Toxic Effect of Biologically Active Compound Rutin Extracted from Euphorbious Plant Codiaeum variegatum Against Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae

Laboratory evaluation was made to assess the larvicidal activity of biologically active compound, Rutin extracted from Codiaeum variegatum (family: Euphorbiaceae) leaf obtained through soxhlet apparatus against larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus which is the serious vector of filarial worm, Wuchereria bancrofti causing lymphatic filariasis in human beings. The active compound Rutin extracted through ethyl alcohol solvent from the leaf of Codiaeum variegatum was administered for 24h or 96h to the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Exposure of larvae over 24h to sub-lethal doses (40% and 80% of LC₅₀) of ethyl alcohol extract of Codiaeum variegatum leaf, significantly (P<0.05) altered the level of total protein, total free amino acid, glycogen and enzyme activity i.e. acetyl cholinesterase activity, acid and alkaline phosphates activity in whole body tissue of Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The alterations in all these biochemical parameters were significantly (P<0.05) time and dose dependent. Codiaeum variegatum (Family: Euphorbiaceae) commonly known as croton in India, which is used as traditional medicine for the treatment of various human ailments such as antiamoebic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, emmenagogue, purgative and sedative. A decoction of the crushed leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhea. The ischolar_main is used in the treatment of gastric ulcers and wound healing activity.