Toxic Effects of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. Essential Oil and Its Main Component on Culex pipiens pallens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Sustainable control of mosquitoes, vectors of many pathogens and parasites, is a critical challenge. Chemical insecticides are gradually losing their effectiveness because of development of resistance, and plant metabolites are increasingly being recognized as potential alternatives to chemical insecticides. This study aimed to analyze the main components of Perilla frutescens essential oil (PE-EO), investigate the specific activity of PE-EO as a botanical insecticide and mosquito repellent, and explore whether its main constituents are potential candidates for further research. The larvicidal activity assay showed that LC50 of PE-EO and 2-hexanoylfuran was 45 and 25 mg/L, respectively. In the ovicidal activity assay, both 120 mg/L PE-EO and 80 mg/L 2-hexanoylfuran could achieve 98% egg mortality. Moreover, PE-EO and 2-hexanoylfuran showed repellency and oviposition deterrence effects. Notably, 10% PE-EO maintained a high rate of protection for 360 min. Although PE-EO and its main component had certain toxic effects on zebrafish, no significant harmful effects were detected in human embryonic kidney cells. Therefore, perilla essential oil is an effective agent for mosquito control at several life stages and that its main component, 2-hexanoylfuran, is a potential candidate for developing novel plant biopesticides.

Larvicidal, Ovicidal and Repellent Activities of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq Essential Oil against Anopheles arabiensis

“…Controlling of egg hatching before larval emergence is another e cient approach for malarial vector management [32]. In the present study, the mean percentage hatchability of the eggs was observed post 72 h. It was found that the mean percentage hatchability was inversely proportional to the concentration of the essential oil.…”

Chemical Composition of Essential Oil from Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Chachiensis (Chachi) and Its Anti-Mosquito Activity against Pyrethroid-Resistant Aedes albopictus

“…albopictus larvae with PCR EO, indicating its potential in the control of mosquitoes. Although the World Health Organization does not specify the effective concentration for larvicidal activity, one component with an LC 50 of less than 100 mg/L is generally considered active [37]. Based on the LC 50 , the toxicity of the main components in CRB EO toward mosquito larvae decreases in the order of D-limonene > p-cymene > γ-terpinene > methyl 2-(methylamino)benzoate > α-terpineol.…”

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity

“…Due to resistance development, chemical insecticides are losing their effectiveness, and plant metabolites are gaining recognition as potential alternatives. Zhang et al [13] demonstrated that Perilla frutescens oil, including its main component, 2-hexanoylfuran, has insecticidal effects on Culex pipiens pallens mosquitoes, indicating its potential as a new plant-based biopesticide.…”