Ali_2025_Neotrop.Entomol_54_97

The control of dengue vector mosquitoes by utilizing plant-based eco-friendly larvicides is pivotal in suppressing the spread of dengue with minimum environmental toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activity of nanoliposomes containing p-cresol and Myristica fragrans Houtt. essential oil (EO) against Aedes aegypti L. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) larvae. The constituents of extracted EO were assessed by GC-MS analyses. The in vitro and in silico inhibitory activities of p-cresol and M. fragrans EO against acetylcholinesterase and alpha-amylase enzymes of Larvae were assessed. Nanoliposomes were prepared and characterized and their Larvicidal activities were analyzed against 4th instar Aedes larvae. Major constituents identified from EO were alpha-pinene, sabinene, beta-pinene, beta-phellandrene, gamma-terpinene, isopulegol, and myristicin. The results showed that both p-cresol and M. fragrans EO possess significant inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase. Moreover, M. fragrans EO also inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The molecular docking results also confirmed these inhibitory activities. Myristica fragrans EO and p-cresol as well as their nanoliposomes showed significant larvicidal activities against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The LC(50) values of p-cresol (13 and 16 mg/L) were lower than M. fragrans EO (33 and 39 mg/L) against both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae, respectively. The encapsulation efficacy of nanoliposomes for p-cresol and M. fragrans EO was 78 to 82%. The hydrodynamic diameter of nanoliposomes was below 155 nm. The PDI and zeta potential values were Less than 0.2 and - 28 mV respectively, confirming the homogenous distribution and stability. Here, it is concluded that both M. fragrans EO and p-cresol possess significant larvicidal activities against Aedes larvae. The nanoliposomes of M. fragrans EO and p-cresol were stable and homogenous, and these have further improved the efficacy of M. fragrans EO and p-cresol.