Search

Essential oil of Chinese medicinal herb, Blumea balsamifera leaves, was found to possess fumigant toxicity against the maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais. The main components of the essential oil of B. balsamifera were 1,8-cineole (20.98%), borneol (11.99%), β-caryophyllene (10.38%), camphor (8.06%), 4-terpineol (6.49%), α-terpineol (5.91%), and caryophyllene oxide (5.35%). Bioactivity-guided chromatographic separation of the essential oil on repeated silica gel columns led to isolate five constituent compounds, namely, 1,8-cineole, borneol, camphor, α-terpineol, and 4-terpineol. 1,8-Cineole, 4-terpineol, and α-terpineol showed pronounced fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults (LC50 = 2.96 mg/L, 4.79 mg/L, and 7.45 mg/L air, resp.) and were more toxic than camphor (LC50 = 21.64 mg/L air) and borneol (LC50 = 21.67 mg/L air). The crude essential oil also possessed strong fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults (LC50 = 10.71 mg/L air). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oil of chinese medicinal herb, Evodia rutaecarpa unripe fruits was found to possess insecticidal activity against maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais and red flour beetles Tribolium castaneum. The essential oil of E. rutaecarpa was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 38 components of the essential oil were identified. The principal compounds in E. rutaecarpa essential oil were b-myrcene (17.7%), (Z)-β-ocimene (14.8%), α-phellandrene (14.7%), γ-terpinene (6.4%), linalool (5.7%) and β-thujene (5.1%). Bioactivityguided chromatographic separation of the essential oil on repeated silica gel columns led to isolate three volatile components (β-myrcene, β-ocimene and α-phellandrene) from the essential oil. α-Phellandrene was strongest fumigant against S. zeamais adults, T. castaneum adults and T. castaneum larvae with LC50 values of 15.61, 19.78 and 47.96 mg/L air, respectively. β-Myrcene and β-ocimene also possess fumigant activity against the two species of insects but weaker fumigant activity than the crude essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screening of several Chinese mangrove plants for insecticidal principles showed that ethanol extract of Ceriops tagal stems and twigs possessed significant feeding deterrent activity against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Family: Rhizophoraceae). From the ethanol extract, three feeding deterrent diterpenoids were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compounds were identified as tagalsin A, B, and H on the basis of their phytochemical and spectral data. Tagalsin A, B, and H exhibited strong feeding deterrent activity against T. castaneum adults with EC50 values of 375.3 ppm, 277.3 ppm, and 285.45 ppm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A screening of several Chinese medicinal herbs for nematicidal properties showed that Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott tubers possessed significant nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). From the ethanol extract, two nematicidal flavone-C-glycosides were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compounds were identified as schaftoside and isoschaftoside on the basis of their phytochemical and spectral data. Schaftoside and isoschaftoside possessed strong nematicidal activity against M. incognita (LC50 = 114.66 μg/mL and 323.09 μg/mL, respectively) while the crude extract of A. erubescens exhibited nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode with a LC50 value of 258.11 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melicope pteleifolia is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is thought to be developed as a biological insecticide. In this work, essential oils (EOs) of M. pteleifolia (collected in 2021 and 2022) over different extraction time (1 h, 2 h, 5 h) were investigated for their chemical composition and insecticidal activities. The EOs extracted from fresh leaves in 2021 were named A1h, A2h and A5h, and extracted from fresh leaves in 2022 were named B1h, B2h and B5h. The chemical components of EOs were analyzed by GC-MS. α-Thujene is the common primary compound of the EOs A1h, A2h and A5h, which contained 83.27%, 63.86% and 25.17%, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that sesquiterpenes were the primary representative components in EOs. The EOs that were extracted for 5 h were significantly different from other EOs. Moreover, the EOs and α-thujene showed obvious contact and repellent activities against Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila. The gray correlation degree explained that EOs A2h and A5h had the strongest repellency against L. serricorne, while EOs A1h and B1h had the most significant repellent effect on L. bostrychophila, with coefficients above 0.50. The comprehensive score of weighting coefficient revealed that the scores of EOs A1h and A5h were the highest and both reached 0.80. In general, M. pteleifolia have the potential to be exploited as biological insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia songarica Schrenk is a dominant sand fixation plant growing in the People's Republic of China. At present, there are rare studies on the chemical composition and biological activity of A. songarica. The chemical composition of the original oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and 16 compounds were determined. The main compounds were bisabolol oxide II (28.7%), nerolidol (18.6%), bisabolol (12.9%), bisaboloxide A (10.0%), and spathulenol (6.0%). The contact toxicity and repellent activity of A. songarica essential oil and four selected