A recent study has revealed that cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp leaves can effectively eliminate both susceptible and pesticide-resistant yellow fever mosquito larvae, achieving a 100% mortality rate within 48 hours of application.
Researchers from The Ohio State University conducted experiments using air-dried hemp leaves pulverized into a fine powder and soaked in methanol to extract CBD. This CBD-rich extract was then applied to mosquito larvae, resulting in complete mortality within two days.
Lead author Erick J. Martínez Rodríguez, a graduate student in entomology, noted that mosquitoes are among the deadliest animals globally due to their role as vectors for diseases. He emphasized the significance of finding effective and sustainable methods to control mosquito populations.
This discovery is particularly noteworthy given the growing issue of insecticide resistance among mosquito populations. The study suggests that hemp extracts and CBD could serve as valuable biopesticides, offering an alternative to traditional chemical insecticides.
The potential of CBD as a natural insecticide represents a significant advancement in pest control strategies, aligning with the global movement towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Further research is underway to explore the practical applications of CBD in mosquito control and its effectiveness in various environmental conditions.
This development marks a promising step forward in combating mosquito-borne diseases and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, highlighting the ongoing efforts to harness natural compounds for public health benefits.
Source. Martínez Rodríguez EJ, Phelan PL, Canas L, Acosta N, Rakotondraibe HL, Piermarini PM. Larvicidal Activity of Hemp Extracts and Cannabidiol against the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti. Insects. 2024; 15(7):517. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070517. 10 July 2024.
Edited by Ansh Pincha.
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