Effect of Phytochemical Components of The Leaf of <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> on the Development of <i>Anopheles Gambiae</i>

Abstract

Female Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, is a vector of Plasmodium falciparum accountable for malaria infection in man. The study investigated the use of phytochemicals from Moringa oleifera leaves, extracted with distilled and deionized water, to delay the vector's developmental stages. Extractions were applied to larvae and pupae of A. gambiae, with deionized water as a control. Observations of larvae and pupae development and mortality were recorded. Using ANOVA, the data was analysed to ascertain the significance (p < 0.05) of the larvae and pupae that remained active at various extracted phytochemical concentrations after the control stage. Extraction using deionized water was most effective at inhibiting development at 5 x 10-3 mg/ml, where 80% of the larvae were inhibited from developing to pupae, while extraction using distilled water was most effective at 5 x 10-2 mg/ml, where 70% were inhibited. Statistically, no significant difference was noted, between the extraction media (p= 0.737, 95% CI) after ninety-six hours, when control had developed to pupae. All inhibited larvae were still alive. The result of the larvicidal properties of M. oleifera leaf extracted with deionized water and distilled water revealed, 20 % mortality at the concentration of 5 x 10-3 mg/ml for deionized water while 30 % mortality was recorded at 5 x 10-2 mg/ml for distilled water. The activities of the extracted phytochemicals at inhibiting the development of larval and pupa stages of A. gambiae showed that the particles could be deployed for the control of mosquitoes.