Pars Journal of Medical Sciences

Comparing larvicidal effect of methanol extract of the aerial parts of oleander (Nerium oleander L.) and henbane (Hyoscyamus niger L.) plants on Culex spp larvae

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Culex spp is the prevalent in many tropical countries, is causing filarial fever among human beings. The easiest way to prevent this disease is to eliminate the vector. In this study, we used the extract of aerial parts of Hyoscyamus niger and Nerium oleander, to destroy the larvae of this vector and the results of these two plants were compared together.

Materials and methods: Collected and dried aerial parts of the plant were extracted using methanol, solvent was then removed with a rotary evaporator. Mosquito larvae were collected and identified from stagnant water pits and ponds around the Birjand, Iran; The larvae were then placed on a plate containing a certain concentration of the extract of oleander or henbane separately, and their mortality were recorded and analyzed.

Results: H. niger  and N. oleander extract of aerial parts both had a positive effect on the elimination of larvae of the Culex spp. Among the results, the flower extract of henbane was the most powerful extract after 72 hours to eliminate the larvae of Culex spp (LC50= 0/46 ppm) and the stem extract of henbane was the weakest one (LC50= 37/57 ppm).

Conclusion: Due to strong larvicidal effect of the extract of henbane in 72 hours than other extracts, suggesting that the extract of henbane can be used as an organic pesticide to eliminate Culex spp larvae.

Keywords

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