Phytochemical Investigation of Three Cystoseira Species and Their Larvicidal Activity Supported with In Silico Studies

Abstract

Culex pipiens mosquitoes are transmitters of many viruses and are associated with the transmission of many diseases, such as filariasis and avian malaria, that have a high rate of mortality. The current study draws attention to the larvicidal efficacy of three methanolic algal extracts, Cystoseira myrica, C. trinodis, and C. tamariscifolia, against the third larval instar of Cx. pipiens. The UPLC-ESI-MS analysis of three methanol fractions of algal samples led to the tentative characterization of twelve compounds with different percentages among the three samples belonging to phenolics and terpenoids. Probit analysis was used to calculate the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90). The highest level of toxicity was attained after treatment with C. myrica extract using a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 105.06 ppm, followed by C. trinodis (135.08 ppm), and the lowest level of toxicity was achieved by C. tamariscifolia (138.71 ppm) after 24 h. The elevation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduction of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzymes confirm the larvicidal activity of the three algal extracts. When compared to untreated larvae, all evaluated extracts revealed a significant reduction in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents, verifying their larvicidal effectiveness. To further support the observed activity, an in silico study for the identified compounds was carried out on the two tested enzymes. Results showed that the identified compounds and the tested enzymes had excellent binding affinities for each other. Overall, the current work suggests that the three algal extractions are a prospective source for the development of innovative, environmentally friendly larvicides.

Intra-Species Variations of Bioactive Compounds of Two Dictyota Species from the Adriatic Sea: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Dermatological, Dietary, and Neuroprotective Potential

“…Alghazwi et al [ 12 ] summarized the macroalgae-derived compounds that are targeting cholinesterase activity and, in our research, loliolide and fucoxanthin have been found in both tested samples, while α-linolenic acid was found only in D. dichotoma sample, as molecules with enzyme inhibitory effects [ 10 , 94 ]. Aly et al [ 95 ] reported the presence of α-linolenic acid and cystoseirol monoacetate, compounds with good binding affinities to the AChE enzyme [ 95 ], in the methanolic fraction of several Cystoseira species, while the same compounds were also determined in this research for the D. dichotoma F3 fraction. On the other hand, ethanolic extracts of D. dichotoma did not show inhibitory effects on acetylcholine esterase [ 94 ].…”

Biochemical and insecticidal efficacy of clove and basil essential oils and two photosensitizers and their combinations on Aphis gossypii glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

“…The findings of Sayed et al (2020) suggest that Ochradenus baccatus can be used as an effective insecticide in IPM programs against Aphis craccivora. Plant extracts and EOs are new technology in insecticide formulations that can be utilized in pest control (Moustafa et al 2021;Awad et al 2022;Aly 2023). Our results show that the toxicity indices of clove and basil Eos were 100 and 22.45%, respectively.…”

Larvicidal Efficacy of Fe-MOF Nanoparticles Against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) and its Potential Impact on Water Quality

“…Moreover, Bedia et al (2019) emphasized the photocatalytic performance of MOFs in the purification of water and discussed the degradation of organic pollutants, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals, as well as the removal of heavy metal ions using MOF-based photocatalysts. MOFs with a very large surface area, tunable porosity, tailorable topology, crystallinity, adjustable functionalities, excellent photoelectronic properties and high thermal and mechanical stability could eradicate prevailing challenges to help water treatment The expansion of highly invasive species such as mosquitoes has led to the emergence of deadly diseases that can lead to epidemics or pandemics (Dahmana & Mediannikov, 2020; Aly et al, 2023). The larvicide bioassay was conducted using different concentrations of Fe-MOF nanoparticles dissolved in distilled water.…”