Exposure to Citral, Cinnamon and Ruda Disrupts the Life Cycle of a Vector of Chagas Disease

Abstract

Abstract: The main vector of Chagas disease in Venezuela was exposed to the odors of citral, cinnamon and ruda. Cinnamon was found to stop the life cycle of Rhodnius prolixus relative to untreated animals. Citral and ruda also influenced the life cycle but not to the extent of animals exposed to cinnamon. We suggest that future research be directed toward using cinnamon in field and toxicity tests. Key words: Ruta gaveolens toxicity, life cycle, molt, cinnamon toxicity, citral toxicity