Pesticidal and antioxidant activity of solvent extracts of pods and leaves of <em>Psophocarpus tetragonolobus</em> (Winged Bean)

The demand for natural pesticides and antioxidants is rising due to the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals on human health and the environment. Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (winged bean), a tropical legume, is recognized as a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the pesticidal and antioxidant potential of hot water, cold water, and water: acetone (1:1) crude extracts of pods and leaves of P. tetragonolobus. The pesticidal activity was tested against Aphis fabae (black aphids), while antioxidant activity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Phytochemical screening was also conducted to identify the compounds present. Among the extracts, water: acetone extracts exhibited the highest pesticidal activity, causing 100% mortality of A. fabae at 10,000 mg L⁻¹ for both pods and leaves. Toxicity was concentration- and time-dependent, with LD₅₀ values of 202.50 mg L⁻¹ at 12 hours and 162.26 mg L⁻¹ at 24 hours for leaves. Water: acetone extracts also showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 356.76 mg L⁻¹ and 395.90 mg L⁻¹, TPC of 241.50 mg(GAE)/g and 159.83 mg(GAE)/g, TFC of 125.60 mg(QUE)/g and 100.60 mg(QUE)/g, and TAC of 245.63 mg(AAE)/g and 212.74 mg(AAE)/g for leaves and pods, respectively. These findings highlight the potent pesticidal and antioxidant properties of water: acetone extracts of P. tetragonolobus, suggesting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives for pest management and natural antioxidant sources.