Larvicidal activity of naturally occurring naphthoquinones and derivatives against the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens

Concentration-dependent mortality effects were observed for three pure synthetic natural products (alkannin, shikonin, and shikalkin) and three acetylated derivatives of shikonin against Culex pipiens (Culicidae: Diptera) for the first time. The larvicidal properties of all naphthoquinones were evaluated under laboratory conditions against the larvae of the mosquito species C. pipiens biotype molestus, the anthropophilic biotype of the C. pipiens mosquito species. Experimental data of the tested toxicity of quinones revealed generally high efficacy where shikonin (3.9 mg/L) was the most active followed by shikalkin (8.73 mg/L) and alkannin (12.35 mg/L). The insecticidal performance of shikonin-acetylated derivatives was also investigated, aiming at the same time in the establishment of the relationships between the structure and the activity of shikonin-type compounds with larvicidal activity against C. pipiens. Results indicated that naphthoquinones, compared with other natural compounds with larvicidal activity, are very toxic against mosquito larvae and could be a potential source of natural larvicidal substances. Finally, bioassays with shikonin derivatives also revealed that although hydroxylic groups seem to play a secondary role in efficacy, the quinone moiety is essential.     

Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of several essential oils from Hypericum species from Tunisia

The chemical composition of the essential oils extracted from some Tunisian Hypericum species and their larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens larvae were evaluated. The chemical compositions of the essential oils from the aerial plant parts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. One hundred and thirty-four compounds were identified, ranging between 85.1 and 95.4 % of the oil's composition. The components were monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, non-terpenic hydrocarbons, and others. The larvicidal activity of the essential oils was evaluated using a method recommended by WHO. Larvicidal tests revealed that essential oils from the Hypericum species have a significant larvicidal activity against C. pipiens, with LC₅₀ ranging between 102.82 and 194.70 ppm. The most powerful essential oils against these larvae were Hypericum tomentosum and Hypericum humifusum samples, followed by the essential oil of Hypericum perforatum.     

The essential oil of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zingiber officinalis</Emphasis> Linn (Zingiberaceae) as a mosquito larvicidal and repellent agent against the filarial vector <Emphasis Type="Italic">Culex quinquefasciatus</Emphasis> Say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Essential oils extracted by steam distillation from Zingiber officinalis was evaluated for larvicidal and repellent activity against the filarial mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h treated for late third instar. The LC₅₀ value was 50.78 ppm. Skin repellent test at 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mg/cm² concentration of Z. officinalis gave 100% protection up to 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. These results clearly reveal that the essential oil of Z. officinalis served as a potential larvicidal and repellent agent against filarial vector C. quinquefasciatus.     

Essential oils and their compounds as Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) larvicides: review

This review aims to describe essential oils and their constituent compounds that exhibit bioactivity against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae, the immature stage of the primary vector of dengue. This review is based on original articles obtained by searching on major databases. Our literature review revealed that 361 essential oils from 269 plant species have been tested for their larvicidal activity. More than 60 % of these essential oils were considered active (LC₅₀?<?100 mg/L), and the majority of these active oils were derived from species belonging to Myrtaceae, Lamiaceae, and Rutaceae. The most active essential oils exhibited effective concentrations comparable with the dosage recommended for the use of temephos in container breeding. Approximately 27 % of the plants studied for their larvicidal activity against A. aegypti were collected in Brazil. Essential oils rich in phenylpropanoids, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and monoterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the most active. When the isolates were tested, phenylpropanoids and monoterpene hydrocarbons were the most active compound classes. We describe the plant parts used and the major constituents of the essential oils. In addition, we discuss factors affecting the activity (such as plant parts, age of the plant, chemotypes, larval source, and methods used), structure–activity relationships, and mechanisms of action of the essential oils and their compounds. Essential oils have been widely investigated and show high larvicidal activity against A. aegypti. This review reveals that the essential oils are effective alternatives for the production of larvicides, which can be used in vector-borne disease control programmes.     

