DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i03.005

Pages: 233-238

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pure Balanites aegyptiaca oil used on advanced stage larvae (L3 and L4) of Anopheles gambiae s.l. The latter remains a formidable vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Senegal. The toxicity of the oil on the larvae was tested in the laboratory according to the WHO experimental protocol, and the doses were 400, 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 ppm, respectively. The results of our work showed that pure Balanites aegyptiaca oil had a lethal effect on the larvae. The lethal doses 50 and 90 were determined using the Muler Tinter formula (LD50 = 0.06618% and LD90 = 0.191%). Histological studies showed that Balanites aegyptiaca oil acts on different parts of the larva (head, thorax, and abdomen) but particularly on the digestive system through ingestion. Our results show that pure Balanites aegyptiaca oil could be recommended for the development of natural biocides against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.