Phyto-compounds and mosquito control

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Do all plant based molecules with benzene rings possess vertebrate toxicity?

Vertebrate Toxic Agents
phytochemicals
Mosquito Control
Joy Anogwih
76 months ago

2 answers

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It is commonly accepted that Benzene and the products of its metabolism can be toxic to humans. As to the extent and what the acceptable levels of exposures are, more research is needed. However, when dealing with human or vertebrate toxicity, I would argue that is it safer to err on the side of caution. As to toxicity to mosquitos (and vertebrates) I would not venture to state that ALL plant based molecules with benzene rings can be toxic as not all have actually been discovered let alone tested.

Delano L
75 months ago
Thank you Delano. Indeed, there is a need for more research in this area especially with phyto-chemicals showing good insecticidal properties. - Joy 75 months ago
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Plant releases of an array of volatile chemical substances into the environment, that are known to play important functions, such as attracting pollinators, thermal tolerance of photosynthesis, and defense against herbivores. Several plant compounds have been identified as responsible for host plant location by foraging mosquitoes. The following are the major class of plant volatiles identified that attracts mosquito.
Natural mosquito attractive plant compounds
Hexanal, limonene, (Z)-and (E)-linalool oxide, β-pinene, (Z)-and (E)-β-ocimene, and (E)-β-farnesene, Phenylethyl alcohol, phenylacetaldehyde, lilac aldehydes, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool oxide, linalool, benzaldehyde, lilac alcohol, acetophenone, methyl salicylate and hexanal, 1-hexenol, Z-3-Hexen-1-ol, monoterpene (cyclic & bicyclic), Phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and (E)-2-nonenal.

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2.    Fiorenzano JM, Koehler PG, Xue RD. Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait (ATSB) For Control of Mosquitoes and Its Impact on Non-Target Organisms: A Review  Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2017 Apr 10;14(4). pii: E398.
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Samares B
75 months ago
Hi Samares, I also found some of the stated secondary metabolites in some plant species that I worked on earlier with repellent and insecticidal properties. My major concern is the potential of their hexane components to exhibit vertebrate toxicity. I guess as earlier suggested by Delano, the best way to know is through research... Nonetheless, I appreciate your good comment - Joy 75 months ago

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