IN VITRO LARVICIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI OF ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTED FROM PIMENTA DIOICA LINDL. (ALLSPICE)

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal potential of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Pimenta dioica leaves against third and fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and to characterize its chemical composition. Methods: The EO was obtained through hydrodistillation of leaves collected in Maranhão, Brazil. Larvicidal activity was assessed against Ae. aegypti larvae using a standard protocol. Chemical characterization was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The EO exhibited high larvicidal efficacy, with a lethal concentration (LC₅₀) value of 2.25 mg/L, which is classified as highly active. Chemical analysis identified a phenolic-rich profile, with eugenol (78.96%) and chavicol (8.78%) as the major constituents. Conclusion: Pimenta dioica essential oil demonstrated significant larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti larvae, an effect primarily attributed to its high eugenol content. These findings support its potential as a natural and sustainable alternative for controlling this vector of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. Further studies are warranted to develop formulations and validate their efficacy under field conditions.