Therapeutic and insecticidal potential of plant terpenes: A review

Abstract

Present article describes therapeutic and insecticidal activities of plant terpenes. Volatile terpenes and
terpenophenolics were found highly active against protozoa, viruses, bacteria, and helminthes. Terpenes also
display bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and virucidal activities. These potentially function like promising natural
insecticides and were found active against houseflies, storage grain insects and medical pests. Terpenes are
strongest anti-parasitic natural products which could be used for development of formulations for oral delivery.
These quickly absorbed in the stomach, and show reducing dosage and toxic side effects. Terpenoids as largest
group of bio-organic compounds are safer, show high efficacy and no side effects when applied in field or
provided for therapeutic purposes. This article suggests use of various terpenoids for development of herbal drug
formulations for disease control after determining clinical and therapeutic dose level.