Evidence Based Efficacy of Selected Herbal Extracts Against (Say) Larvae.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chemical insecticides have some limitations in vectors control such as the emergence of resistance in vector mosquitoes to conventional synthetic insecticides. It aimed to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy and phytochemical potential of Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus and Allium sativum L. against ulex quinquefasciatus fourth instar larvae.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The plants were screened and evaluated for their phytochemical composition and larvicidal effects on . quinquefasciatus larvae.

RESULTS

The bioassay results showed that the effects were dependent on time and concentration of the extract used. Results showed the least lethal dose value for ethanolic extract of . citrates (72 h exposure) and the highest value for aqueous extract of A. indica (24 h exposure). Chi-square values were significant at p<0.05. Phytochemical analysis showed phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and resins in all the three plants. However, tannins were absent in A. indica and A. sativum, while balsam was only present in A. indica. Saponins, balsam and phenols were not found in A. sativum. Phenols were also absent in . citratus. Terpenes, steroids and resins were absent A. indica.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study revealed that these herbal extracts constitute an effective eco-friendly approach for the control of . quinquefasciatus larvae.