Efficacy of Phyllanthus urinaria extracts against the larvae of filariasis vector mosquito Culex spp. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The rising demand for sustainable mosquito control strategies has increased interest in plant-derived larvicides. This study assessed the larvicidal efficacy of Phyllanthus urinaria extracts against Culex mosquito larvae. Plant materials were extracted using five solvents-acetone, 70% ethanol, chloroform, benzene, and water. Larval mortality was evaluated after 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of exposure at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 ppm. Among the tested extracts, the chloroform extract exhibited the highest larvicidal activity, with LC₅₀ values of 5.40, 5.19, 8.52, 4.92, and 12.97 ppm at the respective time intervals. These results emphasize the influence of solvent polarity on the extraction of bioactive compounds responsible for larvicidal action. Overall, the findings suggest that locally available weeds such as P. urinaria can serve as eco-friendly and effective alternatives to conventional chemical insecticides in mosquito vector control programs.