# Insecticidal Potential of Aniba canelilla (H.B.K.) Mez Essential Oil Against Aedes aegypti: Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activities, Mechanism of Action, and Formulation Development

## TL;DR

This study explores the insecticidal effects of Aniba canelilla essential oil and its compounds against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, showing potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel nanoformulation of Aniba canelilla essential oil and its derivatives for improved larvicidal and adulticidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti.

## Key findings

- Nanoformulated Aniba canelilla essential oil showed significantly reduced LC50 values against Aedes aegypti larvae and adults.
- The derivative 1-Nitro-2-phenylethene (NFTENE) exhibited the highest larvicidal potency with an LC50 of 10.9 ppm.
- Formulations remained stable for up to 190 days at varying temperatures, supporting long-term use.

## Abstract

Control of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, is increasingly difficult due to resistance to synthetic insecticides and environmental concerns. Plant essential oils offer sustainable alternatives with multi-target modes of action and rapid biodegradation. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of Aniba canelilla (EOANIB), its major constituent 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane (NFTANE), and the derivative 1-Nitro-2-phenylethene (NFTENE) against larvae and adults of A. aegypti. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was quantified using enzymes from Electrophorus electricus, Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster. Pluronic® F127 (5% w/v) nanoformulations loaded with EOANIB, NFTANE, or NFTENE at 1.5% or 0.34% (w/v) improved efficacy and stability. Formulations remained stable for 120 to 190 days at 25 to 60 °C. Larvicidal assay at 24 h yielded LC50 values of 86.9 (CI 78.2–94.7) ppm for EOANIB, 84.8 ppm (CI 75.6–92.4) for NFTANE and 10.9 (CI 8.0–14.0) ppm for NFTENE. Against adults, EOANIB achieved an LC50 of 33.9 ppm at 1.5 h. Nanoformulation reduced the EOANIB LC50 by 22.2% after 24 h and 40.1% after 48 h. Toxicity assays evaluated selectivity with Artemia salina (EOANIB LC50: 77.2 ppm) and no mortality in D. melanogaster at 100 ppm. The convergence of efficacy, formulation-enhanced performance, and demonstrated storage stability positions Aniba canelilla as a promising source of bioinsecticide candidates for Aedes aegypti control and supports further development of micellar delivery systems for integrated vector management.