Supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Cinnamomum cassia bark: toxicity and repellency against two stored-product beetle species.

The extract from Cinnamomum cassia Presl bark was obtained with supercritical CO ₂ fluid extraction (SFE). Chemical components of the SFE extract were characterized by GC-MS spectrometry. The repellency and contact toxicity of the SFE extract were evaluated against the adults of Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne along with those of its two main compounds. The results of GC-MS analysis indicated that 33 volatile constituents were identified from the extract. The main components included trans-cinnamaldehyde (32.1%), 3,3-dimethylhexane (10.6%) and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (7.9%). Testing results showed that the SFE extract had potent contact toxicity against T. castaneum and L. serricorne with LD ₅₀ values of 3.96 and 23.89 μg/adult, respectively. LD ₅₀ values of trans-cinnamaldehyde against T. castaneum and L. serricorne were 5.78 and 3.24 μg/adult, respectively. Additionally, percentage repellency values of the SFE extract and trans-cinnamaldehyde against T. castaneum and L. serricorne were rather high (PR = 100% and PR > 90%, respectively) at 78.63 and 15.73 nL/cm ² at 2 h post-exposure. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol showed some repellency against both beetle species. Considering its insecticidal and repellent effects, the SFE extract from C. cassia bark might be used in integrated pest management programs for T. castaneum and L. serricorne.