Journal Article

Bio-Potency of Hyptis suaveolens Leaf on the Larvicidal Stages of Development of Anopheles Mosquitoes

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most severe public health concerns worldwide. It is highly endemic particularly in Africa, where Nigeria has the greatest burden. Hyptis suaveolens is one of the most important traditional medicinal plants used to repel insects. The study was conducted with the aim of determining the bio-potent larvicidal ability of Hyptis suaveolens fresh leaves on the various developmental stages of Larva of Anopheles mosquitoes, using ethanol extract and crushed leaf paste. The result of the ethanol crude extract against the instar larvae at 0.5 mg and 1.0mg concentration showed significant difference in mortality rates between the two samples (p<0.005). At 0.1 mg and 0.2 mg the larvae were resistant at 1hr and at 3hrs respectively but became susceptible at 6hrs with a mortality rate of 75 %. The fresh leaves showed significant increase in susceptibility of the larvae at 5.0mg concentration with a mortality rate of 0.50 % at 12hr. At 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, the mortality rate of the fresh leaf aqueous solution was 0.50 % at 24 hr. From the results obtained, Hyptis suaveolens ethanolic extract and fresh leaves could be applied as potential measures to control malaria vector right from the larvae stage of development. Further research should be carried out on the application and utilization of fresh leaves using improved technique.

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