Larvicidal activity of terpenes and their derivatives against Aedes aegypti: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the primary arthropod vector responsible for the transmission of dengue, which is present in more than one hundred countries. The application of synthetic larvicides is one of the most common strategies used for dengue control, but their prolonged use can cause larvicide resistance or tolerance, environmental damage, and have toxic effects on human and animal health. Thus, faced with this problem, there have been increasing efforts to find alternative larvicides against Ae. Aegypti. This search has been mainly focused on naturally occurring chemical compounds, driven by the evidence of their potential effectiveness, and by a desire to find more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safe alternatives to synthetic larvicides. Thus, the present study aimed to review the effects of terpenes and their derivatives on mortality of the Ae. aegypti larvae, focusing mainly on a lethal concentration of 50% (LC ), in addition to summarizing information on its mechanisms of action and effects on non-target organisms. We searched the main databases for studies published up to April 2024 using relevant keywords, and data were extracted and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Twenty-one articles describing 69 different terpenes and derivatives met the criteria of the review and meta-analysis. Among them, 76.8% were terpenoids and 23.2% terpenes. The LC ranged from 0.4 to 1628.2 ppm. The present review and meta-analysis showed that the terpenes and terpenoids can be promising chemical templates for use in eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti.