Mosquito larvicidal activities of naturally occurring compounds derived from Piper species

Mosquitos transmit human diseases including malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis. Methylenedioxy compounds are considered to be safe synergists that enhance the activity of active ingredients to control mosquito populations. Seven naturally occurring compounds from Piper nigrum and P. longum were used to determine their larvicidal activities against larvae of Culex pipiens pallens. Among the tested compounds, myristicin and dodecanol showed potent larvicidal activity. Several modes of larvicidal action have been suggested for natural compounds, and in this study, their larvicidal effects on the surface water tension were considered and determined using a tensiometer in order to understand how lowering water surface tension was associated with mortality. In conclusion, lowering water surface tension was related to the larvicidal activities of myristicin and dodecanol.