Larvicidal activity of novel anthraquinone analogues and their molecular docking studies

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Jan;28(1):157-162. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.09.028. Epub 2020 Sep 21.

Abstract

To investigate the larvicidal activities of novel anthraquinones (1a-1k) against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae. Novel anthraquinones (1a-1k) derivatives were synthesis via condensation method. The compounds were confirmed through FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H & 13C NMR spectrum, and mass spectral studies. The larvicidal activity of compound 1c was highly active LD50 20.92 µg/mL against Culex quinquefasciatus compared standard permethrin with LD50 25.49 µg/mL. Molecular docking studies were carried out for compound 1c against Odorant-binding protein of Culex quinquefasciatus. The compound 1c (-9.8 Kcal/mol) was a potent larvicide with more binding energy than control permethrin (-9.7 Kcal/mol). Therefore, compound (1c) may be more significant inhibitors of mosquito larvicidal.

Keywords: Anthraquinone; Culex quinquefasciatus; Larvicidal activity; Molecular docking; Odorant-binding protein (OBP).