Larvicidal activity of ethanolic leaf and seed extract of Croton tiglium against Aedes aegypti

Aim and objectives: Mosquitoes are the transmitters of serious human diseases that cause millions of deaths every year. The use of synthetic insecticides causes harmful side effects to the environment and human health. So a natural alternative way is needed to solve this problem. Extracts from the various parts of plants like leaves, seeds, barks and roots can be used to control mosquitoes. This study aims to evaluate the larvicidal activity of ethanolic seed and leaf extracts of a traditionally used medicinal plant Croton tiglium, against Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue fever. Material and methods: In this study, extracts from the dried leaf and seed powder of the Croton tiglium plant were extracted using ethanol in a soxhlet apparatus. Different concentrations were prepared from the extracts. Third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were collected from the mosquito culture laboratory of the Life Sciences Department of Dibrugarh University. Prepared concentrations of the extracts were tested against the larvae of Aedes aegypti to evaluate the larvicidal activity by calculating percent mortality. Result: The ethanolic leaf and seed extracts of the selected plant were found effective against the larvae of Aedes aegypti. The 250 ppm concentration of both leaf and seed extracts showed the highest mortality of mosquito larva. The seed extract of this plant was found more effective in killing mosquito larva. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that the ethanolic leaf and seed extracts of Croton tiglium possess larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti. Hence, it could be useful in controlling mosquitoes without any harmful effects. However, further study and investigation will be needed to isolate and characterize bioactive components from this plant with larvicidal activity and the development of drugs for dengue from the components