Larvicidal Potential Research Articles

Unveiling the Larvicidal Potential of Golpar (Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch.) Essential Oil and Its Main Constituents on Aedes and Anopheles Mosquito Vectors

Natural products are thoroughly studied as valuable alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Heracleum persicum Desf. ex Fisch. (Apiaceae), commonly known as Golpar, is an Iranian medicinal plant largely employed as a spice, which has previously revealed insecticidal potential. The chemical composition of H. persicum essential oil (EO) was investigated by GC-MS and was mainly dominated by hexyl butyrate (36.1%) and octyl acetate (23.7%). The EO and its main esters were tested on three mosquito species. Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae were the most sensitive to all tested products. Lethal concentrations (LC50) of 59.09, 53.59, and 47.05 ppm were recorded for the EO, hexyl butyrate, and octyl acetate, respectively. Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Anopheles gambiae Giles demonstrated comparable sensitivity to the EO, with LC50 values of 102.97 and 97.91 ppm, respectively, whereas the isolated constituents appeared more active on An. gambiae (LC50 of hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate of 70.97 and 60.71 ppm, respectively) with respect to Ae. albopictus (LC50 of hexyl butyrate and octyl acetate of 85.40 and 91.38 ppm, respectively). Low toxicity was registered for both EO and single components against human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Overall, the H. persicum EO, hexyl butyrate, and octyl acetate could be further considered for larvicide development.

Utilization of Gomophia egyptiaca (Red Starfish) in the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti Larvae

Background: Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads many vital diseases to humans. Traditionally, chemical insecticides were used for control. Recently, interest has grown in using aquatic predators, such as the Red Starfish (Gomophia egyptiaca), to target mosquito larvae in water, offering a potential biological control method. Methods: This study investigates the larvicidal potential of G. egyptiaca against Ae. aegypti larvae, a key vector for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases after 24 hours. Result: The results demonstrate a significant increase in mortality rates with prolonged exposure to G. egyptiaca. After 2 hours, the mortality rate was 6.66%, increasing to 20% at 4 hours, 60% at 12 hours and peaking at 80% after 24 hours. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed a highly significant p-value of 3.93, confirming the effectiveness of G. egyptiaca over time. LT50 was determined to be 14.91 hours, with a confidence interval of 12.40 to 18.65 hours. These findings indicate that G. egyptiaca could serve as a powerful alternative to chemical insecticides, offering a sustainable approach to mosquito control. However, field trials and evaluations of non-target impacts are necessary to fully assess its potential in diverse ecological settings. This study supports the integration of G. egyptiaca into mosquito management strategies, particularly where chemical resistance and environmental concerns are prevalent.

Updating the Pharmacological Effects of α-Mangostin Compound and Unraveling Its Mechanism of Action: A Computational Study Review.

α-Mangostin, initially identified in 1855, is a xanthone derivative compound predominantly located in the pericarp of the mangosteen fruit (Garcinia mangostana L). This compound is known for its beneficial properties as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, still holding promise for potential benefits in other related pathologies. In the investigative process, computational studies have proven highly valuable in providing evidence and initial screening before progressing to preclinical and clinical studies. This review aims to present the pharmacological findings and mechanisms of action of α-mangostin based on computational studies. The compilation of this review is founded on the analysis of relevant articles obtained from PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. The study commences with an elucidation of the physicochemical characteristics, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profile of α-mangostin, which demonstrates that α-mangostin complies with the Lipinski's Rule of Five, exhibits favorable profiles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, and presents low toxicity. Subsequent investigations have revealed that computational studies employing various software tools including ArgusLab, AutoDock, AutoDock Vina, Glide, HEX, and MOE, have been pivotal to comprehend the pharmacology of α-mangostin. Beyond its well established roles as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, α-mangostin is now recognized for its pharmacological effects in Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic periodontitis, infectious diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, α-mangostin is projected to have applications in pain management and as a potent mosquito larvicide. All of these findings are based on the attainment of adequate binding affinity to specific target receptors associated with each respective pathological condition. Consequently, it is anticipated that these findings will serve as a foundation for future scientific endeavours, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as clinical investigations, to better understand the pharmacological effects of α-mangostin.

