Physiological effects of the natural products quassin, cinnamaldehyde and azadirachtin on Periplaneta americana (L.)

Abstract

The action of the plant products quassin, cinnamaldehyde and azadirachtin was examined using pharmacological and electrophysiological methods. All three substances inhibited the beat rate of the antenna-heart, with quassin causing a diastolic and cinnamaldehyde a systolic block. Quassin delayed and azadirachtin at first accelerated the frequency of action potentials in the heart muscle, but 5 · 10 )3 m of the latter compound degraded the spike pattern and decreased the heart rate. A typical prolongation of the duration of the action potentials was observed. In recordings from a nerve of the frontal ganglion, quassin and cinnamaldehyde reduced the intervals between the spontaneous bursts, which turned into a continuous spike discharge with a decline in activity, while azadirachtin had no effect. Measurements in a single neurone of this ganglion revealed that quassin had a suppressive effect on the frequency and amplitude of the action potentials. These results suggest that the physiological effects demonstrated do not cause the primary insecticidal actions of these plant products.

Toxicity and neurophysiological impacts of plant essential oil components on bed bugs (Cimicidae: Hemiptera)

“…Similarly, Hertel et al . 39 found the plant essential oil components quassin and cinnamaldehyde to be neurologically active against P . americana .…”

Combinatorial Effect of Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil and Citrus Limon Peel Oil on Larvae and Adult of Mosquitoes

“…The active compounds found in extracts of Azadirachta indica are Azadirachtin and Nimbim which have been reported to have toxic effects on insects [21] . The Azadirachtin displays neurotoxic effects on insects by altering the functions of the central nervous system (CNS) through inhibiting the excitatory cholinergic transmission and blocking the calcium channels partly [22,23,24] .…”

Use of plant-derived products to control household and structural arthropod pests

“…quassin (a triterpenoid from Quassia amara (L.), and cinnamaldehyde (an organic compound from Cinnamomum cassia [Nees & Nees) Presl.]. These studies demonstrated that physiological effects of these allelochemicals do not ease the primary insecticidal actions [14]. Mode of action of these two products however needs further studies as they can rather act as repellent only.…”