Phytochemical and mosquito repellent and cytoxicity studies of Hyptis suaveolens leaves

Hyptis suaveolens, commonly known as "Pignut" or "Bushmint," is notable for its wide range of bioactive compounds and diverse pharmacological properties. The leaves of this plant are especially rich in phytochemicals that contribute to various beneficial pharmacological properties. One of the key properties of Hyptis suaveolens leaves is their ability to repel mosquitoes, making them a promising alternative source for controlling mosquito populations. The plant’s larvicidal and adulticidal properties offer potential in reducing the spread of malaria, a significant global health concern. This study focused on evaluating the phytochemical content, mosquito repellent effectiveness, and cytotoxicity of methanol extracts from Hyptis suaveolens leaves. Standard qualitative methods were used for phytochemical screening, and the repellent activity was assessed through a human-bait technique against female Anopheles mosquitoes. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, triterpenes, phenols and carbohydrates. The repellent activity of the leaf extract was tested in multiple concentrations (6.012, 12.25, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL), showing strong repellent effects with a complete protection time (CPT) ranging from 40 to 45 seconds against adult mosquitoes. Additionally, the extract exhibited notable toxicity against brine shrimp larvae, further supporting its potential as a natural insecticide. In conclusion, Hyptis suaveolens leaves contain a rich array of phytochemicals with both mosquito repellent and toxicological properties. These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of the plant’s active compounds for their potential use in sustainable pest management.