Evaluation of Larvicidal Properties of Zingiber officinale Rhizome and Allium Sativum Bulbs against Aedes aegypti

This study evaluates the larvicidal potential of methanolic extracts derived from Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome and Allium sativum (garlic) bulbs against the 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, a key vector responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Due to the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides, there is a pressing need for alternative, eco-friendly vector control methods. Botanical extracts, known for their pesticidal properties, offer a promising solution. Methanolic extracts were collected from the selected test plant parts and different test solutions were prepared to test their larvicidal efficacy against the fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. The results indicated a significant dose-dependent increase in larval mortality for both extracts. The extracts of Z. officinale consistently showed better larvicidal effects than outperformed the extracts of A. sativum at all tested concentrations, with mortality rates ranging from 14.29% at 62.5 ppm to 79.22% at 500 ppm. In contrast, A. sativum exhibited mortality rates from 11.69% at 62.5 ppm to 76.62% at 500 ppm. The LC50 values further highlighted the greater efficacy of ginger extract, with an LC50 of 219.10 ppm compared to 237.39 ppm for garlic. These results suggest the usage of extracts of ginger rhizomes and garlic bulbs as eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.

Chemical profile and biotechnological potential larvicidal of a nanoemulsion (o/w) of the essential oil of Salvia officinalis L

This study aims to evaluate the chemical profile and biotechnological larvicidal potential of the nanoemulsion of the essential oil of Salvia officinalis L. The leaves of the plant were collected in São Luís, MA, from January to May 2021. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation at 100°C for 3h. Chemical characterization was obtained by GC-MS. The oil-in-water nanoemulsion was formulated by the low-energy phase inversion method and subjected to thermodynamic stability tests. Antioxidant activity is performed by the spectrophotometric method of scavenging hydroxyl radicals from salicylic acid. For larvicidal activity, Aedes aegypti larvae were subjected to EO solutions and nanoemulsions in concentrations (10-100 mg L-1), larval mortality was evaluated, and the LC50 was determined by the Probit method. The majority compounds of the EO were: eucalyptol with 65.14%, camphor (30.63%), and α-Terpineol (1.53%). The formulations were characterized as nanoemulsions with a droplet size <200 nm. The PDI was <0.200, indicating a narrow size distribution. The antioxidant activity exhibited EC50 of 136.29 mg L-1 and 51.59 mg L-1. The nanoemulsion with larvicidal potential showed an LC50 of 71.17 mg L-1. The nanoemulsion showed bioactive potential for larvicidal action, which may be related to the presence of its chemical compounds, and its use is encouraged in the fight against Aedes aegypti.

Larvicidal potential of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and Delphinium speciosum extract against malaria, dengue, and filariasis mosquito vectors

Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, and Zika, pose major public health challenges globally, affecting millions of people. The growing resistance of mosquito populations to synthetic insecticides underscores the critical need for effective and environmentally friendly larvicides. Although chemical pesticides can initially be effective, they often lead to negative environmental consequences and health hazards for non-target species, including humans. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal effects of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil and Delphinium speciosum extract on the larvae of three major mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Mosquito larvae of Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi, and Cx. quinquefasciatus were reared under controlled laboratory conditions. The larvicidal activity of T. ammi essential oil and D. speciosum extract was evaluated through standard bioassays, using various concentrations of essential oils (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 ppm) and extracts (160, 320, 640, 1280, and 2560 ppm) to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) values after 24 h of exposure. Fresh plant materials were collected, with the essential oil extracted via hydro-distillation, and the extract prepared using methanol solvent extraction. The chemical composition of T. ammi essential oil was examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the preliminary analysis of the chemical compounds in D. speciosum extract was carried out using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) techniques. The results indicated that the essential oil of T. ammi exhibited more effective larvicidal activity compared to the D. speciosum extract. Specifically, the essential oil demonstrated LC50 values of 18 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus and 19 ppm for Ae. aegypti. In contrast, the D. speciosum extract showed the strongest larvicidal effect against An. stephensi, with an LC50 of 517 ppm. Concentrations of 40 ppm of the essential oil and 1280 ppm of the extract resulted in 100% mortality across all three species. Both the essential oil of T. ammi and the D. speciosum extract exhibited concentration-dependent larvicidal activity, and these results were statistically significant (p < 0.001) compared to the no-treatment group. GC-MS analysis revealed thymol (88.95%), o-cymen-5-ol (4.11%), and γ-terpinene (2.10%) as the major constituents of the T. ammi essential oil. Additionally, TLC verified the presence of alkaloids in both chloroform and methanolic extracts. Proton NMR identified a diterpene structure for these alkaloids. These findings suggest that T. ammi essential oil is a promising candidate for natural mosquito control strategies. Given its efficacy, further research is warranted to explore its potential in integrated vector management programs.

