Biochemical Effects of Petroselinum crispum (Umbellifereae) Essential Oil on the Pyrethroid Resistant Strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

In ongoing screening research for edible plants, Petroselinum crispum essential oil was considered as a potential bioinsecticide with proven antimosquito activity against both the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains of Aedes aegypti. Due to the comparative mosquitocidal efficacy on these mosquitoes, this plant essential oil is promoted as an attractive candidate for further study in monitoring resistance of mosquito vectors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of P. crispum essential oil on the biochemical characteristics of the target mosquito larvae of Ae. aegypti, by determining quantitative changes of key enzymes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification, including glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), α- and β-esterases (α-/β-ESTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and mixed-function oxidases (MFO). Three populations of Ae. aegypti, comprising the pyrethroid susceptible Muang Chiang Mai-susceptible (MCM-S) strain and the pyrethroid resistant Pang Mai Dang-resistant (PMD-R) and Upakut-resistant (UPK-R) strains, were used as test organisms. Biochemical study of Ae. aegypti larvae prior to treatment with P. crispum essential oil revealed that apart from AChE, the baseline activity of most defensive enzymes, such as GSTs, α-/β-ESTs, ACP, ALP and MFO, in resistant UPK-R or PMD-R, was higher than that determined in susceptible MCM-S. However, after 24-h exposure to P. crispum essential oil, the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant Ae. aegypti showed similarity in biochemical features, with alterations of enzyme activity in the treated larvae, as compared to the controls. An increase in the activity levels of GSTs, α-/β-ESTs, ACP and ALP was recorded in all strains of P. crispum oil-treated Ae. aegypti larvae, whereas MFO and AChE activity in these mosquitoes was decreased. The recognizable larvicidal capability on pyrethroid resistant Ae. aegypti, and the inhibitory effect on AChE and MFO, emphasized the potential of P. crispum essential oil as an attractive alternative application for management of mosquito resistance in current and future control programs.

Chemical Composition, Larvicidal Activity, and Enzyme Inhibition of the Essential Oil of Lippia grata Schauer from the Caatinga Biome against Dengue Vectors

“…larvae. Enzymes such as phosphatases (alkaline and acidic), esterases, cytochrome 450, glutathione S-transferase, amylases, and acetylcholinesterase in insects perform functions of detoxification of xenobiotics and nutrition and are present mainly in larvae [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Alterations in the metabolism of these enzymes in insects can result in the capacity for resistance to insecticides when increased but death when inhibited or reduced, since they are responsible for detoxification and digestion, and hence are fundamental to the physiology of insects [ 13 , 48 , 49 ].…”

“…Alkaline and acid phosphatases can act as defensive enzymes in the body by detoxification of insecticides and ingested fatty structures. However, changes in metabolism caused by botanical biocides can interrupt physiological processes, causing death [ 46 , 53 ]. Studies with extracts of Sapindus emarginatus against Ae .…”

“…Different concentrations and diversity of the chemical constituents present in essential oils can influence the activity of esterases. Low concentrations can stimulate the expression of esterases, increasing their capacity for metabolization and detoxification, while high concentrations can produce toxic effects by inhibiting their activities [ 46 , 63 ].…”

“…Other factors that can influence the level of esterases are stages of development of the larvae, species, susceptibility and resistance of the insect, which can interfere in the level of esterases in treated larvae [ 46 , 56 , 64 ]. The essential oil of Arisaema fargesii inhibited the esterase activity of Ae .…”

Essential oil from leaves of Eugenia calycina Cambes: Natural larvicidal against Aedes aegypti

“…However, studies have shown the development of insect populations resistant to these insecticides. The temephos, for example, is an organophosphate that has contributed to the development of resistance in the mosquito 13,14 …”