Revealing the molecular interplay of curcumin as Culex pipiens Acetylcholine esterase 1 (AChE1) inhibitor

Emergence of vector borne diseases has continued to take toll on millions of lives since its inception. The use of insecticides began as vector control strategy in the early 1900’s but the menace of insects is still prevalent. Additionally, the inadequate use of organophosphates and carbamates which target acetylcholine esterase (AChE), are known to develop resistance amongst vectors of transmission and are toxic to humans. In this study, extensive computational screening was performed using homology modelling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and free energy change calculation, which highlighted curcumin as a lead molecule out of ~ 1700 phytochemicals against Culex pipiens AChE. In vivo larvicidal activity was carried out along with in vivo and in vitro AChE inhibition assay to determine the biochemical efficacy of curcumin. Our study reveals that curcumin induces mortality in Cx. pipiens at an early stage of its life cycle by AChE inhibition. This also underlines the use of curcumin as a coming-age natural product insecticide.