Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. leaf extracts: Chemical insights and toxicity assessment against the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Alphitobius diaperinus , a pervasive pest in poultry facilities and stored products, poses significant challenges due to its role as a mechanical carrier of pathogens and its resilience to conventional insecticides. In search of eco-friendly alternatives, this study investigated the chemical composition and insecticidal potential of saline (SE) and methanolic (ME) extracts from Artocarpus heterophyllus leaves. Chromatographic analyses (TLC and HPLC-DAD) revealed the presence of cinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids in both extracts, while terpenes and steroids were detected exclusively in ME. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed the presence of eleven volatile compounds in each extract, with sesquiterpenes such as β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide dominating the ME profile, whereas SE predominantly contained long-chain alkanes. Bioassays against A. diaperinus adults showed that ME significantly reduced survival rates (LC₅₀ = 36.99 ± 1.57 mg/mL), while SE was ineffective at comparable concentrations. The insecticidal activity of ME may be linked to the presence of sesquiterpenes, steroids, and flavonoids. These findings position the methanolic extract of Ar. heterophyllus as a promising candidate for the development of plant-based insecticides, potentially contributing to more sustainable and targeted pest control strategies in poultry farming. • Methanolic (ME) and saline (SE) extracts from Ar. heterophyllus were studied. • Both extracts had cinnamic derivatives and flavonoids; only ME had terpenes/steroid. • HPLC-DAD of ME and SE showed cinnamic derivatives and flavonoids like rutin/vitexin. • GC-MS detected five volatile compounds in ME, while 11 compounds were found in SE. • ME was toxic to A. diaperinus (LC₅₀=36.99 mg/mL); SE showed no significant effect.
Authors: Gabriel da Silva Coutinho, Nataly Diniz de Lima Santos, Juliana Vital de Mendonça, Welton Aaron de Almeida, Janaina Carla Barbosa Machado, Júlio César Ribeiro de Oliveira Farias de Aguiar, Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro, Marcus Mello Rego de Amorim, Jeine Emanuele Santos da Silva, Magda Rhayanny Assunção Ferreira, Luiz Alberto Lira Soares, Patrícia Maria Guedes Paiva, Thiago Henrique Napoleão, Lucas Gabriel Pita dos Santos, Emmanuel Viana Pontual
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,020
OpenAlex ID: W7084035716