Abstract
Mormodica charantia (Curcubitaceae) is a plant with great medicinal potential, also used as an alternative of mosquitoes control as demonstrated by previous studies. We evaluated the larvicidal activity of crude extracts of ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane from flowers and fruits of M. charantia against Aedes aegypti (Culicidae). Flowers and fruits were macerated in methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane. Bioassays were performed with application of the extracts at final concentrations of 1 - 200 µg/mL in the middle of the third instar larvae of A. aegypti (L3). The results showed high toxicity to ethyl acetate extracts from flowers and fruits at concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, with 97% and 87% of larvae mortality (L3), respectively. Hexane extract demonstrated low toxicity, while methanol extract exhibited 78% larval mortality. The data suggested that the ethyl acetate extracts of flowers and fruits of M. charantia can effectively contribute to larvicidal activity. In addition, purification of M. charantia extracts may lead to a promising larvicidal activity to control the A. aegypti population.
Highlights
Plants are a rich source of chemical bioactive compounds that can act towards insect control
M. charantia is of African origin and can be found in several countries, including
Flowers and fruits (EFF) of M. charantia were used in combination to obtain the plant extracts
Summary
Plants are a rich source of chemical bioactive compounds that can act towards insect control. Brazil, where it has become popular under the names Melão-de-São-Caetano, Erva de lavadeira, Fruto de cobra and Erva de São Vicente, among others (Zocoler et al, 2006) It is known as a traditional medicinal fruit and represents an alternative for studies on controlling disease-causing vectors, since this plant presents a range of therapeutic properties, including anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimalarial and other activities (Jia et al, 2017).
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