Larvicidal effects of ethanol extracts on leaves and fruits of <i>Physalis angulata</i> L. on the larvae of <i>Anopheles</i> mosquitoes from Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The larvicidal activities of ethanol extracts of leaves and fruits of Physalis angulata L. on the larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes were investigated. Larval mortalities were recorded within 30 minutes of contact with the plant extracts. Leaf extracts of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations caused 61%, 80% 91% and 92% mortalities while the same concentrations o fruit extracts caused 38%, 47%, 72% and 83% mortalties respectively. A combination of leaf and fruit extracts exerted synergistic effects and caused higher mortality rates of 67%, 84%, 91% and 95% mortalties at the same concentrations and time. The results also showed that the larvicidal effects of the leaf, fruit and synergy extracts increased wth increase in concentration. Significant result was observed for the synergy with 20% extract causing 95% mortality. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the leaf, fruit and synergy extracts. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid (2.0%), cyanide (0.30%), flavonoid (15.5%), phytate (0.02%), saponin (2.0%) and tannin (0.05%) in the leaf and 0.01%, 0.2%, 13.2%0.01%, 1% 0.03% respectivelyinthe fruit

Keywords: Larvicidal, Effects, Physalis angulata, Anopheles, Synergy, Ebonyi State