From an Invasive Weed to an Insecticidal Agent: Exploring the Potential of Lantana camara in Insect Management...

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Entomology

Background:

• Lantana camara is a weed with rich phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids.
• These compounds contribute to its medicinal and pesticidal properties.
• Essential oils and solvent extracts vary in chemical composition based on plant part, location, and species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the insecticidal potential of Lantana camara.
• To explore the chemical constituents responsible for its pesticidal activity.
• To investigate the modes of action of these compounds against insect pests.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Lantana camara's chemical composition and insecticidal properties.
• Analysis of phytochemical profiles of essential oils and solvent extracts.
• Molecular docking studies to predict interactions between phytochemicals and insect enzymes.

Main Results:

• Lantana camara essential oils and solvent extracts exhibit significant insecticidal activity.
• Key compounds include lantadenes, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene.
• Phytochemicals like beta-caryophyllene and linalool show high binding affinity to acetylcholinesterase (AChE), indicating neurotoxic effects.

Conclusions:

• Lantana camara is a promising natural insecticide with multiple modes of action.
• Its rich phytochemical profile offers potential for sustainable pest management.
• Further research is needed to fully characterize bioactive compounds and their agricultural applications.