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

Abstract

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.

Composition and Larvicidal Activity of Essential Oil of Eugenia candolleana DC. (MYRTACEAE) against Aedes aegypti

“…Several studies have been developed with the objective of evaluating the potential insecticide plant species, in the search for new substances that can be used as a vector controls, especially in A. aegypti. The most studied family is the Myrtaceae, [23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] representing 13.5% of active oils, while studies on species of Lamiaceae and Rutaceae represent 10.5% and 8.2%, 35 respectively. According to Sukumar et al,36 Regnault-Roger 37 and Park et al, 32 Myrtaceae species, have great potential for use as insecticides.…”

Phytochemical composition and antifeedant activity of five Vincetoxicum taxa against Spodoptera littoralis and Leptinotarsa decemlineata

“…Various secondary metabolites including alkaloids [7,36], tannins [37], terpenes [38], essential oils [39] and phenolics [36] were reported as potent insect antifeedants.…”

Composição química e toxicidade frente Aedes aegypti L. e Artemia salina Leach do óleo essencial das folhas de Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey.) DC.

“…Na maior parte dos estudos, observou-se que todo o óleo essencial foi mais ativo do que os seus compostos isolados (Dias & Moraes, 2014). Os sesquiterpenos oxigenados β-eudesmol e óxido de cariofileno, que são os principais compostos ativos dos óleos essenciais da Guatteria friesiana e Guatteria blepharophylla, respectivamente não apresentaram atividade quando testados isoladamente em comparação ao óleo (Cheng et al, 2009).…”