GC-MS Analysis of Insecticidal Leaf Essential Oil of Pyrenacantha Staudtii   Hutch and Dalz (Icacinaceae)

Purpose: Insecticides have been known to cause serious toxicological and environmental problems. Hence, the insecticidal activity and chemical composition of a local medicinal plant was investigated.
Methods: Steam distillation of P.staudtii leaves was carried out using a Clavenger apparatus in order to obtain the volatile oils. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses (DB-5 Optima-5 column) of the essential oil were performed and its insecticidal activity determined.
Results: GC-MS spectrometry showed that the major chemical components of the oil were tetradecanoic acid (22 %), hexanoic acid, α-phellandrene (13 %), and citronellol sp. (7 %). The work also revealed significant insecticidal activity of 80 % and 60 % against Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium castaneum, respectively.
Conclusion: The study established the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of the plant leaf. Future formulation studies, toxicity profile and possible mechanism of action may lead to the development of a potential insecticidal product.