Broad-spectrum insecticidal activity of essential oils from Taiwania flousiana Gaussen and discovery of major active compounds

BACKGROUND Synthetic insecticides have been widely used for pest control but cause environmental issues such as pesticide residues, soil contamination, and resistance. As a result, there is a need for eco-friendly alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) are renewable, biodegradable, and non-persistent, making them promising candidates for natural insecticides. This study explores the potential of essential oils from the heartwood of Taiwania flousiana Gaussen, sourced from Tengchong, Yunnan. RESULTS The chemical composition of T. flousiana essential oils was analyzed, displaying their diversity of chemical composition. Assessment of insecticidal activity against various pests revealed their broad-spectrum insecticidal activity. Afterwards we assessed their biochemical effects on Armigeres subalbatus , measuring esterase- α , esterase- β , SOD, LPO, and GST levels. Toxicity to non-target organisms, including Nicotiana tabacum , Danio rerio , and Apis mellifera , was also evaluated. Computational simulations identified four key bioactive compounds, with two dominant compounds isolated and characterized, laying the foundation for further studies. CONCLUSION EOs of T. flousiana exhibit a broad spectrum of insecticidal activity, coupled with a remarkably low impact on non-target organisms. This suggests they could serve as an eco-friendly substitute for synthetic insecticides. This finding is significant for developing greener pest control strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.