GCMS analysis and larvicidal activity of <i>Luffa cylindrica</i> leaf extracts against mosquito larvae from Wassa Internally Displaced Person Camp, Abuja, Nigeria

Purpose: The study evaluated the larvicidal activity of Luffa cylindrica leaf extracts against mosquito larvae from Wassa Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Camp, Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: Larvae were collected from Wassa IDP, Abuja, Nigeria and introduced into 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL of aqueous and methanol L. cylindrica leaf extracts, azadirachtin at 100 µg/mL, 1% DMSO and 1% Triton X100 were used as controls. Larvae mortality was monitored at 24, 48 and 72 hours. For pupae and mosquito emergence rate, the larvae were reared in the laboratory to pupae stage and then treated with 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL of aqueous and methanol L. cylindrica leaf extracts and the rate of mosquito emergence was monitored. Data were presented as mean and subjected to probit analysis to determine the LC50 and LC90 concentrations. The phytoconstituent of the methanol extract was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Results: At 72 hours, the methanol L. cylindrica extract recorded 46.88±15.46% larvae mortality rate compared with the aqueous L. cylindrica extract with 47.50±17.08%, azadirachtin with 72.50±32.02% and 100.00% mortality rate with triton X100 treatment respectively. The probit lethal concentration kills (LC50 and LC90) were found to be 609.86 and 10780.23 µg/mL for the methanol L. cylindrica extract and 415.68 and 7876.56 µg/mL for the aqueous L. cylindrica extract. The methanol extract had significantly (p<0.05) higher pupae mortality rate (83.33%) compared with the aqueous extract (53.33%) and a 16.67% mosquito emergence rate compared with 56.67% respectively. Identified phytoconstituents included 1-(4-nitrophenyl) piperazine, phenol, propanoic acid, carbamothioic acid, hexadecanoic acid and 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid. Conclusion: Luffa cylindrica leaf extracts are biodegradable and eco-friendly, which could serve as an important larvicidal source, preventing the emergence of adult mosquitoes.