Analysis of chemical compositions and larvicidal activity of nut extracts from Areca catechu Linn against Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

Background There is a growing need to use green alternative larvicidal control for Aedes larvae compared to chemical insecticides. Substantial reliance on chemical insecticides caused insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Thus, research for alternate chemical compounds from natural products is necessary to control Aedes larvae. This study explores the analysis of chemical compositions from Areca catechu nut as a potential larvicide for Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae). Methods The Areca catechu nut collected from Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia was grounded into powder and used for Soxhlet extraction. The chemical analysis of the extracts and their structures were identified using the GCMS-QP2010 Ultra (Shimadzu) system. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Chemistry WebBook, Standard Reference Database 69 (https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/) and PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), the two databases used to retrieve the synonyms, molecular formula, molecular weight, and 2-dimensional (2D) structure of chemical compounds. Next, following WHO procedures for larval bioassays, the extracts were used to asses larvicidal activity against early 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Results The larvicidal activities were observed against early 4th stage larvae with different concentrations in the range from 200 mg/L to 1600 mg/L. The LC50 and LC95 of Aedes aegypti were 621 mg/L and 2264 mg/L respectively; whereas the LC50 and LC95 of Aedes albopictus were 636 mg/L and 2268 mg/L respectively. Mortality was not observed in the non-target organism test. The analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometer recovered several chemical compounds such as Arecaidine, Dodecanoic acid, Methyl tetradecanoate, Tetradecanoic acid <n->, and n-Hexadecanoic acid bioactive components. These chemical constituents were used as additive formulations in pesticides, pest control, insect repellent, and insecticidal agents. Conclusions Our study showed significant outcomes from the extract of Areca catechu nut and it deserves further investigation in relation to chemical components and larvicidal actions between different species of Aedes mosquitoes. Even though all these findings are fundamental, it may have some interesting potentials to be developed as natural bio-larvicidal products.

Host Plant Resistance and Analysis of Chemical Compounds Responsible for Bruchid Resistance in Greengram Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

“…The compounds viz., Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester; n-Hexadecanoic acid and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) were reported while studying bruchid resistant and susceptible lines in chickpea (Reddy et al, 2021) and in blackgram (Ragul et al, 2022) through GC-MS analysis. Bharathithasan et al (2021) also reported insecticidal property of Octadecaenoic acid against insect pest of Areca nut.…”

“…The compound 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester was reported against bruchid infestation in chickpea (Reddy et al, 2021). Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1, 2-ethanediyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, 2-oxiranyl methyl ester were known to have insecticidal properties against insect pest of Areca nut (Bharathithasan et al, 2021). Therefore, in the present study, 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester; Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(hydroxymethyl)-1, 2-ethanediyl ester and Hexadecanoic acid, 2-oxiranyl methyl ester were identified as the compounds responsible for bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis) resistance in greengram.…”

Piper caninum extract and Brevibacillus agri mixture suppresses rice leaf spot pathogen; Nigrospora oryzae and improves the production of red rice (Oryza sativa L)

“…These findings contribute to comprehending bacterial volatiles in the rhizosphere and their functions (Yi et al, 2016). The bioactive components of tetradecanoic acid have been employed as additives in insecticides, pest control, insect repellents, and insecticidal agents (Bharathithasan et al, 2021).…”

Phytochemical Constituents of Indonesian Adlay (Coix lacrima-jobi L.) and Their Potential as Antioxidants and Crop Protection Agents

“…The major constituents of this plant, such as bovinic acid and methyl linoleate in hexane and chloroform extracts, have been reported to possess insecticidal activity against the potato bug (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) [20] and herbicidal activity against wild oat (Avena fatua), sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), goosefoot (Chenopodium album), canary grass (Phalaris minor), and knotweed (Rumex dentatus), respectively [21]. On the other hand, in ethyl acetate extract, some chemical constituents such as palmitic and linoelaidic acids, were found to show larvicidal and insecticidal activities against Aedes aegypti Linn and cotton leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis), respectively [22,23]. Moreover, methyl palmitate presents in the water extract exhibited acaricidal activity against Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval) [24].…”