Larvicidal, Molluscicidal and Antitrichomonal effects of Methanolic Extract of <i>Lycopersicon Esculentum</i> Mill Leaf from South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Lycopersicon esculentum is used traditionally to treat skin infections among other uses. The methanolic extract was investigated for toxicity against Trichomonas gallinae , Aedes aegypti larvae and fresh water snail, Biomphilaria glabrata , using standard methods. Organisms were exposed to different concentrations of the extract and mortality observed accordingly. The result obtained showed concentration dependent mortality. The extract was toxic to Aedes aegypti larvae at concentrations between 1,500 – 5,600ppm with an LC₅₀ of 2736.3ppm and toxic to Biomphilaria glabrata at 500 – 1,250ppm with an LC₅₀ of 873.6ppm. The minimum lethal concentration (MLC) exhibited against Trichomonas gallinae was 31.25 ppm, while that of the standard drug, metronidazole, gave 0.625 ppm. The plant could be exploited in the control of schistosomiasis and trichomoniasis.

Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, larvicidal, antitrichomonas, molluscicidal