A comparative study on mussaenda erythrophylla leaves extract for larvicidal properties

Abstract

Medicinal plants serve humankind with its wide diversity of applications in various areas of disease and disorders. Mussaenda erythrophylla Schumach. & Thonn. (rubiaceae), is largely known plant for its ornamental properties throughout the southern parts of India. Mosquitoes are found to be the major source for diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, malaria, etc., The present study aims at evaluating the larvicidal potential of Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of Mussaenda erythrophylla leaves at 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 µg/ml against third and fourth instar larvae (Aedes aegypti). The larvicidal potential was assessed for 24hrs at the various interval, and percentage mortality was noted. All four extracts found to possess poor larvicidal properties. Mussaenda erythrophylla Schumach. & Thonn. leaves extract is not a suitable crude drug of choice for larvicidal properties.