Nootkatone

Nootkatone is an organic compound, a sesquiterpenoid, which means that it is a C15 derivative that also contains an oxygen-containing functional group (a ketone). It is the most valuable aroma compound of grapefruit. Nootkatone was originally isolated from the wood of the Alaskan yellow cedar, Cupressus nootkatensis. The species name, nootkatensis, is derived from the language of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people of Canada (formerly referred to as the Nootka people).

Production
Nootkatone is produced commercially from valencene, another more abundant sesquiterpene. Allylix (Now Lallemand of Montreal, PQ), developed a fermentation process to nootkatone.

Mechanism of action
As is true of other plant terpenoids, nootkatone activates α-adrenergic type 1 octopamine receptor (PaOA1) in susceptible arthropods, causing fatal spasms.

Uses
Nootkatone in spray form is an effective repellent or insecticide against deer ticks and lone star ticks. It is also an effective repellent or insecticide against mosquitos, and may repel bed bugs, head lice, Formosan termites, and other insects. It is an environmentally friendly insecticide because it is a volatile essential oil that does not persist in the environment. It was approved by the U.S. EPA for this use on August 10, 2020. Its ability to repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects may last for hours, in contrast to other plant-based oil repellants like citronella, peppermint oil, and lemongrass oil. It is nontoxic to humans, is an approved food additive, and is commonly used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The CDC has licensed patents to two companies to produce an insecticide and an insect repellant.