One study found that the cannabidiol active compound found in cannabis plants, may be effective in killing mosquito larvae Aedes aegypti, responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, zika and chikungunya.
The research was published in the scientific journal Insects in July this year.
Mosquitoes that act as disease vectors for humans — among them the Aedes aegypti — are becoming increasingly resistant to traditional synthetic insecticides and pesticides, which has led scientists to search for new alternatives.
Hemp leaves — one of the variations of Cannabis sativa, same plant as marijuana — were shown to be 100% effective in killing dengue mosquito larvae within 48 hours of exposure, even those that proved resistant to other pesticides.
The study also concluded that the main compound responsible for the hemp leaf’s toxicity against lava was cannabidiol (CBD), indicating the potential of a new viable source of larvicides.
Although it is the same species as marijuana, hemp differs in that it does not have high levels of THC, the drug’s psychoactive compound. CBD, found in both hemp and marijuana, also does not have a psychoactive effect.
Neurologist explains difference between THC and CBD
This content was originally published in Cannabidiol is effective in killing dengue mosquito larvae, says study on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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