Abstract:
Studies on the larvicidal properties of extracts and fractions from Kotschya
uguenensis Verdc. were done by long-term exposure of Anopheles gambiae s.s. larvae. The
cumulative mean percentage mortalities and deformities at different concentrations for
the extracts and fractions were recorded after every 24 h. Treatment of A. gambiae s.s. larvae
with K. uguenensis extracts showed growth disruption by forming elongated guts and
resulting in eventual death. Larvae treated with the methanol extracts from the stem and
root barks, and fractions of the former extract attained complete mortality in 6–8 days at 50
and 100 ppm. More deformed larvae were observed from the methanol extract of the stem
bark (40%) and methanol-soluble fraction (88%) than those treated with water-soluble
fraction (22%) and methanol extract of the root bark (5%). The growth disruption may be
associated with constituents in the plant that interfere with the normal endocrine system
functions.
