Evidence based efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts against Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) larvae

Abstract

Background and Objective: Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, which cause millions of deaths every year. Their increasing resistance to chemical insecticides has reinforced their roles as vectors. Plants may be alternative sources of mosquito control agents. It aimed to examine the larvicidal effects of Tamarix aphylla (Caryophyllales: Tamaricaceae), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Lamiales: Bignoniaceae) and Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) extracts on Culex quinquefasciatus. Materials and Methods: The plants were screened and evaluated for their phytochemical composition and identified larvicidal effects on C. quinquefasciatus larvae. Results: Ethanol leaf extracts of T. aphylla caused the highest mortality of C. quinquefasciatus larvae. It found that exposure to the three plant extracts for 72 h induced 100% larval mortality. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and polyphenols in all plant extracts, all of which were demonstrated as potential larvicides. Conclusion: These results revealed that the ethanolic leaf extracts of T. aphylla, J. mimosifolia and L. angustifolia can be used effectively as an ecofriendly, biodegradable and economical larvicide in integrated mosquito control programs.