Phytochemical composition of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), and Argel (Solenostemma argel L.) and their biocidal activity against mosquitoes larvae

Abstract

Mosquitoes are worldwide insect-borne disease caused agents. Malaria is wide spread in tropical and subtropical regions. This work aim to determine the phytochemical composition of Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Argel (Solenostemma argel) and to test their biocidal activity against mosquitoes larvae. Plant materials were brought from within Wad Medani City, Gezira State, Sudan, while Anopheles and Culex larvae were brought from the insectary of Blue Nile Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Gezira. In this study the standard methods for phytochemical screening were followed to determine the presence of the main classes, also the WHO (2012) procedure to test the toxic product against mosquitoes larvae was also followed. The results showed that, neem leaves and Argel shared the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids and alkaloids. The hydro-ethanol extract of Neem leaves reflected LC50 =278, 63 mg/L against Anopheles larvae, while that of the Culex was 356.22 mg/L after 24 hours. The hydro-ethanol extract of Argel leaves reflected LC50 = 265.49 mg/L against Anopheles larvae, while that of the Culex was 349.58 mg/L after 24 hours. Also Anopheles larvae were more susceptible than Culex larvae. The effort of testing the available plant product to combat insect pests and vectors should not ignore.