Mosquitocidal and water purification properties of Ocimum sanctum and Phyllanthus emblica

Abstract

<em>Ocimum sanctum</em> was tested for its larvicidal and water sedimentation properties; the fruit ethanol and methanol extracts of <em>Phyllanthus emblica </em>were tested for phytochemical, larvicidal, oviposition-deterrent and ovicidal activities. Results emphasized that plant extracts have high toxicity against the egg and larvae of the malarial vector <em>Anopheles stephensi</em> and also have water sedimentation properties. LC<sub>50</sub> of <em>Phyllanthus emblica </em>against <em>Anopheles stephensi </em>larvae ranged from 33.08 ppm to 81.26 ppm and from 23.44 to 54.19 ppm for ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively. <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em> also showed excellent ovipositional deterrent and ovicidal activities. The oviposition activity index value of ethanol and methanol extracts of Phyllanthus emblica at 500 ppm were -0.80 and -0.92, respectively. <em>Ocimum sanctum</em> includes both insecticidal secondary compounds, amino acids (glycine, lysine), vitamin C and other substances, that make treated water suitable for human consumption. Water quality parameters such as color, turbidity and pH were analyzed in the water samples (pre-treatment and post-treatment of plant extracts) taken from the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Hence, the plant product can be used as both mosquitocidal and water purifier.