Larvicidal activity of the methanol extract and fractions of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum (Solanaceae) against the vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Introduction: The larvicidal activity of Solanum lycocarpum against Culex quinquefasciatus is unknown. Methods: We evaluated the larvicidal activity of extracts of the green fruits of Solanum lycocarpum against third and fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus. Results: Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions showed the greatest larvicidal effect at 200mg/L (83.3% and 86.7%, respectively). The methanol and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanolic fractions demonstrated larvicidal effects against C. quinquefasciatus, with LC50 values of 126.24, 75.13, 83.15, and 207.05mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: Thus, when considering new drugs with larvicidal activity from natural products, S. lycocarpum fruits may be good candidate sources.