Phytochemical constituents and larvicidal activity of Ruta graveolens, Ruta montana and Artemisia absinthium hydro-methanolic extract against mosquito vectors of avian plasmodium (Culiseta longiareolata)

Abstract

This study evaluated the larvicidal efficacy of the methanolic extract of Ruta graveolens, Ruta montana and Artemisia absinthium against fourth instar larvae of Culiseta longiareolata (Aitken, 1954). Qualitative analysis of the plants revealed that flavonoids, Catechictannins, steroids were present in all three plant extracts. Alkaloids present only in R. montana and R. graveolens. The larvicidal activities of the leaf extracts were studied under laboratory conditions on the fourth instar larvae of Cs. longiareolata at a concentration ranging from 16 to 467 ppm. The result of this study indicated that the values LC 25 , LC 50 and LC 90 of the methanolic extract of leaves obtained after 24 h were, respectively, 113.2, 199.5 and 620.2 ppm for A. absinthium , 53.14, 97.74and 330.6 ppm for R. montana . While the methanolic extract of R. graveolens exhibited a higher degree of potency with low LC 25 , LC 50 and LC 90 of 25.14, 43.24 and 127.9 ppm, respectively. The morphometric measurements carried out on larvae treated with LC 50 of the three plants revealed a decrease in growth for the various stages studied (larvae, pupae, male and female adults). In addition, it significantly reduces the body content of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids of the various stages studied. The extracts of the three plants cause an extension of the development time for larvae and pupae. In summary, this study reports the larvicidal effects of R. graveolens, R. montana and A. absinthium against Cs. longiareolata larvae which may serve as an alternative to synthetic pesticides in Algeria. • The hydro-methanolic extracts of R.graveolens, R. montana and A.absinthium have larvicidal effects against mosquitoes. • Methanolic extracts from the three plants affected development time and growth in post-embryonic stages. • Biochemical changes in individuals treated with the extracts. • The hydro methanolic extract of R. graveolens, R. montana and A. absinthium can be used in the fight against C. longiareolata .