Gas Chromatography Coupled To Mass Spectrometry Research Articles (Page 5)

Essential oils (EOs) have unique properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral activities, which are beneficial in various industries, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pentacalia vaccinioides EOs obtained from leaves and flowers (fresh and dried plant material) were evaluated using hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD), simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) techniques. Antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC) and antioxidant capacity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50) were determined. The identification and quantification of the compounds present in the EOs were conducted by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main secondary metabolites identified in most samples obtained by different extraction techniques included phenol (~18%), 1S-α-pinene (~15%), β-phellandrene (~13%), β-pinene (~12%), 4-terpineol (~10%), γ-terpinene (~10%), trans-nerolidol (~8%), limonene (~8%), and β-thujene (~6%). EOs obtained by HD, SD, and SDE exhibited antioxidant activity, with IC50 values between 621.7 and 696.6 µg/mL. Additionally, the EOs demonstrated bactericidal activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values of 5.0 and 45 µg/mL, respectively. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa did not show antimicrobial susceptibility to EOs. This study constitutes the first evaluation of Pentacalia vaccinioides EOs, demonstrating their bioactive potential and the relevance of the extraction method. The findings highlight this species as a promising source of natural compounds for therapeutic and preservative applications, depending on the type of plant material and extraction technique used. Future research should investigate how microclimatic conditions and plant development affect the chemical composition and elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the observed bioactivities to better understand their cellular actions. Furthermore, the evaluation of the applications of EOs and hydrolates in the pharmaceutical and food industries, along with the exploration of the bioactive potential of extraction-derived hydrolates, offers a promising avenue to maximize plant utility.

ABSTRACTTriptorelin, a synthetic gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), is mainly used in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer. The mechanism initially stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone secretion followed by suppression, resulting in a reduction in cancer progression. However, GnRHs are prohibited in doping control because of the indirect surge of LH and testosterone. Therefore, GnRH analog detection and confirmation are enforced by World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) requirements. The effects of triptorelin on LH and endogenous steroid levels in urine and serum of five prostate cancer patients taking triptorelin for the first time were investigated and compared with leuprorelin. The samples were collected at 0.0 h, 3.0 h, 6.0 h, 1 month, and 3 months later after drug administration. The effect of triptorelin on LH levels was measured using a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Testosterone and endogenous steroid levels were monitored using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Triptorelin showed an advantage over leuprorelin on LH and testosterone suppression, which is preferable to use for prostate cancer treatment. In this study, triptorelin (5–10), a unique in vivo metabolite, was found in urine and serum and verified with synthetic triptorelin (5–10). The metabolite was analyzed using liquid chromatography combined with Orbitrap (LC‐Orbitrap) and liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/MS‐IT‐TOF). When triptorelin levels are undetectable, the presence of triptorelin (5–10) in human urine can be used as evidence that triptorelin is being misused in doping control.

ABSTRACT In the present study, novel Costus Igneus (CI) leaf extract-coated silver-ferrite nanocomposite (CI@)AgFeO2 NC) was fabricated and assessed for its potential in photocatalytic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. At first, the synthesis of silver-ferrite AgFeO2 nanoparticles was achieved via an auto-combustion method and utilised to coat with Costus Igneus leaf extract. The prepared leaf extract was analysed through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Further, the prepared AgFeO2 NPs and the CI coated CI@)AgFeO2NC were analysed by various analytical techniques such as UV-Vis DRS(Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy), TEM-SAED (Transmission Electron Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), ZP (Zeta Potential), and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller). The photocatalytic dye degradation study was assessed in the presence of visible light. A narrow band gap emission was observed due to the incorporation of CI leaf extract onto the AgFeO2. The prepared CI@AgFeO2 NC showed excellent photocatalytic properties under the irradiation of visible light at the optimised parameters such as light irradiation time (180 min), pH of the reaction medium (pH 3), and the sample dosage (100 mg). Furthermore, the produced CI@AgFeO2 NC was evaluated using the 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate(ABTS), nitric acid (NO) radical assays, and 2,2-diphenyl-1–1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) for the antioxidant activity, respectively. Additionally, CI@AgFeO2 NC was investigated for its antibacterial and antifungal properties against S. Aureus, E. Coli, A. Niger, C. albicans and B. Subtils. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the CI@AgFeO2 NC was also investigated using human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. The cell viability assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were studied by treating the cell lines with CI@AgFeO2 NC at different concentrations, respectively. The experimental results suggest that the prepared CI@AgFeO2 NC shows a significant reduction in cell viability and an appreciable increase in ROS generation. Overall, the CI@AgFeO2 NC could be a multifunctional nanocomposite for applying potential photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and anticancer applications.