Bioactivity of Dianthus caryophyllus, Lepidium sativum, Pimpinella anisum, and Illicium verum essential oils and their major components against the West Nile vector Culex pipiens

Mosquitoes constitute a severe health problem in many areas all over the world. There are many regions of the tropics and subtropics where mosquitoes are one of the main reasons for inhibiting the economic upgrade. Except nuisance, their medical importance is another matter of attention since mosquitoes are vectors for a wide variety of vector-borne diseases. Due to disadvantages of currently used chemical control methods, it is unavoidable to search for eco-friendly new molecules. We report herein the evaluation of the larvicidal effect exhibited by essential oils of Dianthus caryophyllus, Lepidium sativum, Pimpinella anisum, and Illicium verum against late third to early fourth instar mosquito larvae of Culex pipiens. Furthermore, phytochemical analysis of plant samples revealed their major compounds to be β-caryophyllene, eugenol, eucalyptol, α-terpinyl acetate, and (E)-anethole which were also tested for their potential larvicidal activity. For D. caryophyllus and L. sativum, this was the first report on the chemical composition of their essential oils. The essential oils of I. verum and P. anisum demonstrated high larvicidal activity with a LC₅₀ <18 mgL^?1. The other two essential oils of D. caryophyllus and L. sativum revealed moderate larvicidal activity, displaying a LC₅₀ value above 50 mgL^?1. Among the pure components, the most toxic were eugenol, (E)-anethole, and α-terpinyl acetate, with LC₅₀ values 18.28, 16.56, and 23.03 mgL^?1, respectively. Eucalyptol (1,8 cineole) and β-caryophyllene were inactive at concentrations even as high as 100 mgL^?1, showing the least significant activity against mosquito larvae. Results allow some rationalization on the relative importance of the major compounds regarding the larvicidal activity of selected essential oils and their potential use as vector control agents.     

Evaluation of time toxicity, residual effect, and growth-inhibiting property of Carapa guianensis and Copaifera sp. in Aedes aegypti

Oils of Carapa guianensis and Copaifera spp. are well-known in the Amazonian region as natural insect repellents, and studies have reported their efficiency as larvicide against some mosquito species. However, toxicity persistence and effect on mosquito development have not yet been evaluated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the initial time of larvicidal activity, residual effect, and the effect of very low concentrations of these oils on Aedes aegypti. Different concentrations of the oils were used to evaluate the initial time of larval mortality and residual effect, as well as, the development of larvae, pupae, and adults. Results demonstrated that the lethal effect started mainly between the first 2 and 3 h of larvae exposure to oils, when using concentrations which ranged from 500 mg/L of C. guianensis and 90 mg/L of Copaifera sp. The toxic effect remained with total efficiency (100% mortality) until the sixth day for Copaifera sp. and 12th day for C. guianensis. When using sublethal dosages (ranging from 140 mg/L of C. guianensis to 26 mg/L of Copaifera sp.) mortality was observed after the larval molt. Also, imperfection of pupae and adult development and unsuccessful emergence of adults were observed. A product of botanical origin that could break the development of immature stage of mosquitoes and inhibit the emergence of adults should be essential in vector control. Thus, our results provide new information for a better understanding in using C. guianensis and Copaifera sp. oils with a potential to be used as a natural insecticide.     

Mosquito larvicidal activity of citrus limonoids against Aedes albopictus

Citrus limonoids, nomilin and limonin, were used for larvicidal assay against Aedes albopictus utilizing WHO methodology. LC_50s were 305.83, 176.08, and 136.07 μM for nomilin and 850.09, 600.72, and 407.09 μM for limonin after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. LT₅₀ assays exhibited that Savage citrange oil was the best at all concentrations (400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm) while Fairchild and Cassa grande were the weakest oils at 400 ppm, but at 500, 600, and 700 ppm, Carrizo citrange remained at the bottom with highest LT₅₀ values. Results exhibited that nomilin was more toxic than limonin and therefore provided a clear indication that limonoids in sample oils influenced the potential of respective oil. Out of the 10 tested citrus seed oils, Savage citrange (Citrus sinensis) comprised the maximum amount of limonin (2823.59 μg/ml) followed by grapefruit, Sacaton citrumelo, and Jaffa. When this oil (Savage citrange) was evaluated for bioassay against larvae of Ae. albopictus, it reflected complete dominance (LC₅₀ and LT₅₀) as compared to rest of the oils. Although Jaffa (Citrus paradisi) was found to contain nomilin and limonin, it was found less effective as compared to Savage citrange. The oils from Minneola and Chinese lime did not contain limonin and nomilin, and were therefore weak in terms of LC₅₀ values. Presence of limonin and nomilin in plant products is therefore a significant indicator of the pest control that needs to be exploited in other plants as well.     

