Larvicidal Activity of Aedes Aegypti from a Simple Preparation of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut Shell Extract for Community Level Use

Abstract

Dengue fever is a major risk to public health due to the recent worldwide spread. Chemical vector control are
usually considered, therefore, negative consequences are commonly occurred due to chemical resistance and
environmental effects. Volume of cashew nut shell is become increasing as by-product after nut processing.
This study was aimed to evaluate larvicial activity and toxicity of cashew shell extract with simple preparation
for community use. Fresh cashew nut shell was dried and grinded in powder form. Material was immersed in
water tank for 72 h and ratio of flavor and material and water ratio was 100 g/L (10% W/V). The supernatant
of stock solution was diluted to 1:5, 1:10, 1:20, 1:50 and 1:100 of larvicidal solution for phenolic content
measurement, analysis of alkyl phenols by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and larvicial
activity test. Larvicidal activity was effective at LC50 = 3.8 mg of GAE/ml; LC90 = 11.5 mg of gallic acid
equivalent (GAE) /ml. The solution was contained five alkyl phenols, which included saturated cardol,
monounsaturated cardol, anacardic acid, diunsaturated cardanol and monounsaturated cardanol. Anacardic
acid was major active compound, which was correlated to mass spectra. This larvicidal solution preparation
was simple and cost effectiveness, which may useful in community level especially in cashew cultivating
area. Field application and public training on this study will be conduct on controlling of mosquito-borne
diseases.