Document heading
Control of human filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) through bioactive fraction of Cayratia trifolia leaf

https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60189-6Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the mosquito larvicidal activity of Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin (Vitaceae: Vitales) (C. trifolia) which is distributed in many parts of India with medicinal properties as vector control is facing threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides.

Methods

Young and mature leaves of C. trifolia were investigated for larvicidal activity against 3rd instars larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus in different seasons throughout the year. The active fractions were extracted using six different solvents in a non-polar to polar fashion viz petroleum-ether, benzene, chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v), acetone, absolute alcohol and distilled water. Dose dependent mortality was recorded against each solvent extract. Determination of LD50 and LD90 were executed through log-probit analysis using the most bioactive fraction. The fluctuations in mortality were statistically co-related through ANOVA analyses concerning different seasons and types of leaves as random variables. Justification of larvicidal activity was established through student's t-test. Costing effects were evaluated on the non-target water fauna under laboratory conditions. Thin layer chromatographic techniques were performed for phytochemical analysis and categorization of chemical personality of the active fractions using the most effective solvent extract following standard methods.

Results

Significant variations in mortality rate were noted with respect to the type of leaves (mature and senescence), concentration of leaf extract and between seasons. The water extract among all the solvent extracts was found to induce cent percent mortality at 50 mg/L in test mosquito species within 24 h with a LD50 and LD90 value of 10.70 mg/L and 27.64 mg/L respectively. No significant mortality was recorded in non-target water population. Chromatographic analyses of the water extract revealed the presence of steroids, triterpene glycosides, essential oil, phenolics and diterpenes as secondary phytochemicals.

Conclusions

Water extract of C. trifolia leaf promised as a cost effective and potent larvicidal agent against Culex quinquefasciatus.

References (21)

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Foundation Project: Supported by UGC DRS for kind financial support with the grant no: F.3-9/2012(SAP II).

Available online 28 Dec 2013

Peer reviewer Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, Nutriconnect and University of Western Sydney, Tel: +61-44915-4917, E-mail: [email protected]

Comments This research work has great commercial application in the field of vector control and human health and wellness. Although the authors used some old analytical techniques, still the outcome is very relevant. This outcome should be scale-up with industry collaboration in to market product.

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