PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY ON THE WHOLE PLANT OF BARLERIA CUSPIDATA ETHANOLIC EXTRACT

Introduction: Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting several life-threatening diseases worldwide, which poses a significant societal burden. It is crucial to control these mosquito vectors to prevent the transmission of diseases. In this regard the present work focused on phytochemical screening and larvicidal activity on the whole plant of Barleria cuspidate ethanolic extract. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Barleria cuspidata was prepared by successive extraction using the maceration method. The larvicidal activity of different concentrations (20 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml, 60 mg/ml, 80 mg/ml, and 100 mg/ml) was assessed against 4th instar Aedes aegypti. Mortality rates were recorded after 24 hrs and 48 hrs to evaluate the larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti.  Results: The phytochemical screening of Barleria cuspidata ethanolic extracts revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Saponins, Flavonoids, Steroids, and Tannins. At a concentration of 100 mg/ml, the extract demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect, with mortality rates of 84% and 93% observed at 24 and 48 hours respectively. In contrast, no mortality was observed in the control group, indicating that the observed effects were specifically due to the extract. The LC50 values, representing the concentration at which 50% of larvae were killed, were found to be 68 mg/ml at 24 hrs and 54 mg/ml at 48 hrs. These results indicate a time dependent decrease in LC50, suggesting an increase in potency of the extract over time. Conclusion: The results therefore clearly indicate ethanolic extract of Barleria cuspidata that possesses larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti.