Abstract
Andrographolide was isolated from ethanol extraction of Andrographis paniculata by column chromatography. Evaluation of larvicidal efficacy, enzymatic changes and cytotoxic activities against Spodoptera litura were conducted across a range of concentrations. The compound showed significant larvicidal activity between 5 - 25 ppm, post ingestion. Morphological deformities observed in larval-pupal stages. Enzymatic profiles were altered by reduction in acid phosphatase, ACP activity by 69.18 %, alkaline phosphatase, ALP activity 75.3 % and 74.9 % reduction in ATPase. Binding affinity to midgut epithelium cells suggests disintegration of cellular organelles observed was directly associated with ingestion of the compound. The results suggest that andrographolide has potential for development as a significant inhibitor of development against the pest Spodoptera litura.