A systematic review of Datura stramonium as a potential biocide for mosquito control

Abstract

Global burden of malaria reduction has been significantly slowed down by malaria vectors developing resistance to conventional chemical pesticides currently in use. Anopheles mosquitoes, which are malaria vectors, have over time developed coping mechanisms which can enable them to detoxify poisonous chemical pesticides meant to kill them consequently threatening the effectiveness of such control measures. Coupled with the danger of the chemical pesticides on the environment, attention is shifting to natural products that would successfully control malaria vectors particularly those that have developed bacteria-mediated resistance to conventional pesticides currently in use. A web-based literature search using scientific databases was explored to find data on the insecticidal and antibacterial properties of Datura stramonium. This was prompted by a dearth of information on alternative bio-pesticides that are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and with high toxicity on vectors. This review evaluated the potential of extracts of D. stramonium in different solvents as a biocide. A lot of research on D. stramonium extracts has focused more on its potential as a medicinal plant rather than as a biocide. This review outlines research evidence that D. stramonium has phytochemicals and bioactive compounds which are antibacterial, insecticidal, and anti-malarial. Not much studies have been done with Anopheles gambiae of confirmed resistance and its inhibition effect on mosquito bacterial community is not fully understood.