Evaluation of the potential larvicidal activity of Chactas reticulatus and Tityus asthenes venoms

Background: Scorpion venoms are an important source of bioactive compounds that can enhance neuromodulatory activity through specific low-molecular-mass neurotoxins. The main targets of these toxins are ion channels found in the nervous system of invertebrates, making them an important source of potential insecticidal molecules. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe for the first time the larvicidal potential of scorpion venoms (Tityus asthenes and Chactas reticulatus). Methods: Both venoms were fractionated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and the collected fractions were evaluated individually against Rockefeller-strain Aedes aegypti larvae (II/III instar). Additionally, all collected fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Results: Both venoms showed different molecular weight distributions. Different fractions from both showed larvicidal activity, eluting at acetonitrile concentrations below 45%. These fractions correspond to proteins with a molecular mass ranging from 6.5 to 29.1 kDa. Conclusion: Scorpion venoms should be considered an important source of larvicidal compounds, which may contribute to the control of transmissible diseases such as malaria, dengue, or chikungunya.