Larvicidal activity and chemical composition of essential oils against Aedes aegypti Linn (Diptera: Culicidae) and Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae)

Introduction Aedes mosquitoes are the main vectors of the dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Essential oils have been used in research as alternatives to the synthetic insecticides traditionally used in programs to control these diseases. Methods: leaves of plants from the Caatinga biome were used to obtain essential oils which were used for larvicide essays against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae. Results: significant differences were observed in the LC50 values of C. zeylanicum, C. winterianus, E. citriodora, O. micranthum, and T. erecta essential oils in Ae. aegypti, while these differences were observed for A. conyzoides, C. winterianus, E. citriodora, and O. micranthum essential oils in Ae. albopictus, at the analyzed times. The LC50 for 24 h revealed a significant larvicidal effect for all tested samples, with emphasis on the effect of A. conyzoides and L. gracilis essential oils on Ae. aegypti, and the effect of A. conyzoides, C. zeylanicum, C. winterianus, L. gracilis, and O. micranthum essential oils on Ae. albopictus, all with an LC50 &lt; 100 ppm. It was observed a predominance of terpenes as components in the essential oils, and, in some of them, representing the major constituent (citronellal: 47.71% in E. citriodora and 47.63% in C. winterianus; geraniol: 30.54% in C. winterianus; citronellol: 25.61% in E. citriodora; carvacrol: 55.13% in L. gracilis; and cyclohexen-1-one, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-: 69.94% in T. erecta). The other major compounds observed were precocene (chromene - 97.66% - A. conyzoides), and eugenol (phenylpropanoid - 96.28% and 73.21% - C. zeylanicum and O. micranthum, respectively). Conclusions: the findings of this study revealed the larvicidal potential of these essential oils on Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus control, representing an alternative source to the traditional chemical controls used against the populations of these vectors. Further studies on the effects on non-target organisms and the combined action of two or more essential oils evaluated under field conditions are essential for obtaining commercially efficient formulations of these extracts.

Phytochemical analysis and insecticidal effect of essential oils from Myroxylon peruiferum (Leguminosae) and Eugenia gracillima (Myrtaceae) for the control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to evaluate the chemical composition of essential oils from Myroxylon peruiferum and Eugenia gracillima and determine the larvicidal potential of the oils against Aedes aegypti. Essential oils from the leaves and young stems of M. peruiferum (EOLMP and EOAMP) and the leaves of E. gracillima (EOLEG) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The major constituents of EOLMP were α-pinene (18.0%) and δ-cadinene (14.2%); the major constituents of EOAMP were spathulenol (22.9%) and β-elemene (12.4%) and the major constituents of EOLEG were δ-elemene (40.4%) and germacrene D (25.2%). The two oils extracted from M. peruiferum were very active against A. aegypti larvae and had similar lethal concentrations (LC50 = 0.7 mg/mL). The oil extracted from E. gracillima had an LC50 of 1.51 mg/mL. The essential oils from M. peruiferum and E. gracillima constitute promising sources for the formulation of novel insecticides for the control of the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

Centaurea iberica trevir. Ex spreng. Phytochemical content and evaluation of cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, larvicidal and anti-inflammatory potentials

Due to their tremendous therapeutic ability to treat a wide range of illnesses, medicinal plants are employed as a rich source and nutraceuticals practically in all civilizations. The goal of the current study was to evaluate phytochemistry and biological potentials of medicinal plant Centaurea iberica as previously no research work has been reported. To prepare plant extracts, five different solvents, methanol, ethanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate and chloroform were used. Total phenolic content of the investigated plant was recorded highest in the methanolic extract ranges from 91 ± 1.2 mg/g, total flavonoid content recorded 24 ± 1.1 mg/g. Moreover, maximum LC50 value (9.95 µg/mL) was recorded for methanolic extract using cytotoxicity assay. Radish seed germination phytotoxicity assay indicated the highest phytotoxic potential in n-hexane (55 % seed inhibition) extract of C. iberica. However, in anti-inflammatory assay less than 50 % inhibition was observed for methanolic extract and plant was found to be inactive against larvicidal activity. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that more in vitro and in vivo research activities be done in the future, as well as chemical characterization to identify various compounds that may be utilized to treat various illnesses.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Osbeckia leschenaultiana DC extract: Optimization of synthesis, biological activities, larvicidal activity and toxicity analysis

