Evaluation of indigenous plant extracts against the malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi (Liston) (Diptera: Culicidae).

Since ancient times, plant and microbial products were used in various aspects. However, their use against insects decreased when chemical products became developed. Recently, concerns increased with respect to public health and environmental security requiring detection of natural products that may be used against insects. In this study, mosquito Larvicidal and ovicidal activity of crude hexane, ethyl acetate, benzene, chloroform, and methanol extracts of the leaf of three plants, Eclipta alba, Cardiospermum halicacabum, and Andrographis paniculata, were tested against the early third-instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi (Liston) (Diptera: Culicidae). The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. All extracts showed moderate larvicidal effects; however, the highest larval mortality was found in methanol extract of A. paniculata, E. alba, and C. halicacabum against the larvae of A. stephensi (LC(50) = 79.68, 112.56, and 133.01 ppm; LC(90) = 154.66, 220.68, and 270.72 ppm), respectively. Mean percent hatchability of the ovicidal activity was observed 48 h post-treatment. The percent hatchability was inversely proportional to the concentration of extract and directly proportional to the eggs. Mortality of 100% with methanol and ethyl acetate extract of A. paniculata and methanol extract of E. alba were exerted at 200 ppm and methanol and benzene extract of C. halicacabum exerted at 150 ppm. This is an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the malaria vector, A. stephensi. Therefore, this study provides first report on the larvicidal and ovicidal activities against malaria vector, A. stephensi of E. alba plant extracts.