In the screening of alternative insecticides to control Aedes aegytpti larvae 2-methylanthraquinone showed no genotoxicity and low toxicity to zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The threats posed by insecticide resistance to Aedes aegypti in the context of controlling dengue have led to an urgent search for an environmentally safer alternative chemical with more effective larvicidal properties. Among many molecules tested, 2-methylanthraquinone showed the lowest LC50 for A. aegypti in a previous study and the highest LC50 for zebrafish embryos. Embryos were exposed at concentrations of 1.0, 2.19, 4.78, 10.46, 22.87, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/L, and malformations and mortality were significantly observed only at the highest exposures of 50 and 100 mg/L after 96 h. Micronucleus test and comet assay in zebrafish adults were both negative after exposures at 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 mg/L for 96 h. Several biochemical biomarkers were analyzed in adults, and 2-methylanthraquinone did not interfere with acetylcholinesterase activity. The lactate dehydrogenase activity was higher at concentrations of 25 and 100 mg/L. Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activities were tested in the gill and body (muscle tail). The gill was more sensitive than body for GST activity after exposure to 2-methylanthraquinone, showing the highest activities, and 2-methylanthraquinone showed low toxicity to a non-target organism.