Fumigant Toxicity of Essential Oils From Chemotypes of Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii) Against Adult African Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto)

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Psyche Journal of Entomology

Name of Author

• Clarence M. Mang’era, Egerton University
• Fathiya M. Khamis, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology Nairobi
• Ahmed Hassanali, Kenyatta University
• Paul O. Mireji, Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

The toxicity of fumigant formulations of essential oils (EOs) from curry tree (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng (Rutaceae)) against African malaria adult mosquito (Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Giles, 1902) (Diptera: Culicidae: Culicini)) was evaluated to identify most effective chemotype of the curry tree against the mosquitoes. Ninety-two compounds (91.78%–96.47% coverage) in the EO profiles were identified, among which EO isolated from curry tree chemotype from Kibwezi was most toxic. This chemotype had a median lethal dose (LD50) of 3.6 × 10⁻³ mg/cm³ (95% CI: 2.70–4.58) and a lethal time (Ti50) of 1.91 ± 0.086 h (p < 0.001). The equivalent LD50 of EOs of chemotypes from Mombasa, Makindu, and Malindi in Kenya was 4.9 × 10⁻³, 6.6 × 10⁻³, and 8.5 × 10⁻³ mg/cm³, respectively. The Kibwezi EO chemotype was rich in sesquiterpenes, notably β-elemene 32, trans-caryophyllene 35, α-humulene 39, and globulol 57, whereas Malindi EO chemotypes were enriched in oxygenated sesquiterpenes, particularly caryophyllene oxide. The EOs formed three clusters: Kibwezi/Mombasa, enriched in caryophyllene C1, Malindi, enriched in caryophyllene oxide C2, and Makindu, enriched in β-selinene C3. Our findings indicate that chemotypes in curry tree potentially and significantly influence EO composition and bioactivity, with EO from chemotype from Kibwezi exhibiting most toxic fumigant potential. This chemotype is thus a potential eco-friendly alternative for control of African malaria adult mosquito.

Keywords

Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, chemotype variability, essential oils, fumigant toxicity, Murraya koenigii

Disciplines

Chemistry | Entomology | Medicine and Health Sciences

Recommended Citation

Mang’era, C., Khamis, F., Hassanali, A., & Mireji, P. (2026). Fumigant Toxicity of Essential Oils From Chemotypes of Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii) Against Adult African Malaria Mosquito (Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto). Psyche Journal of Entomology, 2026 (1) https://doi.org/10.1155/psyc/6875920

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.