Egg Hatching Reduction and Larval Mortality Induced by Essential Oil and Extracts of Petroselinum crispum (Parsley) Leaves in the Anopheles coluzzii Malaria Vector Species

Abstract

The interest of plant-based products is increasing as alternative solutions to current synthetic insecticides associated with detrimental effects on the environment. Here we assessed the potential deterrent effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) formulations on immature stages of the African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae s.l. In vitro bioassays were performed to evaluate egg-hatching reduction and larval mortality induced 24 hours post exposure at various concentrations by crude powder, methanol extract and essential oil of parsley leaves. Plant powder and methanol extract were rich in alkaloids, saponins and phenolic compounds, while myristicine (67.1%) was the main compound in essential oil. Parsley induced 19-75% egg hatching reduction, 4388% overall larval reduction and 26-77% mortality on 3rd and 4th instars, with significant variations by formulations and concentrations. Essential oil (LC50=0.011-0.014 mg/mL, LC95=0.12-0.26 mg/mL) showed low effective concentrations against An. coluzzii larvae compared with the methanol extract (LC50=0.17-0.20 mg/mL, LC95=5.44-6.54 mg/mL). These findings provide evidences that P. crispum formulations, especially essential oil might be identified among new potential plant-based products to evaluate towards alternative tools for malaria vector control.