Presently the Osbeckia leschenaultiana DC leaf - extract was used to synthesis the silver nanoparticles and the green synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, XRD, DLS, Zeta potential and SEM. Absorbance at 405 nm was obtained in UV–vis spectrophotometer and multiple peaks emerged in FTIR analyses that represent the presence of some interesting functional groups. XRD results proved that the synthesised AgNPs were face-centered cubic and crystalline in nature. SEM revealed the particles are Cuboid and irregular forms; the particle size ranged between 70 nm and 100 nm. And the antibacterial and antioxidant characterization of green synthesized silver nanoparticles Osbeckia leschenaultiana DC leaf − extract against. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, revealed the potential antibacterial efficiency against gram positive bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (23.0 ± 1.0) and Bacillus subtilis (22.0 ± 1.0) and they showed 60–70 % high antioxidant activity compared to Osbeckia leaf extract. AgNPs showed the highest mortality against Aedes aegypti with LC50 value of 49.17 µg/mL, followed by the Osbeckia leaf extract have LC50 value of 85.95 µg/mL. The toxicity profile analyzed using non-target organism Artemia salina exhibited less toxicity. The results revealed that the Osbeckia leschenaultiana DC mediated AgNPs had multifaceted antibacterial, antioxidant and larvicidal potential.

Larvicidal potency of four Egyptian herbs on Culex pipiens larvae: Phytochemical composition and molecular networking for most potent extracts

Utilizing synthetic insecticides to control mosquito populations has many adverse side effects as they can cause environmental pollution and insecticide resistance. Therefore, the search for eco-friendly and effective mosquito control agents has led to the exploration of plant extracts with larvicidal efficacy. In this study, we aimed to explore the larvicidal activity of four Egyptian plant extracts: Rosmarinus officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Cichorium intybus, and Beta vulgaris var. cicla against Culex pipiens and to identify the chemical constituents present in the active extracts. The methanolic extracts of the four plants were prepared and tested against the third instar larvae of C. pipiens using a standard method. The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated using probit analysis. The active extracts were subjected to ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis and the data were processed using the global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) platform to generate molecular networks and identify the compounds based on spectral similarity and database matching. The methanolic extracts of R. officinalis L. and M. officinalis L. had the highest larvicidal activity, where LC50 values were 9.795 and 26.505 μg/mL, respectively. Their exposure caused a high mortality rate and disrupted the biochemical and physiological parameters (total carbohydrates, total lipids, total protein, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the body of C. pipiens when compared with Cichorium intybus (Chicory) and Beta vulgaris var. cicla (Chard). The UPLC-MS/MS analysis with the aid of the GNPS platform, revealed the presence of 23 and 41 metabolites from R. officinalis L. and M. officinalis L., respectively. The identified metabolites may act as larvicidal agents by interfering with the physiological or biochemical processes of the mosquito larvae. Overall, the findings suggest that the methanolic extracts of R. officinalis and M. officinalis are potential sources of natural larvicides for mosquito control.

Synthesis, molecular modelling and evaluation of larvicidal efficacy of annulated Benzo[h]chromenes against Culex pipiens L. Larvae

A new series of substituted benzo[h]chromene, benzochromenopyrimidine, and benzochromenotriazolopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized via chemical transformations of iminonitrile, ethoxymethylene amino, and cyanomethylene functionalities. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were assured by spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. The larvicidal efficacy of these compounds against Culex pipiens L. larvae was investigated, revealing potent insecticidal activity, particularly for compounds 6, 10, and 16, exceeding that of the standard insecticide chlorpyrifos. The mode of action of these compounds was explored through molecular docking studies, indicating their potential as acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) blockers. The structure–activity relationship analysis highlighted the influence of substituents and fused heterocyclic rings on larvicidal potency. These findings suggest that the synthesized compounds hold promise as potential candidates for developing novel and effective mosquito control agents.

Larvicidal Potency of Ashes of Two Insecticidal Plants against the Activities of Anopheles coluzzii and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes

Larvicidal Potency of Ashes of Two Insecticidal Plants against the Activities of Anopheles coluzzii and Culex quinquefasciatus Mosquitoes

Larvicidal, bactericidal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic effects and anti-proliferative activity of phyto-synthesized Ag-ZnO nanocomposites using Eranthemum roseum (Vahl) R.Br. leaf extract against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito vectors

