M.S. Rafael, W.J. Hereira-Rojas, J.J. Roper, S.M. Nunomura, W.P. Tadei
Published: September 02, 2008
Genet. Mol. Res. 7 (3) : 772-781
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-3gmr481

Cite this Article:
M.S. Rafael, W.J. Hereira-Rojas, J.J. Roper, S.M. Nunomura, W.P. Tadei (2008). Potential control of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) with Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) extracts demonstrated by chromosomal biomarkers and toxic effects on interphase nuclei. Genet. Mol. Res. 7(3): 772-781. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-3gmr481

About the Authors
M.S. Rafael, W.J. Hereira-Rojas, J.J. Roper, S.M. Nunomura, W.P. Tadei

Corresponding Author
M.S. Rafael
Email: msrafael@inpa.gov.br

ABSTRACT

Dillapiol, a phenylpropanoid isolate from essential oils of leaves of Piper aduncum (Piperaceae), has insecticidal, fungicidal and antimicrobial activities. The insecticidal activity of dil lapiol was tested in vivo on the larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti, the mosquito vector of dengue. Specifically, the effect of dillapiol on the formation of micronuclei and chromosome aberrations was analyzed. Dillapiol treatments comprised two concentrations of 200 and 400 μg/mL, dissolved in well water, and a pure well water control used to rear four generations of mosquitoes. Micronuclei occurred in mitotic diploid and tetraploid chromosomes of larvae; nuclear abnormalities also occurred in interphase, metaphase, telophase, and single nucleus cells of pupae. Mortality, oviposition, chromosome breakage, and anaphase bridges were significantly greater in the extract treatments than in controls. The genotoxic effects of dillapiol described here suggest that this natural product may be a useful alternative for the control of A. aegypti.

Key words: Micronucleus test, Chromosome aberrations, Dengue, Dillapiol.