Larvicidal effect of Mundulea sericea (Leguminosaea) plant extract against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Abstract
Introduction
The medical importance of mosquitoes as vectors for
the transmission of serious diseases that cause
morbidity, mortality, economic loss, and social
disruption such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and
viral diseases is well recorded (Becker et al, 2003).
Aedes aegypti, the main carrier for viruses that cause
dengue and dengue hemorrhagic and yellow fevers, is
found majorly in the tropics and subtropics. There is no
effective vaccine against dengue, and thus the only way
of significantly lowering the incidence of this disease is
through mosquito control (Malavige et al, 2004).
Chemical measures were first tried, but they failed since
their overuse led to disruption of natural biological
control systems and outbreak of new insect species. In
addition, use of insecticides led to the development of
mosquito resistance, environmental pollution, and
undesirable effect on non-target organisms (Brown,
1986). In a bid to resolve these problems, interest in
insecticides of natural origin, specifically plant-derived
products has recently received close attention.
Several studies have emphasized the importance of
research and development of herbal substances for
controlling mosquitoes (Shaala et al, 2005). Their
results may vary, but natural plant products may be a
possible alternative to synthetic substances, as they are
effective and compatible with human and animal life
and the environment (Chaithong et al, 2006).
The genus Mundulea consists of about 15 species,
widespread throughout Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius,
India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. Only a single
species, Mundulea sericea, is found in Southern Africa.
This species occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia
and Angola, north to tropical Africa, and east to
Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea
(Watt and Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).
Mundulea sericea is one of the commonest fish poisons
where both bark and seeds are used (Neuwinger, 2004).
In addition, the Chinese used M. sericea to control
tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (Lepidopteriae:
Noctuidae) (Yoshida and Toscano, 1994).
The toxic principal of the plant is rotenone, an
isoflavonoid (Vedcourt and Trump, 1969). The
rotenoids deguelin and tephrosin are the potent active
principles which have been isolated from extracts of M.
sericea (Luyengi et al, 1994). Deguelin is a natural plantderived
rotenoid, most commonly used as an insecticide
in Africa and South America (Udeani et al, 1997).
Rotenoids from the bark of M. sericea have been
commercially used as insecticide. These chemical
compounds in the bark, leaves and seed are the active
compounds responsible for the fish poison. It is
reported that the strength varies geographically (Watt
and Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).
The current study involved extraction and evaluation of
root bark and seedpod of M. sericea for larvicidal
activities on Aedes aegypt.
The medical importance of mosquitoes as vectors for
the transmission of serious diseases that cause
morbidity, mortality, economic loss, and social
disruption such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and
viral diseases is well recorded (Becker et al, 2003).
Aedes aegypti, the main carrier for viruses that cause
dengue and dengue hemorrhagic and yellow fevers, is
found majorly in the tropics and subtropics. There is no
effective vaccine against dengue, and thus the only way
of significantly lowering the incidence of this disease is
through mosquito control (Malavige et al, 2004).
Chemical measures were first tried, but they failed since
their overuse led to disruption of natural biological
control systems and outbreak of new insect species. In
addition, use of insecticides led to the development of
mosquito resistance, environmental pollution, and
undesirable effect on non-target organisms (Brown,
1986). In a bid to resolve these problems, interest in
insecticides of natural origin, specifically plant-derived
products has recently received close attention.
Several studies have emphasized the importance of
research and development of herbal substances for
controlling mosquitoes (Shaala et al, 2005). Their
results may vary, but natural plant products may be a
possible alternative to synthetic substances, as they are
effective and compatible with human and animal life
and the environment (Chaithong et al, 2006).
The genus Mundulea consists of about 15 species,
widespread throughout Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius,
India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. Only a single
species, Mundulea sericea, is found in Southern Africa.
This species occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia
and Angola, north to tropical Africa, and east to
Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea
(Watt and Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).
Mundulea sericea is one of the commonest fish poisons
where both bark and seeds are used (Neuwinger, 2004).
In addition, the Chinese used M. sericea to control
tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (Lepidopteriae:
Noctuidae) (Yoshida and Toscano, 1994).
The toxic principal of the plant is rotenone, an
isoflavonoid (Vedcourt and Trump, 1969). The
rotenoids deguelin and tephrosin are the potent active
principles which have been isolated from extracts of M.
sericea (Luyengi et al, 1994). Deguelin is a natural plantderived
rotenoid, most commonly used as an insecticide
in Africa and South America (Udeani et al, 1997).
Rotenoids from the bark of M. sericea have been
commercially used as insecticide. These chemical
compounds in the bark, leaves and seed are the active
compounds responsible for the fish poison. It is
reported that the strength varies geographically (Watt
and Breyer-Brandwick, 1962).
The current study involved extraction and evaluation of
root bark and seedpod of M. sericea for larvicidal
activities on Aedes aegypt.
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