This research is conducted using zinc doped silver nanocomposite on Eranthemum roseum leaf extract. E. roseum has its own medicinal properties due its bioactive compounds. Silver and Zinc also has its own medicinal properties due to its microbial properties. Our work is aimed to combine nanoparticles with plant extract to explore the medicinal properties. The synthesized Ag-ZnO NCs is characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The XRD analysis confirms the crystal nature of the Ag-ZnO NCs. The average shape of the nanocomposite was obtained using SEM as spherical, EDAX analysis confirming the presence of Ag, Zn and Oxygen and TEM conforms the oval shape of nanoparticles Antibacterial activity shows highest level of activity against K. pneumoniae and B. subtilis. DPPH Activity of Ag-ZnO NCs highest inhibition of 52.56 % while the ABTS analysis of Ag-ZnO NCs shows 54.28 %. Hypoglycemic activity α-amylase and α- glucosidase assay of Ag-ZnO NCs obtained good activity with maximum level of inhibition 63 % and 60 %. Anti-proliferative assay shows good activity against cancer causing cells in HepG2 human liver cancer line with 67.11 %. Larvicidal potential of Ag-ZnO NCs recorded good mortality rate against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. This study confirms the maximum activity of Ag-ZnO NCs and acts as Larvicidal, Anti-proliferative, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic agents.

Green synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticles from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: unveiling larvicidal potential, protein binding affinity and photocatalytic activities.

Environmental pollution, being a major concern worldwide, needs a unique and ecofriendly solution. To answer this, researchers are aiming in utilizing plant extracts for the synthesis of nanoparticles. These NPs synthesized using plant extracts provide a potential, environmentally benign technique for biological and photocatalytic applications. Especially, plant leaf extracts have been safe, inexpensive, and eco-friendly materials for the production of nanoparticles in a greener way. In this work, zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) were prepared using Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract by hydrothermal method, and its biological and photocatalytic properties were assessed. The synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). X-ray diffraction confirmed the arrangement of the fcc crystal structure of the nanoparticles and that some organic substances were encapsulated within the zinc ferrite. According to the SEM analysis, the resulting nanoparticles got agglomerated and spherical in shape. The ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are in their pure form, and all of their elemental compositions were shown by the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) spectrum. The FTIR results revealed that the produced nanoparticles contained distinctive functional groups. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to examine the binding affinities between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles in terms of protein binding, stability, and conformation. The interaction between BSA and ZnFe2O4 NPs was examined using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, and it was evident that static quenching occurred. The ability of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles to kill Culex quinquefasciatus (C. quinquefasciatus) larvae was evaluated. The synthesized NPs demonstrated a noteworthy toxic effect against the fourth instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus with LC50 values of 43.529µg/mL and LC90 values of 276.867µg/mL. This study revealed the toxicity of green synthesized ZnFe2O4 NPs on mosquito larvae, proving that these NPs are good and effective larvicides. Furthermore, the ZnFe2O4 NPs were utilized for dye degradation of methylene blue under visible light treatment and achieved 99.5% degradation.

Antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and cytotoxicity potential of AgNPs synthesized using Pittosporum undulatum under in vitro conditions

In this study, the phytochemical profile and silver nanoparticle (AgNPs)-synthesizing ability of Pittosporum undulatum methanol extract were investigated. Furthermore, biological applications of the AgNPs, such as antibacterial effect (against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli), mosquito larvicidal effect (against Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti), and cytotoxicity (against fibroblast cell line L929) were evaluated using in vitro experiments. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the methanol extract contained cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, coumarins, phenolics, and tannins. Furthermore, standard characterization techniques such as UV–Vis spectrometry, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and XRD confirmed that the methanol extract of P. undulatum effectively synthesized the AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs had a spherical shape and size of 20–200 nm. The bactericidal analysis revealed that the AgNPs have dose-dependent antibacterial activity. The MTT assay showed that the AgNPs were bio-compatible up to a dosage of 250 μg mL−1 in the normal fibroblast cell line L929. Furthermore, the LC50 values for AgNPs against larvae of An. stephensi, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and Ae. aegypti were 0.4, 4.7, and 1.2 ppm, respectively. Field trials demonstrated that the larvicidal effect was enhanced within 24–72 h, and the rate of reduction increased over time. Thus, our findings provide an ideal sustainable AgNP bio-pesticide to combat filarial, dengue, and malaria vectors.

