Evaluation of bio-insecticidal capacity of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) plants using GC-MS and phytochemical techniques

Abstract

Plant-based pesticides are gaining attention as safe, effective, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-insecticidal capacity of Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) plants using GC-MS and phytochemical techniques and also mosquito's larvae as bioindicators. The phytochemical screening and the biological effect tests were run at Basic Sciences Laboratories, whereas GC-MS applications were run at the Central Laboratory, University of Gezira. The results showed that, Cannabis seeds contained flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids, and separated 5 spots through TLC. The GC-MS tests of Cannabis seeds detected Dronabinol (41.46%) as the main component, followed by Cannabinol (10.38%), Phytol (2.86%), Vitamin E (2.27%) and Caryophylene (2.07%). The ethanol extract of Cannabis seeds reflected LC50 of 218.1 mg/L, after 24. The more potent spot of Cannabis seeds was (3) against Anopheles larvae, but only spot (4) was more potent against Culex larvae and spot (5) against Aedes larvae. After one week of submission to Cannabis seed ethanol extract, the survived Anopheles larvae was 6.7%, while no survived Culex larvae, whereas 13.3% of Aedes larvae survived. Field assessment should be run to evaluate the sustainability of this products.