ECOTOXICITY AND LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL PIPER ADUNCUM (SPIKED PEPPER) AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) of Piper aduncum against Aedes aegypti and its ecotoxicity towards Artemia salina, as well as to characterize its chemical composition. Methods: The EO was extracted via hydrodistillation from fruits collected in Maranhão, Brazil. Larvicidal activity was tested on third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, while toxicity was assessed using Artemia salina nauplii. Chemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Results: The EO exhibited high larvicidal activity, with a LC₅₀ of 25.36 mg/L, classifying it as highly active. Regarding environmental toxicity, the EO showed low toxicity to Artemia salina (LC₅₀ = 302.85 mg/L), and was considered non-toxic according. Chemical analysis identified linalool (42.90%), γ-terpinene (12.30%), and trans-ocimene (11.40%) as the main constituents. Conclusion: Piper aduncum essential oil demonstrated significant larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti with minimal environmental impact, highlighting its potential as a sustainable alternative for vector control of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. However, further studies, including field trials and long-term toxicity assessments, are necessary to validate its safe and effective application.