Culex pipiens is a major mosquito in different areas; it is in charge of transmitting several serious diseases. Several essential oils showed larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens, the present work aims to clarify the alterations in the biochemical profile of Culex pipiens third instar larvae induced by exposure to the nanoemulsion containing Pimpinella anisum essential oil.The formulated nanoemulsion was characterized by dynamic light scattering and the stability of nanoemulsion was evaluated. Furthermore, biochemical analysis was performed to examine the impact of median lethal concentration of the nanoemulsion on the biochemical profile of larvae.
The results of this research revealed that treatment caused alterations in some metabolites and digestive enzymes of the larvae; it induced significant increase in total carbohydrate amount and elevated the amylase activity significantly. While, there was slight increase in the total protein amount and slight elevation in the level of protease activity.
Therefore, this study suggests that the use of nanoinsecticides containing Pimpinella anisum essential oil can be effective for controlling the disease vector Culex pipiens.