Synthesis of pediculocidal and larvicidal silver nanoparticles by leaf extract from heartleaf moonseed plant, Tinospora cordifolia Miers

Insecticide resistance and inadequate attention to the application instructions of topical pediculicides are common reasons for treatment failure. Essential oils or plant extracts are good and safe alternatives due to their low toxicity to mammals and easy biodegradability. The present study was carried out to establish the pediculocidal and larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using leaf aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia Miers (Menispermaceae) against the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) and fourth instar larvae of malaria vector, Anopheles subpictus Grassi and filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae). We reported the aqueous plant extract and synthesized AgNPs against head lice and vectors. Direct contact method was conducted to determine the potential of pediculocidal activity. The synthesized AgNPs characterized by UV–vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. Head lice and mosquito larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extracts and synthesized AgNPs for 24 h. The results suggest that the optimal times for measuring mortality effects of synthesized AgNPs were 33% at 5 min, 67% at 15 min, and 100% after 1 h. The maximum activity was observed in the synthesized AgNPs against lice, A. subpictus and C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ = 12.46, 6.43 and 6.96 mg/L; r ² = 0.978, 0.773 and 0.828), respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized AgNPs possess excellent anti-lice and mosquito larvicidal activity. These results suggest that the green synthesis of AgNPs have the potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of head lice and vectors.     

Insecticidal activity of major lichen compounds, (−)- and (+)-usnic acid,against the larvae of house mosquito, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Culex pipiens</Emphasis> L.

In this research, (−)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid, commonly encountered lichen secondary metabolites, were evaluated for their insecticidal effects against the larvae of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory conditions. Both compounds showed strong larvicidal activity and caused 100% mortality on third–fourth larval stages of the species at 24 h at the doses of 5 and 10 ppm. Bioassays with (−)- and (+)-usnic acids against larvae of C. pipiens revealed that the LC₅₀ values were 0.8 and 0.9 ppm, respectively. The results suggest that lichen compounds could be useful in the search of new insecticides.     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Myracrodruon urundeuva</Emphasis> leaf lectin on survival and digestive enzymes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aedes aegypti</Emphasis> larvae

Aedes aegypti transmits the viruses that cause yellow and dengue fevers. Vector control is essential, since a vaccine for dengue has not as yet been made available. This work reports on the larvicidal activity of Myracrodruon urundeuva leaf lectin (MuLL) against A. aegypti fourth-stage larvae (L₄). Also, the resistance of MuLL to digestion by L₄ gut proteases and the effects of MuLL on protease, trypsin-like and α-amylase activities from L₄ gut were evaluated to determine if lectin remains active in A. aegypti gut and if insect enzyme activities can be modulated by MuLL. MuLL promoted mortality of L₄ with LC₅₀ of 0.202 mg/ml. Haemagglutinating activity of MuLL was detected even after incubation for 96 h with L₄ gut preparation containing protease activity. MuLL affected the activity of gut enzymes, inhibiting protease and trypsin activities and stimulating α-amylase activity. The results suggest that MuLL may become a new biodegradable larvicidal agent for dengue control. Larvicidal activity of MuLL may be linked to its resistance to proteolysis by larval enzymes and interference in the activity of digestive larval enzymes.     

Cell effects of xenon <Emphasis Type="Italic">n vitro</Emphasis> under hypothermal conditions

The effects of Xe on cell viability and redox balance in the culture of Wistar rat thymocytes were studied in vitro during 24-h storage under hypothermic conditions. The results indicate that after bubbling of cell suspensions (5×10⁶ cell/ml, 4 ml medium), the weight of Xe in flasks was 15–43 mg, whereas in cell-free medium no weight increment due to gas accumulation in the system was detected. The content of Xe in cell suspension slightly decreased over 24-h culturing at ambient temperature (by 10% of initial level). Xenon significantly improved cell survival during thermal exposure of all modes. The maximum cytoprotective effect of Xe was observed under rigorous thermal conditions associated with significant cell death without chemical protectors (3°C, −35°C). The effect of Xe was less pronounced at mild temperatures (23–37°C) or in the presence of chemical protectors (−35°C with dimethylsulfoxide). The mechanisms of the effect of the inert gas are determined by its antioxidant or prooxidant action. The capacity of Xe to improve cell survival under hypothermic conditions can be used for the development of new methods for transportation and storage of cell material. __________ Translated from Kletochnye Tehnologii v Biologii i Medicine, No. 2, pp. 74–77, April, 2007     

First report on susceptibility of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aedes aegypti</Emphasis> (Diptera: Culicidae) using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carapa guianensis</Emphasis> (Meliaceae) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Copaifera</Emphasis> sp. (Leguminosae)

Oils of Carapa guianensis and Copaifera spp. are well known in the Amazonian region as natural insect repellent, and studies have reported their efficiency as larvicide against some laboratory mosquito species. However, in wild populations of mosquitoes, these oils have not yet been evaluated. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate their efficiency as larvicide in wild populations of Aedes aegypti with a history of exposure to organophosphate. The susceptibility of larvae was determined under three different temperatures, 15°C, 20°C, and 30°C. For each test, 1,000 larvae were used (late third instar and early fourth instar—four replicates of 25 larvae per concentration). Statistical tests were used to identify significant differences. The results demonstrated that as the laboratory A. aegypti, the wild populations of A. aegypti were also susceptible to C. guianensis and Copaifera sp. oils. The lethal concentrations for Copaifera sp. ranged from LC₅₀ 47 to LC₉₀ 91 (milligrams per liter), and for C. guianensis, they were LC₅₀ 136 to LC₉₀ 551 (milligrams per liter). In relation to different temperature, the effectiveness of the oils on larvae mortality was directly related to the increase of temperature, and better results were observed for temperature at 25°C. The results presented here indicate the potential larvicidal activity of C. guianensis and species of Copaifera, in populations of A. aegypti from the wild. Therefore, the results presented here are very important since such populations are primarily responsible for transmitting the dengue virus in the environment.     

Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of Blumea densiflora essential oils against Anopheles anthropophagus: a malarial vector mosquito

Blumea densiflora, an edible and medicinal plant, is chiefly distributed in Southeast Asia and South Asia. Essential oils extracted by steam distillation from B. densiflora were investigated for their chemical composition and larvicidal activity against Anopheles anthropophagus, the primary vector of malaria in China and other East Asian countries. Totally, 46 compounds were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. The major chemical compounds identified were borneol (11.43%), germacrene D (8.66%), β-caryophyllene (6.68%), γ-terpinene (4.35%), sabinene (4.34%), and β-bisabolene (4.24%). A series of concentrations of essential oil (that ranged from 6.25 to 150 ppm) were tested against A. anthropophagus fourth-instar larvae according to WHO recommendation. In general, larval mortality increased as concentration and exposure time increased, indicating a dose-dependent effect, and high insecticidal activity showed that 100% mortality occurred within 6 h at 150 ppm, 10 h at 100 ppm, 30 h at 50 ppm, and 30 h at 25 ppm essential oil concentration. The LC₅₀ values were 22.32 (after 12 h) and 10.55 ppm (after 24 h), and the LC₉₀ values were 54.04 (after 12 h) and 33.56 ppm (after 24 h). Pylarvex, the reference standard, had better larvicidal activity, causing 100% mortality within 2 h at 150 ppm and within 6 h at 6.25 ppm. The results clearly reveal that the essential oil of B. densiflora served as a potential, eco-friendly mosquito larvicide against the malarial vector mosquito A. anthropophagus.     

Bioactivity of essential oils of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Zingiber officinalis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Achyranthes aspera</Emphasis> against mosquitoes

Due to the global health problems associated with mosquito-borne diseases, over two million people primarily in the tropical countries are at risk. The widely and commonly used chemical method though effective, has some major disadvantages making insect control practically difficult. In view of the above, it is unavoidable to search for new molecules, which are eco-friendly, cheaper, and safer. The present study deals with evaluation of bioactive potential of two commonly occurring plants against mosquitoes presenting an alternative to the conventional chemical methods. Essential oils extracted by steam distillation from rhizome of Zingiber officinalis and leaf and stem of Achyranthes aspera were evaluated for larvicidal, attractant/repellent, and oviposition attractant/deterrent activity against two mosquito species viz. Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The highest larvicidal activity, i.e., LC₅₀ = 154 ppm and LC₅₀ = 197 ppm for A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively was shown by Z. officinalis. This oil also offers 5-h protection at the concentration of 0.5 mg/cm2 from both mosquito species. The highest oviposition deterrence activity was exhibited by A. aspera stem oil, i.e., 100% and 85.71%, in case of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively, at the concentration of 0.1%. These results reveal that both these oils have control potential against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus.     

