Chemical Profile and Insecticidal Properties of Essential Oil Obtained from Algerian Artemisia herba-alba Leaves

IF 1.5 3区农林科学 Q4 PARASITOLOGY

Acta Parasitologica Pub Date : 2026-07-27 DOI:10.1007/s11686-026-01363-5

Kenza Benaceur, Mustapha Naceur Youcefi, Farouk Benaceur

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose

Vector control is critical for reducing mosquito-borne diseases. Plant-derived insecticides offer a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and insecticidal efficacy of essential oil (EO) from Artemisia herba-alba against Culex pipiens.

Methods

EO composition was determined using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Larvicidal, adulticidal, repellent, and oviposition deterrent activities were assessed through bioassays. Molecular docking analyses were conducted to investigate interactions between major EO components and mosquito enzymes involved in critical physiological processes.

Results

GC/MS revealed camphor (19.47%), 2-nonanone (16.96%), exo-fenchol (9.30%), and cis-thujone (8.18%) as the primary constituents. Larvicidal activity exhibited a dose- and time-dependent effect, with an LC₅₀ of 47.12 ppm at 72 h. Adulticidal activity was moderate. Repellency reached 92.92% at 6 µL/cm², and EO significantly reduced oviposition, with an Oviposition Activity Index of -0.85 at 7%. Docking studies indicated strong binding of cis-thujone and pinocarvone to glutathione S-transferase, chitinase h, and acetylcholinesterase.

Conclusion

The EO of A. herba-alba demonstrated potent larvicidal, repellent, and oviposition deterrent effects, with active compounds potentially disrupting essential mosquito physiological functions. These findings support its potential application as a natural agent in integrated vector management programs.

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阿尔及利亚白蒿叶精油化学成分及杀虫性能研究

目的：病媒控制是减少蚊媒疾病的关键。植物源性杀虫剂是一种比合成化学品更安全、更环保的替代品。本研究旨在评价白蒿挥发油对淡库蚊的化学成分及杀虫效果。方法：采用气相色谱-质谱联用（GC/MS）法测定EO的组成。通过生物测定法评估其杀幼虫、杀成虫、驱避和阻卵活性。通过分子对接分析，研究蚊子主要EO组分与参与关键生理过程的酶之间的相互作用。结果：GC/MS检出樟脑（19.47%）、2-壬酮（16.96%）、外芬酚（9.30%）和顺式图琼（8.18%）为其主要成分。杀幼虫活性表现出剂量和时间依赖效应，72 h时LC₅0为47.12 ppm。杀成虫活性中等。在6µL/cm²浓度下，驱避率达到92.92%，在7%浓度下，驱避率显著降低，产卵活性指数为-0.85。对接研究表明顺式图琼和蒎卡酮与谷胱甘肽s-转移酶、几丁质酶h和乙酰胆碱酯酶有很强的结合。结论：白刺精油具有较强的杀幼虫、驱避和阻产卵作用，其活性成分可能破坏蚊子的基本生理功能。这些发现支持了其在综合病媒管理计划中作为天然药剂的潜在应用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Acta Parasitologica 医学-寄生虫学

CiteScore

3.10

自引率

6.70%

发文量

149

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Acta Parasitologica is an international journal covering the latest advances in the subject. Acta Parasitologica publishes original papers on all aspects of parasitology and host-parasite relationships, including the latest discoveries in biochemical and molecular biology of parasites, their physiology, morphology, taxonomy and ecology, as well as original research papers on immunology, pathology, and epidemiology of parasitic diseases in the context of medical, veterinary and biological sciences. The journal also publishes short research notes, invited review articles, book reviews. The journal was founded in 1953 as "Acta Parasitologica Polonica" by the Polish Parasitological Society and since 1954 has been published by W. Stefanski Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw. Since 1992 in has appeared as Acta Parasitologica in four issues per year.