Evaluation of larvicidal potential of Eritrean medicinal plants against .

Larvicidal activity of three Eritrean medicinal plants was evaluated against by conducting the bioassay using WHO methods. Efficacy of the plant extracts of and was evaluated against 3rd instar larvae and mortality was recorded. LC and LC of the various plant extracts were also calculated using probit analysis. The morphological analysis of treated larvae was also performed. Extracts of and were prepared using different solvents viz chloroform, 70% ethanol and water. Of the screened extracts, the chloroform extracts of exhibited the highest larvicidal activities and has the minimum LC and LC (24 mg/ml and 198.411 mg/ml respectively). Chloroform extract of exhibited the least larvicidal activity with maximum LC and LC (736.883 mg/ml and 1188.699 mg/ml respectively). Microscopic analysis confirmed the changes in the larvae caused by various plants extracts. An accumulation of dark pigmentation was observed in abdominal region and in the anal papillae after contact and also showed major structural damage such as destruction of the gut.