Larvicidal Potential of Essential Oils Extracted from Syzygium aromaticum Against Aedes albopictus In Malaysia: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Introduction: The use of chemical insecticides has raised concerns regarding its consequences on human health and as well as its detrimental environmental impacts. Essential oils obtained from botanical origins can be used as natural alternatives to circumvent these concerns. As such, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of essential oil extracted from Syzygium aromaticum against Aedes albopictus. Methods: Larvae sampled were reared and maintained under insectary conditions following standard protocols. The essential oil from Syzygium aromaticum was extracted by hydrodistillation and tested against Aedes albopictus larvae for its susceptibility and lethality at 24 and 48 hours. The LC50 and LC90 lethal concentration values were determined using Probit regression analysis. Results: Syzygium aromaticum essential oil revealed larvicidal actions against Aedes albopictus species which was concentration-dependent, causing 100% larval mortality at 300 ppm. LC50 and LC90 were observed at 239.5 ppm and 275.3 ppm following 24-hour exposure, and 235.5 ppm and 277.8 ppm after 48 hours respectively. Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the conceivable use of essential oils extracted from Syzygium aromaticum as potential sources for the development of a larvicidal agent. The findings could be used to catalyse further efforts to develop alternative strategies to control Aedes albopictus.