Evaluation of Neuroprotective Activity of Delonix Regia Leaves on Haloperidol Induced Parkinsonism in Experimental Animals

One of the most serious and fatal neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by low levels of dopamine. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) from both endogenous and exogenous sources have a role in the oxidative stress that leads to PD, which is a complex condition. Delo nix Regia is a prominent medicinal plant that is frequently used in Indian systems of medicine. The fruit, leaves, and bark of this plant have been utilised for its antifungal, antiemetic, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and ant carcinogenic potential, according to Ayurvedic literature. The "antioxidant strategy" is the main topic of this study's therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's disease (PD). The investigation was completed in wistar rats, in which Parkinson’s disease (PD) was induced with haloperidol 2 mg/kg, P.O. The rats were randomly divided into six groups and the test animals received the ethanolic extract of Delo nix regia (DRLE) at a dose of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, orally for 15 days. Various behavioural and biochemical parameters were estimated in haloperidol exposed rats. The results of this study conclusively show that Delo nix regia has anti-oxidant activity and neuroprotective activity in haloperidol experimental model of PD.

Glaucarubinone from Simarouba glauca DC. as a potential biocontrol agent for mosquito vector management

The study explored Simarouba glauca DC. for mosquito larvicidal potential by performing bioactivity-guided chemical investigation of its root extract resulting in isolation of the known bioactive metabolite glaucarubinone (1). Mosquito larvicidal activity of glaucarubinone (1) against the three vector species viz. Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus was determined using a modified WHO 2005 protocol. It was observed that Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were the most susceptible species with LC50 13.88 ppm and LC90 70.01 ppm followed by Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi at 24 h of exposure. The mode of action as observed microscopically is the lysis of midgut and thorax cells of the third instar larvae. The crystal structure of the glaucarubinone (1) is reported for the first time using X-ray crystallography. This phytochemical product has the potential to act as a green alternative to existing chemical-based insecticides for integrated vector management.

Chemical Variability, Antioxidant and Larvicidal Efficacy of EOs from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Peel, Leaf, and Flower

Essential oils (EOs) from Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae) possess diverse biological activities. However, a comprehensive comparison of their chemical composition and bioactivity across different plant parts has not been studied yet. The current research comparatively assesses the yield, chemical composition, chiral distribution, antioxidant properties, and larvicidal activity of EOs extracted from the peels, leaves, and flowers of C. sinensis. EOs extracted via hydro-distillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chiral GC-MS to explore their chemical composition and enantiomeric distribution. In addition, their larvicidal and antioxidant potentials were evaluated following standard protocols. Peels of C. sinensis exhibited significantly higher oil content (1.75–2.25%) compared to its leaves (0.75–0.78%) and flowers (0.20–0.25%). The GC-MS analysis identified around 60 compounds, including terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and oxygenated terpenoids in the HD and SD extractions. Higher concentrations of sabinene were found in flower extract (38.05–39.89%) and leaf extract (32.30–36.91%), while peel extract contained more than 90% limonene. The larvicidal activity of peel oil was primarily attributed to limonene, with an LC50 value of 0.0031 µL/mL. The current study reports the first chiral (GC-MS) analysis in the essential oil of the leaves and flowers of C. sinensis, paving the way for authenticity and purity. Furthermore, the chemical profiling of citrus EOs, particularly from the peel, demonstrates a safe and promising candidate for diverse biological applications.

Exploring the Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activity against Aedes aegypti of Essential Oil from Bocageopsis multiflora.

This study investigates the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Bocageopsis multiflora (Mart.) R.E.Fr (Annonaceae), examining its effectiveness in combating both the larvae and adult forms of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of the insecticidal activity, toxicity properties and molecular docking calculations were conducted using the main compounds of this essential oil. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 26 constituents, representing 95.2% of the essential oil, with the major components identified as the sesquiterpenes α-selinene, β-selinene, and β-elemene. Larvicidal assays demonstrated potent activity of this essential oil with significant LC50 values of 40.8 and 39.4 μg/mL at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Adulticidal assessments highlighted strong efficacy with LC50 of 12.5 µg/mL. Molecular docking analysis identified optimal interaction activities of α-selinene and β-selinene with key Aedes proteins. The in silico studies comparing synthetic insecticides with the major sesquiterpenes of the essential oil revealed that β-selinene exhibited a significantly higher binding affinity compared to the other two sesquiterpenes. Also, ADMET studies of the three main sesquiterpenes indicated acceptable drug-like properties. In these findings, safety evaluations showed low toxicity and skin sensitization for the main sesquiterpenes, contrasting with commercial synthetic insecticides. Therefore, in silico analyses suggest promising interactions with Aedes proteins, indicating its potential as an effective alternative to conventional insecticides These results show the larvicidal and adulticidal potential of the essential oil from Bocageopsis multiflora against Aedes aegypti, supported by its predominant constituents, α-selinene, β-selinene and β-elemene.