Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

IDENTIFICATION AND TOXICITY TEST OF ORTHOSIPHONSTAMINEUS LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST HOUSEFLIES(MUSCA DOMESTICA)

Surahmaida, Umarudin and Junairiah

Abstract

Houseflies (Musca domestica) are generally controlled using chemical pesticides that leave residues, which are harmful to health and environment. Pests become resistant in the process. To overcome this, it is necessary to use plant-based pesticides from natural ingredients. This research suggests the use of the leaves of cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus). Cat’s whiskers leaves are known to have pharmacological activities such as diuretic drugs, fever-reducing drugs, diabetes drugs, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The content of chemical compounds found in the leaves of cat’s whiskers is considered to play a role in the seactivities. The purpose of this study is to determine the content of chemical compounds (alkaloids, tannins,flavonoids, saponins, and essential oils) in the leaves of cat’s whiskers and their toxicity to houseflies (Muscadomestica) with concentrations 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The extracts were observed for 5 and 15 minutes.The cat whiskers leaves were extracted through maceration, using n-hexane solvent for 3 days. Then hexane extract of cat’s whiskers leaves tested through phyto chemicals process using chemical reagents.Their toxicity towards was then tested against houseflies. The phyto chemical screening of the n-hexane cat whiskers shows the presence of alkaloid compounds and saponins. The toxicity test shows that the 40%concentration was the most effective in killing flies (100% mortality percentage) within 5 minutes. It can be concluded that the extract of cat’s whiskers has the potential to be anti-houseflies.