In the Amazon, Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí), is part of the identity of traditional communities, and the fruit is integrated into their everyday sociocultural dynamics. Hydrolysis and pyrolysis of residual biomass can be alternatives to yield sugars, ethanol, biochar and bio-oil. The açaí seeds subjected to oxidative pretreatment followed by acid hydrolysis increased cellulose to fermentable sugars (reaching 23.5%) and second-generation ethanol production (17.441 L t-1). Açaí oil (ca. 30%) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus (using hexane as solvent) and detected through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), where acids accounted for 82.43% of the total composition, while alcohols comprised only 13.15%. For pyrolysis, temperatures (500 and 550 °C), time (20 and 30 min), and activation temperature (750 and 800 °C) were evaluated, resulting in yields of ca. 22% for biochar and 30% for bio-oil. For the bio-oil, the main compounds detected by GC-MS were acids (16.3%), aldehydes (13.08%), amides (12.19%), alcohols (6.72%), and phenols (4.64%). The obtained biochar displayed surface area values of 553.7 m2 g-1 and 10% crystallinity, indicating its more amorphous nature.

Carvacrol is isolated from essential oils and possesses activity against gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants. Benzoylation has been proposed to improve its pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the ovicidal activity of benzoyl-carvacrol (BC) against Haemonchus contortus, the in silico interaction of BC with the β-tubulin protein and the toxicity of this compound. Carvacrol was subjected to benzoylation and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The activity of BC and carvacrol was evaluated against H. contortus in the egg hatching test. The in silico study was based on molecular docking with the β-tubulin and thiabendazole used as control. The acute toxicity test was performed with BC and carvacrol by up-and-down procedure (limit test: 2,000 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. GC/MS confirmed the benzoylation. BC and carvacrol inhibited egg hatching by 99.70 and 98.89% at concentrations of 3.16 and 1 mg/mL, respectively, and interacted with β-tubulin. No mortality was caused by compounds, but rats treated with carvacrol demonstrated intoxication signs. These findings indicated that BC showed effect on H. contortus and can potentially interact with β-tubulin of nematodes in addition to presenting toxicological safety in laboratory animals.

Protium ovatum Eng. Burseraceae is an endemic species in Brazil used in traditional medicine. This study investigated the chemical variation and the in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of dichloromethane soluble fraction of hydrolate (DSFH) from leaves of P. ovatum collected from five different vegetation physiognomies within the Cerrado Goiano. The region was characterized based on the DSFH chemical composition by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were performed to compare the different DSFHs from five Savannah regions in Brazil. The DSFHs from the Cerrado stricto sensu (CSS), Mata de Galeria (MG) and Cerradão (C) regions were grouped in the negative part of PC1, showing high similarity. Samples from the C and MG regions showed antioxidant activity of IC50 = 0.98 and 0.78 mg mL-1, respectively, and 0.250 mg mL-1 of butylated hydroxytoluene (positive control). DSFH from different regions exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The results show that the chemical composition and the biological activity of DSFHs can be affected according to the area of collection.

Bixa orellana L., known as annatto, is a plant in the Bixaceae family, widely used for its seeds rich in carotenoids, such as bixin (a natural dye) and geranylgeraniol (GGOH), an isoprenoid of interest for health and agriculture. This study evaluated the efficiency of annatto oil extraction using hydrodistillation, Soxhlet solvent extraction (conventional methods), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (modern method). Acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane were used as extractor solvents. Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed GGOH as the main compound in all methods, with concentration variations determined using 1-octadecanol as an external standard. Hydrodistillation showed the lowest yield (0.06%) but was more straightforward and sustainable. Extraction with organic solvents (Soxhlet and ultrasound) resulted in higher GGOH yields (1.35-2.01%), with hexane being the most efficient (0.250 mg mL–1). Soxhlet extraction with hexane is ideal for large quantities, while hydrodistillation is preferable for medicinal uses due to the absence of organic solvents.

ABSTRACT Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) is widely used as green manure and for the phytochemical control of agricultural pests. However, information on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by its leaves is still lacking, which could help to develop sustainable pest management strategies based on chemical ecology. This study aimed to determine the VOC profile of jack bean leaves and assess its potential for pest management applications. Leaf samples from greenhouse-grown plants were used for VOC extraction using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). VOCs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The linear retention index was calculated using retention time values from both compounds extracted from samples and a homologous series of n-alkanes (C7-C30), with additional confirmation with analytical standards when available. We identified a total of 46 compounds, with green leaf volatiles (GLVs) exhibiting the highest relative abundance. The detected GLVs included (Z)-3-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal, 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, (E)-2-octenal, nonanal, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, (Z)-3-nonenol and 1-nonanol. We additionally identified terpenes such as isothujone, β-cyclocitral, γ-isogeraniol, cis-geraniol, pulegone, β-citral, β-cyclohomocitral, geranial, α-ionone, β-ionone, dihydroactinolide, α-bisabolol, and pythan. Several of these compounds have been previously associated with plant defense mechanisms against key agricultural pests. We discuss the potential application of the identified VOCs in pest management, particularly in agroecosystems where jack bean is used as green manure.

