growth and metabolism of Culex quinquefasciatus, leading to larval mortality.