Larvicidal properties of three plants on Anopheles gambiae

Abstract

The larvicidal and growth inhibitory properties of methanol extracts of the leaves, stem and root barks of Quassia africana (Simaroubaceae), the leaves and stem bark of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) and the leaves of Lippia multiflora (Verbanaceae), against Anopheles gambiae were evaluated in the laboratory. Extracs were applied at concentrations between 12.5 and 200 mg/ml in dechlorinated water. Larvicidal activity was concentration dependent. All extracts showed some larval toxicity after 24 hours of exposure, with the root and stem extracts of Q. africana producing 100% mortality at 50 mg/ml. Extracts also affected pupal development. No larvae exposed to Q. africana developed into pupae while development was also curtailed when exposed to K. senegalensis and L. multiflora extracts. Larvicidal activity was concentration dependent. These plants could be sources of botanical insecticides for malarial control.Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources, Vol. 6 no. 2, pp. 50-53 (September 2009)