Laurel essential oil: biological activities and application for semolina preservation against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Tenebrionidae)

ABSTRACT

The phytochemical composition of Laurus nobilis essential oil and their anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and insecticidal potential were studied. Also, the oil volatile fraction was compared in semolina at the beginning and after storage periods. For that, a headspace solid-phase-microextraction analysis (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was undertaken. Significant quantitative and qualitative differences of the oil volatile fraction were detected according to storage periods and occupation space ratios. Additionally, anti-acetylcholinesterase activity of L. nobilis oil against T. castaneum adults was evaluated. Results revealed that insecticide activity varied according to storage duration and occupation space. Besides, the oil acts on acetylcholine hydrolysis by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase. These results highlighted that L. nobilis essential oil may be recommended as an eco-friendly alternative for preserving semolina during storage.

KEYWORDS:

• Tribolium castaneum
• Laurus nobilis
• volatile fraction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the research fund of the National Agricultural Research Institute of Tunisia (INRAT), Laboratory of Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture, University of Carthage, LR11INRAT06.