Toxicity of essential oils from orange (Citrus sinesis L. Obbeck) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus L. Rendle) on Aedes aegypti a vector of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Abstract

Aedes aegypti mosquito is one of common vectors for the pathogens of different diseases like dengue hemmorrhagic fever. The most common approach to vector-borne disease is by chemical control, mostly through the use of insecticides. As compared to synthetic pesticides, essential oils (EOs) are ecologically safe, have no mammalian toxicity or the chances of development of resistance are reasonable and highly popular with the organic growers. This research has studied the larvacidal activity of essential oil from orange (Citrus sinesis L. Obbeck) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus L. Rendle). Orange and lemongrass cleaned and cut into small pieces, dried and then blended to obtain crude drug samples. Samples distilled with the Stahl distillation method for 4 hours. Furthermore, terpenoids phytochemical test and test against larvae of Aedes aegypti larvicides to obtain the LC50 value. The yield of essential oil of orange (Citrus sinensis L Obbeck) obtained is 6.84%, while the essential oils of lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus L. Rendle) was 0.96%. In the phytochemical test essential oils either of orange peel and lemongrass showed terpenoids. From the GCMS data, an essential oil from orange and lemongrass contain citronellal and limonene. Citronellal compound acts as an insecticide ingredient that works as an antifeedant and repellent. An essential oil from orange and lemongrass are toxic, with LC50 values obtained from lemongrass 35.133 ppm is smaller than the orange is 790.935 ppm. The essential oil of lemongrass more toxic than the essential oil of orange. Both of essential oils can be used as a green pesticide candidates.