Larvicidal activity of some secondary lichen metabolites against the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata Macquart (Diptera: Culicidae)

Nat Prod Res. 2012;26(4):350-5. doi: 10.1080/14786411003774296. Epub 2011 Jul 7.

Abstract

The larvicidal activity of some lichen metabolites, (+)-usnic acid, atranorin, 3-hydroxyphysodic acid and gyrophoric acid, against the second and third instar larvae of the mosquito Culiseta longiareolata were studied. All metabolites caused high larvicidal activities. When metabolites were compared on the basis of their LC(50) values, the order of increasing toxicity was as follows: gyrophoric acid (0.41 ppm) > (+)-usnic acid (0.48 ppm) > atranorin (0.52 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (0.97 ppm). However, when LC(90) values were compared, the order of toxicity was (+)-usnic acid (1.54 ppm) > gyrophoric acid (1.93 ppm) > 3-hydroxyphysodic acid (4.33 ppm) > atranorin (5.63 ppm). In conclusion, our results found that lichen secondary metabolites may have a promising role as potential larvicides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzoates / pharmacology
  • Benzofurans / pharmacology
  • Culicidae / drug effects*
  • Dibenzoxepins / pharmacology
  • Hydroxybenzoates / pharmacology
  • Insecticides / chemistry
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Lethal Dose 50
  • Lichens / chemistry*
  • Lichens / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • 3-hydroxyphysodic acid
  • Benzoates
  • Benzofurans
  • Dibenzoxepins
  • Hydroxybenzoates
  • Insecticides
  • usnic acid
  • atranorin
  • gyrophoric acid