Pre-exposure of Lactobacillus acidophilus to stress conditions impacts the metabolites and bioaccessibility of calcium and carotenoids in fermented dairy products.

The extraction of plant essential oils (EOs) and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are standard methods when studying aromatic plants and the chemical composition of EOs. Here, two simple methods for the extraction of EO compounds from leaves of Thymus vulgaris are described. Organic solvent extraction and solid-phase microextraction (SPME), respectively, are used and the results of the GC-MS analyses are compared. We explain how analyte peaks can be identified and discuss possible rearrangement reactions that can occur during the extraction process or analysis.

PRODUCTION OF BIONAPHTHA FROM (C3-C5) PRIMARY ALCOHOLS VIA CATALYTIC DEHYDROGENATION/DEHYDRATION PROCESSES. A sequence of dehydrogenation/dehydration reactions of homologous alcohols: propanol, butanol and pentanol was conducted using heterogeneous catalysts composed of mixed metal oxides basically of Mg and Al derived from hydrotalcites in the ratio M2+/Al3+ = 3, with 10 and 20% of the Mg substituted by Cu. The reactions were carried out in a fixed-bed reactor over a duration of 6 h at temperatures of 450 and 500 °C and yielded products of significant interest to the chemical industry. Product identification and quantification were achieved through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A range of compounds were obtained, including alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, carboxylic acids, ketones, and hydrocarbons, with condensed alcohols and aldehydes being the predominant products. Reaction pathways were proposed for conversion of alcohols into their respective products, based on the Guerbet reaction mechanism. Catalysts containing copper proved to be more efficient in selectivity and stability throughout the reaction.

Methods used to determine pesticide residues in teas typically require several laborious steps for sample preparation before analysis. In this study, a simple method based on solid-liquid extraction with low-temperature partitioning (SLE/LTP) and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was optimized and validated for the determination of pesticide residues (pirimiphos-methyl, flutriafol, cyproconazole, and bifenthrin) in dehydrated green tea leaves. After low-temperature partitioning (LTP), the extract in acetonitrile was subjected to a clean-up step using primary secondary amine (PSA) and octadecylsilane (C18) as sorbents for chlorophyll removal. The optimized SLE/LTP-GC-MS method was validated, and it proved to be effective and selective for extracting pesticides from green tea samples, presenting limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.015 and 0.050 mg kg-1, respectively. Recovery ranged between 81-111%, coefficients of variation were less than 16% and coefficients of determination (R2 ) were greater than 0.990. The optimized and validated method was applied to green tea and 13 other tea varieties sampled in South and Southeast regions of Brazil. The pesticides under study were detected in some of those samples at values higher than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) allowed by the European Union.

In order to search for new chemotypes and to carry out a comparative study with the literature, the current study investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil of the flowers of Daucus carota (L.) ssp. carota using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, the antimicrobial and insecticidal potentials of essential oil were studied. Hydrodistillation was used to extract the essential oil. Due to the immiscibility of essential oils in water and, therefore, in the culture medium, emulsification was carried out using a 0.2 % agar solution to promote germ/composite contact. Fumigation with the oil phase of the essential oil was carried out in airtight and transparent plastic boxes, with a capacity of 1 L as an exposure chamber to test the lightness of essential oils against adults of Sitophilus oryzae (L.). In each box, five Petri dishes were placed. Each replicate consisted of five adults of S.oryzae (L.). The essential oils were spread on Wathman filter paper and placed inside the exposure chamber. Mortality control was carried out by counting insect deaths from the first day of treatment until the death of all individuals. α-Pinene (22.2 %) was the major compound in the essential oil of the oil phase of D.carota (L.) ssp. carota followed by β-asarone (15.1 %), sabinene (12.4 %), and α-himachalene (10.1 %), as well as the crystallized phase containing β-asarone. In terms of antimicrobial activity, the essential oils showed significant inhibition of the six bacteria and seven molds studied at a concentration of 0.45 mg/mL. The essential oils were found to be highly effective against S.oryzae (L.). This approach can help reduce the amount of synthetic antibiotics applied and, therefore, decrease the negative impact of artificial agents, such as residues, resistance, and environmental pollution.

Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been widely used, and along with other methodologies such as derivatization, is a powerful tool to analyze phytocompounds, including cuticular wax components. The loss of structural information upon fragmentation of waxes makes it difficult to interpret and identify the GC-MS mass spectra of these compounds with the traditional methods, as digital libraries. Therefore, as a new complementary alternative to traditional methods of identifying aliphatic acyclic lipids based on mass spectra, we present the new software WaxAlly in this technical note. WaxAlly is a new software created based on simple algorithms, enabling the rapid recognition by the user of eight aliphatic acyclic lipid classes, including alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and TMS derivatives of free fatty acids, primary and secondary alcohols, and their homologues with carbon chains varying between 10 and 100 carbons. Additionally, the WaxAlly software provides a section for data organization, internet comparison to NIST and PubChem databases, and academic information about mass fragmentation of acyclic lipids. The software has proven to be a very useful complementary technique in identifying plant wax lipid homologues, and new fragmentation patterns of lipid classes can be added in the future to improve the program.

Background/Aim. Flixweed (Descurainia sophia L.) beverage has been used in Persian medicine as an effective remedy for constipation. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the main ingredient of flixweed essential oil, has been claimed to regulate gastrointestinal contractility. The aim of the study was to stabilize the flixweed beverage, enhance its flavor, and determine the AITC content in the flixweed seeds (FS). Methods. To prepare a stable formulation of flixweed with desirable organoleptic properties, the optimal amount of tragacanth as a stabilizer, stevia as a sweetener, and lime and cinnamon powders as flavoring agents were mixed with flixweed solution. The shelf lives of the suspensions at room temperature (25?C) and refrigerator temperature (5?C) were evaluated. The viscosity and pH of the suspen-sions were also investigated. Finally, flixweed essential oil was obtained using the Clevenger apparatus. The amount of AITC in FS essential oil was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results. Based on our findings, two formulas, including FS (5 g), stevia (3 g), cinnamon (300 mg) or lime (400 mg), and 100 mL of water, had the optimum textural and organoleptic properties. Furthermore, adding 0.5% tragacanth gum as a suspending agent was able to stabilize the FS beverage. From 200 g of FS, 0.14 mL of essential oil was extracted, which corresponded to 0.07% (v/w). GC-MS analysis revealed that each 100 g of FS contained 24.85 mg of AITC, equating to 0.025% w/w AITC. Conclusion. Due to the presence of AITC in FS and the favorable characteristics of the FS suspension, this formulation, in the form of a sachet, can be suggested as an herbal supplement product for industrial production.

Zoantharians are benthic marine organisms widespread in Brazilian tropical shallow waters. Recent evidence suggests that the metabolism of these cnidarians may be influenced by diverse environmental factors. We have previously shown that two species of Palythoa found on the Brazilian coast share metabolomic similarities related to their location. Herein, through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, along with molecular networking, we assessed polar and apolar extracts from 28 samples of Palythoa spp. and Zoanthus spp. collected at different Brazilian oceanic islands – Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Rocas Atoll and Trindade Island – to describe and compare their metabolome in such isolated regions, under reduced interference of anthropic actions. The chemical profiles of zoantharians from Brazilian oceanic islands include fatty acids and sterol derivatives, in apolar fractions, and ecdysteroids, phospholipids, ceramides, mycosporine-like amino acids, and alkaloids in polar fractions. These chemical classes are similar to those described for the continental zoanthids, previously assessed. The results presented herein reveal a preserved metabolome across the analyzed species, Palythoa caribaeorum, Palythoa variabilis and Zoanthus spp., and between island and continental organisms, suggesting core species-specific metabolites and a portion of an environmentally-driven chemical expression.

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a standard analytical method for identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban air samples. Quantification ideally relies on calibration curves using standards for each compound. However, due to the variable composition of VOCs and the limited availability of all standards, this strategy is challenging and not always feasible. Quantification using an internal standard is a simple and accurate approach, as it involves the simultaneous analysis of the internal standard and analytes, eliminating the need for a calibration curve if their concentrations fall within the linear dynamic range. In this study, quantification of VOCs from different chemical classes has been evaluated using a single standard mixture and anisole as an internal standard and compared to the external calibration as standard method for quantification by GC-MS. Both methods showed comparable results, with a relative error within ±30% of the theoretical concentration. Linearity was confirmed in the range from 100 to 4000 μg/L, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the relative response factors (RRFs) met the acceptance criteria of ≤30% for each target VOC. Toluene, chlorobenzene, C6-C2 and C6-C3 substituted benzenes yielded similar average RRFs, ranging from 1.280 to 1.601 with an RSD of 7.83%. The methods were applied for quantification of VOCs in ambient air on real samples collected on Radiello adsorbents at one urban location. Using anisole as an internal standard proved to be a simple and reliable method for determining VOC concentrations, offering a convenient alternative to external standard calibration.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a group of volatile organic compounds that can be easily found in drinking water, especially in municipal water distribution systems supplied by water treatment stations as a result of the chlorination process. This study investigates the THMs presence in various sources across Romania and conducts a human health risk assessment in order to determine the potential danger the population is exposed to. Using a gas-chromatography coupled mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis method, water samples collected over the course of a year were analysed and revealed the cumulative sum of all trihalomethanes (ΣTHMs) saw a maximum concentration of 90.6 µg/L, with an average of 25.6 µg/L and a median of 22.2 µg/L with chloroform and bromoform being the most abundant. The analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with THMs in drinking water reveals women exhibit higher risk levels than men across both categories. The total non-carcinogenic risks for women range from 5.14×10-4 to 4.30×10-1, while for men, the risks range from 4.78×10-4 to 3.78×10-1. Carcinogenic risk assessments indicate a similar trend, with total risks for women varying between 1.37×10-6 and 1.88×10-4, and for men between 2.22×10-7 and 1.66×10-4. comparable values for cancer risk that exceed the minimum or negligible risk threshold established by the USEPA (1.00×10-6).

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is one of the common causes of maternal death in Indonesia. Many studies only focus on the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of preeclampsia. However, predictors of preeclampsia need to be observed to add more focus on the etiology and prevention of preeclampsia. The imbalances of trace elements and fatty acids play an important role in preeclampsia. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the status of trace elements and fatty acids in preeclampsia patients as predictors of preeclampsia.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 hospitals, and involving 40 pregnant women classified into severe preeclampsia and normotensive groups. Trace elements and fatty acids were measured in serum and erythrocytes using Inductively Coupled Plasma and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Serum and erythrocytes fatty acid levels' cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity were analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and Area Under the Curve (AUC) value.RESULTS: Serum selenium, manganese, and iron levels were significantly different in the preeclampsia group than in the controls (p<0.05). Of all the heavy metals, higher concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury were found in preeclampsia groups compared to control. Linoleic acid showed the highest predictive value to increase severe preeclampsia with AUC of 0.8. The ratio of high omega-6/omega-3 increases the risk of preeclampsia.CONCLUSION: Selenium, manganese, iron, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and mercury levels are higher in the serum of preeclampsia patients. Almost all erythrocyte fatty acids were significantly higher in the control group compared to preeclampsia. Measurement of trace elements and fatty acids is needed as a predictor of preeclampsia. Erythrocyte fatty acids measurement is considered better than serum.KEYWORDS: trace elements, fatty acids, preeclampsia

BackgroundIn Africa, food legumes such as cowpeas and beans constitute important sources of proteins for millions of rural and urban populations. However, attacks by multiple pest species can reduce yields by up to 80%. Small-holder farmers protect their crops against pests using conventional insecticides, thereby contributing to insecticide resistance and jeopardizing food safety. To date, no alternative sustainable practices are available to reduce insecticide use in the management of legume pests. This study aimed to provide a sustainable alternative to insecticide use based on semiochemicals to manage multiple legume pest species and enhance food productivity.ResultsUsing coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and coupled GC-electroantennographic detection (EAD) analyses, we identified 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutanoate as the male-produced aggregation pheromone of the legume pest, Clavigralla elongata, a coreid bug species specific to East Africa. In multi-site field trials conducted in West Africa and East Africa, 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutanoate and its analogue, isopentyl butanoate, previously identified from the pan-tropical coreid bug, C. tomentosicollis, both lured multiple legume insect pest species including from the Clavigralla genus, the legume pod-borer Maruca vitrata, flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti, and whitefly Bemisia tabaci into traps. Additionally, both pheromones lured the Clavigralla natural enemy parasitoid Gryon fulviventris into traps. The whitefly was only captured in pheromone-baited traps in East Africa. Deployment of an optimized pheromone trapping system significantly reduced legume pests and increased natural enemy density by up to sixfold compared to farmer practice (insecticide-treatment) and control. Legume yields for pheromone and insecticide treatments were comparable, ~ 320–590% higher than untreated controls.ConclusionThese findings establish coreid bug pheromones as effective novel multifunctional semiochemical-based tools for sustainable legume pest management and production without insecticide use.Graphical abstract