Larvicidal activity of the fruit mesocarp extract of Balanites aegyptiaca and its saponin fractions against Aedes aegypti

The present study indicates the efficacy of the saponins fraction of the fruit mesocarp extract of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllace) as a larvicidal agent against the common dengue vector - Aedes aegypti mosquito. A series of concentrations of fruit mesocarp extract of B. aegyptiaca fruit, its crude saponin extract and pure saponin fraction were tested against the laboratory-reared third instars larvae and compared with their LC₅₀ values. The pure saponin fraction was found most active larvicidal, followed by crude saponin extract and mesocarp extract. The LC₅₀ values of pure saponin extract, crude saponin extract and mesocarp extract were 145, 315 and 935 ppm respectively. In separate experiments, concentrations of 35 ppm, 260 ppm and 850 ppm of pure saponin fraction, crude saponin extract and mesocarp extract respectively were found to inhibit the emergence of 50% of the tested larvae population (EC₅₀). The pure saponin fraction also interfered with adult emergence.