Insect growth regulators, function

Functionally, pyrethroids are a group of insect growth regulators that act as neurotoxins resisting the development of insect larvae. They are especially effective against insects that are destructive in the adult stage. They are considered non-toxic to animals and humans. Pyrethrum consists of dried flower heads of chrysanthemum. The plant is a native of Dalmatia (Yugoslavia-Balkans) and is now widely cultivated in Kenya, East Central Africa, Japan, Brazil, Ecuador, and India. 

In addition to their well established role in catalyzing the metabolism of a wide variety of naturally occurring and synthetic xenobiotics, cytochrome P-450-mediated mixed-function oxidases are of critical Importance in the biosynthesis and regulation of the major hormones (ecdysteroids and juvenile hormone) that control insect growth and development. The characteristics of the mixed-function oxidases involved in the synthesis of insect hormones are described and the possibility that the enzymes might represent potential targets for insect control is discussed. 

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