Ajugarin

Ajugarin

Ajugarin is a complex molecule with two aldehyde groups present in nature in some plants such as in aromatic vat or musky vat (Ajuga iva (L.) Schreb.) And in remote Ajuga (remote Ajuga Benth.)
This molecule, together with other similar ones, such as the polygodial, opens interesting scenarios in the fight and containment against insects that cause damage to certain agricultural crops.
It is in fact a new method of insect control, which is believed to be more selective and less harmful to the environment than traditional insecticides, consists in inhibiting the ability of insects to feed themselves, without killing them directly.
Appetite inhibitors found in nature are relatively complex carbonyl compounds.

For example, the polygodial, is a dialdehyde active against the moth Spodoptera exempta known as the African Armyworm, which destroys entire cereal crops. Ajugarin is a compound that acts instead against locusts.
These compounds are probably too complex molecules to be industrially produced. Recent research has discovered structurally simpler substances than natural ones, which also have a hunger-inhibiting activity for these insects.
In any case, the possible extraction of ajugarin from plants that synthesize it in nature can find an interesting frontier in the replacement of traditional insecticides.

Warning: The information shown is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.