Study of histoarchitectural changes in Anopheles stephensi larvae following exposure to Eucalyptus globulus and Aloe vera oils

Abstract

Chemical-based insecticides/larvicides pose a great threat to humans. The present study describes the histopathologicalchanges inAnopheles stephensiListon (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae after exposure to two essential oils, i.e.Eucalyptus globulusandAloevera . The exposure of 4th instar larvae ofAn. stephensito 90 ppm ofE. globulusand 550 ppm ofA. veraoils resulted in varioushistological alterations in organs of the head regions like disintegration of the brain and other structures, disorganization in the imaginalbuds of the antennae, complete disappearance of the optic lobes, and total disruption of the inner and outer retractor muscles of thebrush as compared to the control larvae. Oil-exposed larvae also exhibited diversifications in gastric ceca, disintegration of the midgutepithelium layer, rifts in microvilli, and disappearance or reduction of fat bodies as well as the epithelium layer of the hindgut. Suchpathological changes restrict the larvae s ability to perform various functions, leading to their death.