article · Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine
Essential oil extracted from sweet marjoram, Origanum majorana, cultivated in Morocco demonstrates measurable larvicidal activity against the common mosquito species Culex pipiens. Chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed that the volatile oil consists predominantly of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The principal constituents identified were 4-terpinene at 28.96 per cent, gamma-terpinene at 18.57 per cent, alpha-terpinene at 12.72 per cent, and sabinene at 8.02 per cent. Laboratory bioassays conducted according to an adapted World Health Organization protocol determined the lethal concentrations required to eliminate mosquito larvae. The oil achieved a median lethal concentration of 258.71 milligrams per litre and a ninety per cent lethal concentration of 580.49 milligrams per litre. These findings establish baseline chemical and biological data that can support the identification of natural larvicidal agents.
Culex pipiens mosquitoes serve as disease vectors, and managing their populations often requires chemical interventions. Identifying the active constituents and lethal doses of Origanum majorana essential oil provides evidence on how cultivated aromatic plants could contribute to safer, plant-derived alternatives to conventional synthetic insecticides for mosquito management.
This work could inform the development of botanical larvicide formulations for mosquito control authorities and pesticide manufacturers seeking natural active ingredients. The research is at an early laboratory stage, limited to establishing lethal concentrations in controlled bioassays, meaning further work on formulation, cost-effectiveness, and field testing would be necessary before real-world use.
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To evaluate the larvicidal activity of essential oil of Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae) cultivated in Morocco against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). The analysis and the identification of the various constituents of essential oil were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Biological test was performed according to a standard methodology inspired by the World Health Organization protocol with slight modification. This oil mainly consisted of monoterpene and sesquiterpenes. The majority compounds are 4-terpinene (28.96%), γ-terpinene (18.57%), α-terpinene (12.72%) and sabinene (8.02%). The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) measured for the essential oil Origanum majorana, were respectively of the order of 258.71 mg/L and 580.49 mg/L. The results could be useful in search for newer, safer, and more effective natural larvicidal agents.
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DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014apjtb-2014-0392
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