What are the effects of lemon balm on insects?4 answersLemon balm has various effects on insects. Water extracts of lemon balm prepared from both fresh and dry matter have been found to limit the feeding of Sitona lineatus beetles and Aphis fabae aphids. Lemon balm extracts also effectively limit the feeding and body weight gain of Colorado potato beetle larvae. Additionally, lemon balm extracts have shown ovicidal effects against Eurygaster maura eggs, with hop extract being the most effective in inhibiting egg hatchability. However, lemon balm hydrolate had a limited effect on gastric motility in rats. These findings suggest that lemon balm can be used as a deterrent and potentially as an alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides for pest control in agriculture. Further research is needed to explore the potential pharmacological activity of lemon balm hydrolate.
How do pests affect plants?4 answersPests such as insects, bugs, and weeds have a negative impact on plants. They can reduce grain yield and quality, affect the abscission of fruit elements, and disrupt the timing of developmental phases. Insects that feed on plants can cause physiological changes, leading to disturbances in normal plant functioning and lower quality crops. Weeds indirectly affect crops by influencing beneficial insects and harboring plant and insect diseases. Insects and pathogens induce a physiological state in plants called "priming," which prepares the plant for defense against future attacks. This state can be induced by treatment with natural or synthetic compounds. Additionally, neighboring plants can receive signals from volatile organic compounds released by infested plants, allowing them to better prepare for defense.
What are the effects of rotenone on pests?5 answersRotenone has various effects on pests. It has been shown to effectively control the target pest Plutella xylostella, causing negative effects on energy production and amino acid synthesis, as well as damage to cell membranes. Rotenone also has toxic effects on mice when they are prenatally exposed to it, leading to slow physical growth, delays in physical milestones, sensorimotor reflex impairment, anxiety, and cognitive performance impairment in the offspring. In addition, rotenone has been found to induce hepatotoxicity in rats, causing liver damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Overall, rotenone has been shown to have toxic effects on pests, affecting their metabolism, growth, behavior, and organ function.
What are the effects of betel leaf extract on houseflies?5 answersBetel leaf extract has been found to be effective in controlling houseflies. The study by Prayudhy Yushananta and Mei Ahyanti showed that the mortality of houseflies was affected by the concentration of the extract, contact time, and the interaction between concentration and contact time. The study by Safrida Safrida and Fitrah Asma Ulhusna also found that betel leaf extract significantly killed mosquitoes, which are also insects that spread diseases. Although there is no specific study on the effects of betel leaf extract on houseflies, the effectiveness of the extract against mosquitoes suggests its potential as a bio-pesticide for controlling other insect species. Further research is needed to determine the specific effects of betel leaf extract on houseflies.
What are the insecticidal properties of tannins?4 answersTannins have insecticidal properties. They can defend leaves against insect herbivores through deterrence and/or toxicity. Tannins are especially prone to oxidize in insects with high pH guts, producing reactive oxygen species that are toxic to insects. Insects have developed biochemical and physical defenses in their guts to tolerate ingested tannins, such as surfactants, high pH, antioxidants, and a protective peritrophic envelope. Tannin structure also plays a role in their insecticidal activity, with ellagitannins being more oxidatively active than gallotannins and condensed tannins. Tannins have been found to disrupt the life cycle of parasitic nematodes, including eggs, adult worms, and larvae. They also have antiviral activity against a variety of viruses, including herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, and adenoviruses.
What are the health benefits of rutin?5 answersRutin, a flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, has numerous health benefits. It has antioxidant properties that help scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against cellular damage. Rutin also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various inflammatory conditions. Additionally, rutin has been shown to have anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. It has cardioprotective effects, including lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving endothelial function. Rutin has been found to have photoprotective effects against UVA-induced damage in human skin fibroblasts. It can modulate the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway, increase cell viability, reduce ROS levels, and protect mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Rutin also shows potential as a protective and therapeutic agent against mammary gland carcinogenesis, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic effects.