Determining Repellent and Insecticidal Effects of Piper aduncum L. with GC

A recent study investigated the insecticidal potential of essential oils (EOs) from Piper aduncum L., a Brazilian medicinal plant known for its bioactive properties, collected during the dry and rainy seasons, against fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis [Bouché, 1835], commonly referred to as the cat flea) in egg and adult stages.Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the EOs was performed via gas chromatography (GC). Results of the study were reported in the Brazilian journal Revista Brasileira Parasitologia Veterinária (1).

Globally, about 2574 species of flea have been identified, with both males and females engaging in blood-feeding. These ectoparasites are known for their remarkable adaptability, infesting a wide range of hosts including carnivores, rodents, ungulates, birds, and humans (2,3) The flea stands out due to its widespread distribution and medical significance, representing a considerable public health concern due to its vector capabilities for transmitting a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms. These include viruses and bacteria such as Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia felis, and Rickettsia typhi (3-5).

Piper aduncum L., a member of the Piperaceae family, is recognized under various names including “Aperta-ruão,” “Matico,” “Pimenta-de-Macaco," and “Pimenta-Longa.” This species is prevalent across diverse Neotropical regions, as highlighted in other studies (6,7). The EOs derived from P. aduncum exhibit noteworthy bioactive potential. The species yields a variety of essential oil chemotypes, which include notable constituents such as camphor, piperitone, benzaldehyde, asaricine, safrole, apiole, dillapiole, 1,8-cineole, E-nerolidol, linalool, β-bisabolene, and β-selinene, all of which support a wide spectrum of biological activities. This extends to antimicrobial properties, as well as acaricidal, antiparasitic, and insecticidal effects against 23 arthropods crucial in agriculture and livestock (7,8).

The EO of the from P. aduncum was diluted in dichloromethane to a final concentration of 1 mg/mL and then subjected to GC coupled to mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) for identification and GC coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC‒FID) for compound quantification. The retention index (RI) and peak area quantification were obtained based on the GC‒FID results. GC-MS analysis identified a majorly dominant volatile compound in the EO exorcised during both months, February and November 2022 (the rainy season, sample 1, and the dry season, sample 2, respectively) (1).

The current study highlights for the first time the flea-fighting activity of EO from P. aduncum against C. felis felis, demonstrating effectiveness even at low concentrations, making it a viable return on investment. Serums formulated to contain a mere 0.1–0.2% can reduce flea infestation by interrupting the reproductive cycle, or at a higher concentration of 1% it can cause direct contact inhibition and mortality (1).

The authors conclude that it is necessary to conduct further studies on the safety and efficacy of formulations based on the EO of P. aduncum to gain acceptance, specifically chemotypes that are rich in dillapiole. The pantropical distribution, ease of cultivation, and high production capacity of this EO makes it a worthy candidate for further development for industry, particularly where pets and people can make use of it as a nature-based alternative to the synthetic products already available in the marketplace. These findings also encourage further research in the field of natural alternatives to synthetics, with the objective of finding more biologically acceptable forms of pest control (1).

The flea, a parasite of humans and animals. © stanisaw - stock.adobe.com

References

1.Assunção, J. A. E. S.; Machado, D. B.; Felisberto, J. S.; Chaves, D. S. A.; Campos, D. R.; Cid, Y. P.; Sadgrove, N. J.; Ramos, Y. J.; Moreira D.L. Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils from Piper aduncum Against Ctenocephalides felis felis: A Promising Approach for Flea Control. Rev. Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 2024, 33 (3), e007624. DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612024050

2. Bitam, I.; Dittmar, K.; Parola, P.; Whiting, M. F,; Raoult, D. Fleas and Flea-Borne Diseases. Int. J. Infect. Dis. 2010, 14 (8), e667-e676. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.11.011 PMid:20189862.

3. Wu, Y. L.; Hu, S. F.; Zhang, X.L.; Wang, H. M.; Pan, H. Y.; Liu, G.H. et al. Complete Bacterial Profile and Potential Pathogens of Cat Fleas Ctenocephalides felis. Acta. Trop. 2023, 243, 106923. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.11.011

4. Linardi, P. M.; Santos, J. L. C. Ctenocephalides felis felis vs. Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae): Some Issues in Correctly Identify These Species. Rev. Bras. Parasitol. Vet. 2012; 21(4): 345-354. DOI: 10.1590/S1984-29612012000400002

5. Horta, M. C.; Ogrzewalska, M.; Azevedo, M. C.; Costa, F. B.; Ferreira, F.; Labruna, M. B. Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis felis from Five Geographic Regions of Brazil. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 2014, 91 (1), 96-100. DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0699

6. Jaramillo, M. A.; Manos, P. S. Phylogeny and Patterns of Floral Diversity in the Genus Piper (Piperaceae). Am. J. Bot. 2001, 88 (4), 706-716. DOI: 10.2307/2657072

7. Morais, V. P.; Cabral, F. V.; Fernandes, C. C.; Miranda, M. L. D. Brief Review on Piper aduncum L., its Bioactive Metabolites and its Potential to Develop Bioproducts. Braz. Arch. Biol. Technol, 2023, 66, e23220314. DOI:
10.1590/1678-4324-2023220314

8. Durofil, A.; Radice, M.; Blanco-Salas, J.; Ruiz-Téllez T. Piper aduncum Essential Oil: A Promising Insecticide, Acaricide and Antiparasitic. A Review. Parasite 2021, 28, 42. DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021040