Preliminary phytochemical profiling and ovicidal potential of Carica papaya leaf extracts against the filarial vector Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Mosquitoes play a predominant role in the transmission of many diseases. Repeated use of synthetic insecticides for mosquito control has disrupted natural biological control systems. One such possibility is the use of botanicals which are readily biodegradable, nontoxic and show broad spectrum target specific activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the ovicidal activity of extracts of Carica papaya leaf for their toxicity against the medicinally important vector mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus). The ovicidal activity was observed after 48h of exposure. Maximum egg mortality was observed in chloroform extract followed by ethanol and petroleum ether extracts. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extracts showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, saponins, anthroquinones, proteins and quinones. To conclude the present investigation leads the path of exploration of C. papaya for eradication of selected important human vector mosquito, thereby, gaining a real momentum to include this plant product for intense mosquito control programme.