Larvicidal and pupicidal activities of Pisonia alba leaf extracts against Aedes aegypti supported by GC–MS analysis and molecular docking

Abstract Background Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus pose persistent global health threats, necessitating environmentally friendly vector control strategies. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of methanolic extracts of Pisonia alba leaves against Aedes aegypti larvae and pupae, highlighting their role in reducing reliance on conventional chemical pesticides. Methods Leaves of P. alba were extracted using methanol, followed by fractionation via column chromatography, which produced 80 fractions later combined into 13 groups based on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) profiles. Bioassays were conducted at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 ppm, with Azadirachtin as the positive control and 1% aqueous DMSO as the negative control. The most active fractions were further analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and evaluated using molecular docking studies. Results Fractions VII and XIII exhibited the highest larvicidal and pupicidal activities. The LC 50 for fraction VII was 2.78 ppm (larvae), while for fraction XIII, it was 3.265 ppm (pupae). GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytochemicals with potential bioactivity. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of identified compounds with insect-specific molecular targets, supporting their potential as bioinsecticidal agents. Conclusion Pisonia alba leaf extracts demonstrate significant larvicidal and pupicidal activity against Aedes aegypti , with fractions VII and XIII showing the highest efficacy. Integration of bioassays, GC–MS profiling, and molecular docking provides a comprehensive framework for identifying promising plant-based compounds. These findings support further development of biopesticide formulations for sustainable mosquito control. This study provides foundational evidence for the development of P. alba -based bioinsecticides, highlighting their potential to reduce reliance on conventional chemical pesticides and contribute to eco-friendly vector management strategies.