Determination of essential oil from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) by GC-MS, and assessment of its insecticidal properties

Abstract

Purpose: To isolate essential oil from the aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis using GS-MS, and to assess its insect-killing effect against booklice (Liposcelis bostrychophila). Methods: The oil from the aerial parts of S. baicalensis was hydro-distilled and subjected to gas chromatographic and mass spectroscopic (GC-MS) techniques. The components of the oil with insect-killing potentials were fractionated through bioactivity-guided isolation, and the isolated oil and its components were screened for their toxic effects on booklice. Results: A total of 31 components were obtained, with eugenol as the most abundant. When used to fumigate S. baicalensis, the oil and two of its constituents (myristicin and eugenol) exerted appreciable toxic effects. Moreover, the oil and its isolates manifested contact toxicity against booklice. Conclusion: These findings indicate the insecticidal benefits of the essential oil and its components against Liposcelis bostrychophila.