Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Iranian Laurus nobilis L.

Abstract: The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Laurus nobilis L., was examined by GC and GC/MS. The main components of the oil were identified. 1,8-cineole was the major component in the oil together with a - terpinyl acetate, terpinene - 4 - ol, a - pinene, P - pinene, p - cymene, linalool and terpinene - 4 - yl - acetate. The essential oil was tested against Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens larvae. The results obtained show that the essential oil could be considered as natural larvicidal agents.