Evaluation of <i>Dracaena loureiri</i> Stem and Leaf Extracts for their Larvicidal Activity Against <i>Aedes aegypti</i>

Insecticides have long been utilized to combat mosquito-borne diseases, but concerns over environmental impact and resistance have prompted exploration of plant-derived alternatives. This study assessed the larvicidal potential of stem and leaf extracts obtained from Dracaena loureiri. Crude ethanolic extracts underwent larvicidal activity testing against Aedes aegypti larvae. The crude leaf extract exhibited significant efficacy, with LC50 values of 309.71 mg/ l (24 h) and 232.58 mg/ l (48 h), whereas the stem extract displayed no activity. Fractionation by column chromatography was performed on the crude extract exhibiting promising activity, followed by a re-evaluation of its efficacy. Two fractions obtained from the leaf extract demonstrated potent larvicidal properties: RC-DT 038 yielded LC50 values of 163.15 mg/ l (24 h) and 138.01 mg/ l (48 h), while RC-DT 040 exhibited LC50 values of 274.25 mg/ l (24 h) and 257.65 mg/ l (48 h). The results suggest the presence of larvicidal bioactive compounds specific to the leaves.