Growth inhibitory effect of phenolic extracts of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. in dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L) in parent and F1 generation

Objective: To evaluate the lethal and emergence inhibitory effect of alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts of Ziziphus jujuba (Z. jujube; Rhamnaceac) against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), and to explore the effect of the most effective fraction on developmental and biochemical parameters of the dengue vector. Methods: The fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, were exposed to alkaloid, phenolic and terpenoid extracts from Z. jujuba leaves to test their toxicity and emergence inhibitory effects. Phenolic extract, being the most effective was further tested against the mosquitoes for their growth inhibitory effect supported by biochemical changes in the parent and F1 generation. Results: While the different secondary metabolite fractions i.e., alkaloid, phenolics and terpenoid caused mortality at larval and pupal stages, the LC50 value was the lowest for phenolic fraction. Further study carried out with the phenolic fraction revealed that it affected growth by decreasing adult life span, fertility and fecundity of the mosquitoes. The reduction in growth was also accompanied by decrease in carbohydrate and lipid levels. Conclusions: It is concluded that the phenolic extract of the leaves of Z. jujubes is a potential candidate for control of Aedes mosquitoes.