What's in pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius) that repels cockroaches?

Question

This is for a research project.

I've read in wikipedia that cockroaches hate the smell of pandan leaves so I wondered what is in them.

You could also provide me the leaf's chemical composition or if there's been any study about it and where i can find it.

Thank you very much! Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

It`s the volatile oil of Pandanus amaryllifolius, which repels cockroaches and other vermin too.

The active principles are mainly terpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (6-42%), as well as a major aroma component – 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.

See publication:

http://www3.ntu.edu.sg/eee/urop/congress...

Answer 2

Me being a malaysian myself, I have pandan leaves in my yard and they DO in fact repel cockroaches, and make a mean Nasi Lemak : )

Anyway, you asked for the composition of Pandan leaves, even though you specified Pandanus amaryllifolius, there is an eye-rippingly huge amount of species to chose from.

Check my sources list, it has ALL the pandans on it.