Scientific Research and Essays

  • Abbreviation: Sci. Res. Essays
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-2248
  • DOI: 10.5897/SRE
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2768

Short Communication

Insecticidal activity of 3-acetyl moraldehyde and agauriasterone from Agauria salicifolia

Kebenei, J. S.1, Ndalut, P. K.2* and Bett, C. K.2
1Department of Chemistry, Kabarak University, P. O. Box 3270 Nakuru-Kenya. 2Depertment of Chemistry, Moi University. P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret- Kenya.
Email: : [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 02 April 2007
  •  Published: 31 July 2007

Abstract

Bioassay guided chromatographic separation of a methanolic extract of Agauria salicifolia led to isolation of 3-acetyl moraldehyde and aguariasterone, whose structures were elucidated using spectroscopic data (UV, IR, and NMR) and melting points. Insecticidal activity was done using adult Phaedon cochleariae (Mustard beetle) at concentration of 1, 0.1, and 0.01% at a dose of 1.00 μg per insect of the compound. 3-Acetyl moraldehyde and aguariasterone were found to be active with LD50 values of 0.04 and 0.15 μg, respectively.

 

Key words: Agauria salicifoliaPhaedon cochleariae, 3-Acetyl moraldehyde, agauriasterone.