Interactions of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) essential oil against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

Essential oils arouse the interest of research for insect control. Schinus terebinthifolius is described in the literature for being bioactive against Aedes aegypti larvae. However, studies are scarce to fully assess the larvicidal potential of this species. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, bioactivity, time of death and bioavailability of the essential oil from different parts of S. terebinthifolius obtained from the Brazilian cerrado on Ae. aegypti larvae. For this, plants grown in the city of Goiânia-GO were used and the elucidation of the chemical composition of essential oils was carried out by means of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Ae. aegypti larvae were used in the bioassays to assess larvicidal activity, determine the time of death and bioavailability of the essential oil in solution. In addition, the interference of essential oil in the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase was also investigated. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that the most promising essential oil for the development of larvicidal formulations is that of fruits, based on having higher yield, greater bioactivity, time of death similar to synthetic insecticides. An inhibitory interaction of acetylcholinesterase was also observed. However, the essential oil had low bioavailability, so it is necessary to develop formulations to increase its bioactivity period.