Phytochemical screening and mosquito larvicidal activity of an Algerian Ruta graveolens hydro-methanolic extracts against Culiseta longiareolata

This study targeted to find biodegradable organic substances insecticides effective against the mosquitoes species and alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides. These substances must be non-harmful to humans and do not pollute the environment. For this reason, an in vitro test of insecticidal activity of the methanolic, extracted of Ruta graveolens, cultivated in Tebessa (East Algeria), was applied against larvae of Culiseta longiareolata. In addition, our research focused on the phytochemical screening of Ruta graveolens and examined its hydro-methanolic extract effect on biomarkers (GST and GSH). The results showed that R. graveolens leaf extract contained flavonoids, alkaloids, catechin tannins, terpenoids and steroids. The gallic tannins, quinones, and saponins were not detected. The extract has a very effective larvicidal activity with LC₅₀ of 33.06, 37.08, 82.27 and 150.6 mg/l for first, second, third and fourth instar larvae of Culiseta longiareolata respectively. The sensitivity of the larvae is variable and increased with increasing concentration of the extract. This extract was found to stimulate the detoxification system as showed by an increase in GST activity and a decrease in GSH rate. These results would be useful to replace chemical larvicides with bioactive compounds from plant sources such as a new mosquito control agents.