Screening the Larvicidal effect of Dawa-e-Hilteet using Instar larvae.

Objectives: Mosquitoes are the most common vector for transmitting causative agents from an infectious source to a susceptible host. The key tool for preventing the spread of infection is vector control. Mosquito control is achieved by a variety of means, including personal protection, the use of synthetic insecticides, and so on. Mosquito resistance to chemical insecticides has resulted in mosquito control failure all over the world. This study was done to evaluate the mosquito larvicide effect of Dawa-e-Hilteet to develop an effective herbal alternative for mosquito control.

Methods: Five different concentrations of Dawa-e-Hilteet in the range of 25-125 ppm were taken and subjected to bioassay against late third instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi. After 24 h, mortality response was observed and compared with Neem seeds extract. Log probit regression analysis was applied to the mortality data to calculate the median lethal concentrations LC50 and LC90 for the larvae subjected to the treatment.

Results: 91 % mortality in larvae of Female A. stephensi was recorded at 125 ppm of Dawa-e-Hilteet. The mortality percentage increased with the increase in concentration. Hydro alcoholic extract of Dawa-e-Hilteet revealed LC50 value at 66.799 ppm and LC90 value at 119.709 ppm.

Conclusions: Dawa-e-Hilteet extract exhibited larvicidal activity against late third instar larvae of Female A. stephensi and was found to be more potent than Neem extract.