Bioefficacy of essential oils of medicinal plants against housefly, Musca domestica L

The housefly Musca domestica L. is recognized as a public health pest causing a serious threat to human and livestock by vectoring many infectious diseases. Chemical control method commonly used against this pest, though effective, has some major disadvantages, such as development of insect resistance and bioaccumulation. Pest management strategies for populations of houseflies are needed. Presently, bioinsecticides, especially those derived from plant origin, have been increasingly evaluated in controlling insects of medical importance. In order to search for effective and ecofriendly control agents, the essential oils of Mentha piperita, Zingiber officinalis, Emblica officinalis, and Cinnamomum verum were evaluated for their larvicidal, attractant/repellent, and oviposition attractant/deterrent activity against M. domestica. The highest larvicidal activity, i.e., C(50)?=?104?ppm was shown by M. piperita. This oil also exhibited 96.8?% repellency at the concentration of 1?%. The highest oviposition deterrence activity of 98.1?% was also exhibited by M. piperita oil at the concentration of 1?%. Among the remaining plants, the essential oil of Z. officinalis exhibited significant bioactivities against M. domestica with larvicidal activity, i.e., lethal concentration (LC)(50)?=?137?ppm, repellency of 84.9 and 98.1?% oviposition deterrence both at 1?% concentration. The other two plant oils, viz., C. verum and E. officinalis, showed relatively moderate bioefficacy with larvicidal activity, i.e., LC(50)?=?159 and 259?ppm, repellency of 77.9 and 63.0?% while oviposition deterrence of 60.0 and 42.6?%, respectively. The result revealed that the essential oils of M. piperita have control potential against M. domestica and should be further explored as a component of integrated vector management program.     

Validation of models to estimate the fumigant and larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

The aim of this work is to validate the pre-existing models that relate the larvicidal and adulticidal activities of the Eucalyptus essential oils on Aedes aegypti. Previous works at our laboratory described that the larvicidal activity of Eucalyptus essential oils can be estimated from the relative concentration of two main components (p-cymene and 1,8-cineole) and that the adulticidal effectiveness can be explained, to a great extent, by the presence of large amounts of the component 1,8-cineole in it. In general, the results show that the higher adulticidal effect of essential oils the lower their larvicidal activity. Fresh leaves was harvested and distilled. Once the essential oil was obtained, the chemical composition was analysed, evaluating the biological activity of 15 species of the genus Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus badjensis Beuzev and Welch, Eucalyptus badjensis × nitens, Eucalyptus benthamii var Benthamii Maiden and Cambage, Eucalyptus benthamii var dorrigoensis Maiden and Cambage, Eucalyptus botryoides Smith, Eucalyptus dalrympleana Maiden, Eucalyptus fastigata Deane and Maiden, Eucalyptus nobilis L.A.S. Johnson and K.D.Hill, Eucalyptus polybractea R. Baker, Eucalyptus radiata ssp radiata Sieber ex Spreng, Eucalyptus resinifera Smith, Eucalyptus robertsonii Blakely, Eucalyptus robusta Smith, Eucalyptus rubida Deane and Maiden, Eucalyptus smithii R. Baker). Essential oils of these plant species were used for the validation of equations from preexistent models, in which observed and estimated values of the biological activity were compared. The regression analysis showed a strong validation of the models, re-stating the trends previously observed. The models were expressed as follows: A, fumigant activity [KT_50(min) = 10.65–0.076 × 1,8-cineole (%)](p < 0.01; F, 397; R ², 0.79); B, larval mortality (%)_(40 ppm) = 103.85 + 0.482 × p-cymene (%) − 0.363 × α-pinene (%) − 1.07 × 1,8-cineole (%) (p < 0.01; F, 300; R ², 0.90). These results confirmed the importance of the mayor components in the biological activity of Eucalyptus essential oils on A. aegypti. However, it is worth mentioning that two or three species differ in the data estimated by the models, and these biological activity results coincide with the presence of minor differential components in the essential oils. According to what was previously mentioned, it can be inferred that the model is able to estimate very closely the biological activity of essential oils of Eucalyptus on A. aegypti.     

Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng against Anopheles stephensi: a malarial vector mosquito

Essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus was studied for its chemical composition and larvicidal potential against the malarial vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Totally 26 compounds were identified by GC and GC-MS. The major chemical compounds were carvacrol (28.65%) followed by thymol (21.66%), α-humulene (9.67%), undecanal (8.29%), γ-terpinene (7.76%), ρ-cymene (6.46%), caryophyllene oxide (5.85%), α-terpineol (3.28%) and β-selinene (2.01%). The larvicidal assay was conducted to record the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values and the larval mortality was observed after 12 and 24 h of exposure period. The LC₅₀ values of the oil were 33.54 (after 12 h) and 28.37 ppm (after 24 h). The LC₉₀ values of the oil were 70.27 (after 12 h) and 59.38 ppm (after 24 h). The results of the present study showed that the essential oil of P. amboinicus is one of the inexpensive and eco-friendly sources of natural mosquito larvicidal agent to control/reduce the population of malarial vector mosquito.     

Biological activity of selected Lamiaceae and Zingiberaceae plant essential oils against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

The larvicidal activity of hydrodistillate extracts from Mentha piperita L. Ocimum basilicum L. Curcuma longa L. and Zingiber officinale L. were investigated against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae).The results indicated that the mortality rates at 80, 100, 200 and 400 ppm of M. piperita, Z. officinale, C. longa and O. basilicum concentrations were highest amongst all concentrations of the crude extracts tested against all the larval instars and pupae of A. aegypti. Result of log probit analysis (at 95% confidence level) revealed that lethal concentration LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were 47.54 and 86.54 ppm for M. piperita, 40.5 and 85.53 ppm for Z. officinale, 115.6 and 193.3 ppm for C. longa and 148.5 and 325.7 ppm for O. basilicum, respectively. All of the tested oils proved to have strong larvicidal activity (doses from 5 to 350 ppm) against A. aegypti fourth instars, with the most potent oil being M. piperita extract, followed by Z. officinale, C. longa and O. basilicum. In general, early instars were more susceptible than the late instars and pupae. The results achieved suggest that, in addition to their medicinal activities, Lamiaceae and Zingiberaceae plant extracts may also serve as a natural larvicidal agent.     

Chemical composition and assessment of larvicidal and repellent capacity of 14 Lamiaceae essential oils against Aedes albopictus

Parasitology Research - In the current laboratory study, 14 essential oils (EOs) derived from 12 Lamiaceae plant species and their major components were screened for their larvicidal and repellent...     

Larvicidal activity of Myrtaceae essential oils and their components against Aedes aegypti, acute toxicity on Daphnia magna, and aqueous residue

The larvicidal activity of 11 Myrtaceae essential oils and their constituents was evaluated against Aedes aegypti L. Of the 11, Melaleuca linariifolia Sm., Melaleuca dissitiflora F. Muell., Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S. T. Blake, and Eucalyptus globulus Labill oils at 0.1 mg/ml exhibited > or = 80% larval mortality. At this same concentration, the individual constituents tested, allyl isothiocyanate, alpha-terpinene, p-cymene, (+)-limonene, (-)-limonene, gamma-terpinene, and (E)-nerolidol, resulted in > or = 95% mortality. We also tested the acute toxicity of these four active oils earlier mentioned and their constituents against Daphnia magna Straus. M. linariifolia and allyl isothiocyanate was the most toxic to D. magna. Twodays after treatment, residues of M. dissitiflora, M. linariifolia, M. quinquenervia, and E. globulus oils in water were 55.4, 46.6, 32.4, and 14.8%, respectively. Less than 10% of allyl isothiocyanate, alpha-terpinene, p-cymene, (-)-limonene, (+)-limonene, and gamma-terpinene was detected in the water at 2 d after treatment. Our results indicated that oils and their constituents could easily volatilize in water within a few days after application, thus minimizing their effect on the aqueous ecosystem. Therefore, Myrtaceae essential oils and their constituents could be developed as control agents against mosquito larvae.