Screening of plant species suitable for insect repellent and attractant

Saberi Othman

Abstract

Five plants species; Cymbopogon nardus (serai wangi), Cymbopogon citratus (serai makan), Citrus hystrix (limau purut), Citrus limon (limau nipis) and Polygonum sp. (daun kesum) have been selected based on their aromatic properties. Air-dried samples were extracted using three different organic solvents; (hexane, chloroform, and ethanol). Extracts then were dried using the rotary evaporator. Aromatic samples were hydrodistilled for their essential oil and analyzed for the determination of chemical profile such as alkaloids, terpene and flavonoid using the gas chromatography (GC). The essential oil was tested on their repellent or attractant properties using guinea pigs and mosquitoes. Most extracts showed repellent properties. Keywords: Screening, insect repellent, insect attractant, alkaloid, flavonoid, terpene.

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