THE EFFICACY OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF BILIMBI LEAVES (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) AS A LARVICIDE FOR DENGUE FEVER VECTOR Aedes aegypti L.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) continues to be a significant health problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. Controlling the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is crucial to reduce transmission and incidence rates of dengue. The widespread use of synthetic chemical insecticides can lead to environmental problem, non-target organism poisoning, and the development of resistance. An alternative approach to vector control is the use of natural insecticides, which contain active compounds derived from plants. One such potential option is the bilimbi leaf (Averrhoa bilimbi) due to its content of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which exhibit activity against insects. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of ethanol extract from the bilimbi leaf as a larvicide against dengue hemorrhagic fever vector Ae. aegypti. Bilimbi leaf extract was prepared using ethanol solvent. Larvicidal assays were conducted using six concentrations: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 4, and a positive control (1 temephos) and a negative control (distilled water). Larval mortality was assessed at 6, 24, and 48 hours post-exposure. The highest larval mortality was observed at the 4 concentration, reaching 17.33 (6 hours post-exposure), 76 (24 hours post-exposure), and 100 (48 hours post-exposure). The LC50 and LC90 values were 19.66 and 236.35 (6 hours), 1.79 and 5.75 (24 hours), and 0.99 and 2.15 (48 hours), respectively. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics, all of which were strongly positive. However, terpenoids were negative. These bioactive compounds are known for their potential insecticidal properties. This natural insecticide offers a promising alternative for vector control strategies, potentially mitigating the environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic insecticides. © 2025, Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All rights reserved.