Phytochemistry and larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi

Abstract

To determine phytochemistry and larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against Anopheles stephensi. The chemical compositions of the leaf essential oils were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The larvicidal activity of essential oils and extract of leaf were tested against 4th instar larvae of laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi. GC/MS analyses identified the presence of 28 compounds corresponding to 99.60% of the total oil. The main constituents in the leaf essential oil were 1,8-cineole (69.46%), γ –Terpinene (15.10%), α –Pinene (5.47%) and Globulol (2%). The leaf extract and volatile oil exerted significant larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 89.85 and 397.75 ppm, respectively. Clear dose-response relationships were established with the highest dose of 320 ppm essential oil extract resulted almost 100% mortality in the population. The larvicidal properties suggest that the essential oil of plant is a potential source of valuable larvicidal compounds against malaria vector and can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides.