Since time immemorial, the oleo-gum-resins of Ferula assa-foetida and F. gummosa are used in the traditional
medical systems as well as in foodstuffs, perfumery and cosmetics. In the present study, we explored the insecticidal
efficacy of the essential oils obtained from these oleo-gum-resins to widen their fields of industrial
applications. The two essential oils were mainly composed of sulfides [sec-butyl (Z)-propenyl disulfide, sec-butyl
(E)-propenyl disulfide, sec-butyl (Z)-propenyl trisulfide and sec-butyl (E)-propenyl trisulfide)] and monoterpenes
(α-pinene, β-pinene and β-phellandrene), respectively, as determined by GC-MS analysis. The two essential oils
were assayed for toxicity on a panel of insects, represented by species of public health relevance (Culex quinquefasciatus
and Musca domestica), agricultural (Spodoptera littoralis) and stored-product pests (Prostephanus
truncatus and Trogoderma granarium). The ecotoxicological effects of the essential oils were assessed on the
aquatic microcrustacean Daphnia magna and the earthworm Eisenia fetida, as well as on human cells. Overall, the
two essential oils were effective against important insect pests and vectors. On the other hand, they resulted
cytotoxic to fibroblasts and non-target aquatic microcrustaceans. Thus, further insights are needed to determine
the full spectrum of their eco-toxicological effects.