Biochemical characterization of semiochemicals from luprops tristis coleoptera tenebrionidae and the cytotoxic evaluation of a selected volatile compound on rat cell lines

Abstract

Indoor insect pests adversely affect human health and the built environment. In addition to causing bites, stings, allergic reactions, and potential disease transmission, they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that compromise indoor air quality. Even at low concentrations, VOCs have been linked to respiratory and allergic disorders, underscoring the importance of studying pest populations in relation to indoor system features and surrounding environments. This study employed a questionnaire-based survey across 403 indoor spaces in Kerala to document insect prevalence, structural features, seasonal variations, and health symptoms reported by residents. Findings indicated that tropical climate alone does not fully explain pest populations; instead, anthropogenic changes such as the establishment of rubber and coconut plantations in surrounding areas significantly facilitated pest adaptation and infestations. The indoor environment was frequently cited as the second most common factor associated with illness, with residents reporting a rise in allergy and respiratory issues in spaces with higher pest prevalence. Luprops tristis (Mupli beetle) emerged as a major nuisance species, aggregating in thousands within homes. Volatilome profiling of 500–1000 beetles detected 41 compounds, of which 18 were identified through reference comparisons. Eleven of these are compounds with reported allergenic or respiratory effects, providing a plausible explanation for unexplained allergic reactions in households. Cytotoxicity testing of heptadecane, a dominant compound, using the MTT assay on normal rat epithelial cells, revealed dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth, with the highest concentration (100 μg/ml) reducing viability by 12.89%.This research underscores the ecological and toxicological significance of indoor insect pests in tropical environments. By linking pest ecology, environmental modifications, and health concerns, it provides a basis for integrating entomological insights into strategies for improving indoor air quality and safeguarding public health.