Hemp extracts show promise in battling mosquitoes

Recent research reveals that hemp leaf extracts, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may offer a natural solution to combat one of the world’s most dangerous pests—mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are the main vectors responsible for the transmission of malaria, a disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people yearly, with Nigeria having some of the world’s heaviest burden.

Published in the journal Insects, the study found that CBD, a compound commonly used for its therapeutic benefits, can effectively kill mosquito larvae within 48 hours, even in strains resistant to traditional insecticides.

Erick Martinez Rodriguez, the study’s lead author and entomology graduate student at The Ohio State University, spoke of the significance of controlling mosquitoes in their larval stage.

“It’s very important to be able to control these pests at an early stage, when they are at their most vulnerable,” Martinez Rodriguez was quoted by the science website, Earth, as saying.

Adult mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases across vast areas, pose a significant health risk, but the larvae, typically found in stationary water, are also a major challenge.

The overuse of synthetic insecticides has led to widespread resistance among mosquito populations, making the search for alternatives urgent. Hemp, a relative of cannabis, offers a sustainable and natural solution.

Unlike cannabis, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, and is widely grown for its CBD content.

CBD, unlike THC, does not cause a high and is commonly used for its potential health benefits such as pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

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The researchers tested hemp’s insecticidal properties by creating an extract from dried hemp leaves soaked in methanol. The results were remarkable—CBD proved lethal to mosquito larvae even in small quantities, bypassing the larvae’s resistance to other insecticides.

The findings mark a breakthrough in the quest for natural alternatives to chemical insecticides.

Professor Peter Piermarini, co-author of the study, highlighted the potential safety of CBD for humans and animals. However, the researchers noted the need for further studies to ensure its safety for non-target species, such as pollinators like honey bees.

As scientists continue to explore hemp’s role in pest management, there are also environmental concerns to consider.

Future research will focus on understanding how CBD-based insecticides might interact with ecosystems and biodiversity, especially in aquatic habitats where mosquito larvae thrive.

The study opens new possibilities for eco-friendly, sustainable pest control methods, signalling the dawn of a new era in natural insecticides.