Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3840

Short Communication

Larvicidal activities of ethanol extract of Allium sativum (garlic bulb) against the filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus

I. G. Kalu1*, U. Ofoegbu1, J. Eroegbusi2, C. U. Nwachukwu3 and B. Ibeh4
1Department of Biotechnology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 2Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. 3Department of Biology, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 4Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 10 September 2009
  •  Published: 18 March 2010

Abstract

Vector control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative biocontrol techniques in the future. Garlic bulbs are common and widely distributed in many parts of Nigeria with medicinal properties, but the larvicidal activity of this plant has not been reported so far. Ethanol extract of Allium sativum (garlic bulb) was evaluated for larvicidal activities against the filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h treatment. The LC50 values calculated for the second, third and fourth larval instars were 144.54 ± 2.3, 165.70 ± 1.2 and 184.18 ± 0.8 ppm respectively. The results obtained show that this plant material exhibited significant activity and could be considered as potent natural larvicidal agent.

 

Key words: Culex quinquefasciatus larvae, garlic bulb extract, larvicidal activity.