Óleos essenciais de plantas da caatinga com ação deletéria para o Aedes aegypti: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

In Brazil, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most frequent vector of some diseases, such as dengue and yellow fever. In the last years, the number of cases of arboviruses which are transmitted from this insect to humans, has been in creasing, as well as the distribution of this insect worldwide. The use of synthetic insecticides used to combat this vector has been compromised by the development of a resistant population and the collateral damage caused on the environment by these products. Essential oils have been studied as useful alternatives to insecticide and less harmful to the environment. Thereby, the purpose of this work is to check through a bibliographic survey whether the essential oil of Caatinga plants are effective or not to combat the insect Aedes aegypti From the total number of 243 papers found, only 13 were selected for the discussion since they fit the inclusion criteria of this review. After the reading of the papers it stands out the insecticidal activity showed by the Caatinga’s plants. There is a significant insecticidal potential of these essential oils against Aedes aegypti larvae, in addition of being effective also as adulticidal, repellent and oviposition deterrent of this insect . Regarding to the evaluated plants, it can be highlighted those of the genera Cordia , Croton, Piper and Lippia and some representants of Lamiaceae family as the most promising ones in the combat of Aedes aegypti These essential oils are an alternative to combat Aedes aegypti , although more studies are required to elucidate the knowledge in this area and to develop correct methods of using these volatile compounds.