compounds (bisabolol, geranyl butyrate, nerolidol, and santalol) were assessed against Tribolium castaneum Herbst and Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel. Bioassays showed that the crude essential oil exhibited strong insecticide and repellent activities against both pests. Santalol possessed the strongest contact toxicity (50% lethal dose [LD50] = 1.29 μg per adult) against T. castaneum. Nerolidol, santalol, and geranyl butyrate showed fair contact activity against L. bostrychophila. In particular, geranyl butyrate exhibited outstanding activity (LD50 = 11.53 μg/cm2). In addition, all of the four compounds did not detect a difference between compounds and the positive control (P > 0.05) against two pests at five tested concentrations. These results indicated that A. songarica and its selected compounds could be used as prospective insecticidal and repellent agents for further development and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Ostericum grosseserratum against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. Methods: Steam distillation of the aerial parts of O. grosseserratum during the flowering stage was carried out using a Clavenger apparatus in order to obtain its volatile oil content. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses (HP-5MS column) of the essential oil were performed and its contact and fumigant activity determined. Results: A total of 43 components of the essential oil were identified. The principal compounds were (d)-limonene (16.2 %), 4-terpineol (13.5 %), myhsticin (11.3 %), γ-terpineol (8.3 %), β-pinene (5.1 %), β-caryophyllene (4.6 %) and linalool (4.1 %). The oil exhibited contact toxicity against adult S. zeamais with lethal concentration (LC50) value of 17.97 βg/adult. The essential oils also possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais with LC50 value of 13.70 mg/L air. Conclusion: The study indicates that the essential oil of O. grosseserratum has a potential to be developed into a natural fumigant/insecticide for the control of grain storage insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oils derived from flowering aerial parts of Artemisia giraldii Pamp. and A. subdigitata Mattf. (Family: Asteraceae) against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.). Essential oils of aerial parts of A. giraldii and A. subdigitata were obtained from hydrodistillation and investigated by GC and GC-MS. A total of 48 and 33 components of the essential oils of A. giraldii and A. subdigitata were identified, respectively. The principal compounds in A. giraldii essential oil were β-pinene (13.18%), iso-elemicin (10.08%), germacrene D (5.68%), 4-terpineol (5.43%) and (Z)-β-ocimene (5.06%). 1,8-Cineole (12.26%) and α-curcumene (10.77%) were the two main components of the essential oil of A. subdigitata, followed by β-pinene (7.38%), borneol (6.23%) and eugenol (5.87%). The essential oils of A. giraldii and A. subdigitata possessed fumigant toxicity against the maize weevils with LC50 values of 6.29 and 17.01 mg/L air, respectively. The two essential oils of A. giraldii and A. subdigitata also exhibited contact toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LD50 values of 40.51 and 76.34 μg/adult, respectively. The results indicated that the two essential oils show potential in terms of fumigant and contact toxicity against grain storage insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted in order to evaluate the insecticidal activities of the essential oil of Illicium difengpi (I. difengpi) stem bark and its constituent components against grain storage insects including the Sitophilus zeamais and red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. It discusses the identification of 37 components of the essential oil of I. difengpi. The study revealed the importance of the essential oil obtained from I. difengpi stem bark in controlling insect pests.

Sixteen compounds were isolated from the leaves and stems of Murraya tetramera Huang. Based on the NMR and MS spectral results, the structures were determined. It was confirmed that the isolated compounds included three new compounds (9, 10 and 13) and one new natural product (8), which were identified asmurratetra A (9), murratetra B (10), murratetra C (13) and [2-(7-methoxy-2-oxochromen-8-yl)-3-methylbut-2-enyl]3-methylbut-2-enoate (8), respectively. Meanwhile, the repellent activity against Tribolium castaneum was investigated for 13 of these isolated compounds. The results showed that the tested compounds had various levels of repellent activity against T. castaneum. Among them, compounds 1 (4(15)-eudesmene-1β,6α-diol), 11 (isoferulic acid) and 16 (2,3-dihydroxypropyl hexadecanoate) showed fair repellent activity against T. castaneum. They might be considered as potential leading compounds for the development of natural repellents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation from Alpinia kwangsiensis rhizomes was investigated by GC-MS. A total of 31 components representing 92.45% of the oil were identified and the main compounds in the oil were found to be camphor (17.59%), eucalyptol (15.16%), β-pinene (11.15%) and α-pinene (10.50%). These four compounds were subsequently isolated and the essential oil and four isolated compounds exhibited potent insecticidal activity against Lasioderma serricorne adults. During the assay, it was shown that the essential oil exhibited both potential contact (LD50 = of 24.59 µg/adult) and fumigant (LC50 = of 9.91 mg/L air) toxicity against Lasioderma serricorne. The study revealed that the insecticidal activity of the essential oil can be attributed to the synergistic effects of its diverse major components, which indicates that oil of Alpinia kwangsiensis and its isolated compounds have potential to be developed into natural insecticides to control insects in stored grains and traditional Chinese medicinal materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil of Atractylodes chinensis (Compositae) rhizomes possesses contact toxicity against the adults of the booklouse, Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), with an LD50 value of 104.70 μg/cm². Dried A. chinensis rhizomes were extracted using supercritical CO2 fluid extraction, and chromatographic separation on repeated silica gel columns led to the isolation of atractylodin, atractylodinol, β-eudesmol and atractylenolide III. Atractylodin (LD50 = 9.89 μg/cm2) demonstrated stronger contact toxicity against this pest than the other three compounds (LD50 ≥ 70.60 μg/cm²) and was twice as active the positive control (pyrethrum: LD50 = 18.99 μg/cm2). At a dose of 31.58 μg/cm², the essential oil, atractylodin and β-eudesmol strongly repelled against L. bostrychophila (92, 88 and 86%, respectively) for 2 h after exposure. The results indicate that atractylodin has the potential to be developed as natural insecticide and repellent for the control of L. bostrychophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of the essential oil of Etlingera yunnanensis rhizomes and its contact and repellent activities against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Liposcelis bostrychophila (Badonnel) were investigated. The essential oil obtained from E. yunnanensis rhizomes with hydrodistillation was performed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be estragole (65.2%), β-caryophyllene (6.4%), 1,8-cineole (6.4%), limonene (5.2%), and α-pinene (2.4%). It was found that the essential oil of E. yunnanensis rhizomes possessed contact toxicity against T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila (LD50 = 23.33 μg/adult and LD50 = 47.38 μg/cm2, respectively). Estragole, 1,8-cineole, and limonene exhibited stronger contact toxicity (LD50 values of 20.41, 18.86, and 13.40 μg/adult, respectively) than β-caryophyllene (LD50 = 41.72 μg/adult) against T. castaneum adults. Estragole possessed stronger contact toxicity (LD50 = 30.22 μg/cm2) than β-caryophyllene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene (LD50 values of 74.11, 321.20, and 239.62 μg/adult, respectively) against L. bostrychophila adults. Repellency of the crude oil was also evaluated. The essential oil and constituents possessed strong repellent activity against T. castaneum adults. The four individual constituents showed weaker repellent activity than the essential oil against L. bostrychophila adults. The results indicated that the essential oil of E. yunnanensis rhizomes and the individual constituents had the potential to be developed as a natural insecticide and repellent for the control of T. castaneum and L. bostrychophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to investigate chemical composition of essential oils obtained from Zanthoxylum dissitum leaves and roots and their insecticidal activities against several stored product pests, namely the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and black carpet beetle (Attagenus piceus). The analysis by GC-MS of the essential oils allowed the identification of 28 and 22 components, respectively. It was found that sesquiterpenoids comprised a fairly high portion of the two essential oils, with percentages of 74.0% and 80.9% in the leaves and roots, respectively. The main constituents identified in the essential oil of Z. dissitum leaves were δ-cadinol (12.8%), caryophyllene (12.7%), β-cubebene (7.9%), 4-terpineol (7.5%) and germacrene D-4-ol (5.7%), while humulene epoxide II (29.4%), caryophyllene oxide (24.0%), diepicedrene-1- oxide (10.7%) and Z,Z,Z-1,5,9,9-tetramethyl-1,4,7-cycloundecatriene (8.7%) were the major components in the essential oil of Z. dissitum roots. The insecticidal activity results indicated that the essential oil of Z. dissitum roots exhibited moderate contact toxicity against three species of storage pests, L. serricorne, T. castaneum and A. piceus, with LD50 values of 13.8, 43.7 and 96.8 μg/adult, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical constituents and toxicities of the essential oil derived from Alpinia blepharocalyx rhizomes against the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius). The essential oil of A. blepharocalyx rhizomes was obtained by hydrodistillation and was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 46 components of the essential oil of A. blepharocalyx rhizomes were identified. The principal compounds in A. blepharocalyx essential oil were camphor (23.13 %), sabinene (11.27 %), α-pinene (9.81 %) and eucalyptol (8.86 %) followed by camphene (8.05 %), sylvestrene (5.61 %) and α-phellandrene (5.00 %). Among them, the four active constituents, predicted with a bioactivity-test, were isolated and identified as camphor, sabinene, α-pinene and eucalyptol. The essential oil of A. blepharocalyx possessed strong contact toxicity against the cigarette beetle with ad LD50 value of 15.02 μg adult-1, and exhibited strong fumigant toxicity against L. serricorne adults with an LC50 value of 3.83 mg L-1 air. The results indicate that the essential oil of A. blepharocalyx shows potential in terms of contact and fumigant toxicities against stored product insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find and develop new botanical pesticides against tobacco storage pests, bioactivity screening was performed. The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Liriope muscari was investigated by GC/MS and GC/FID. A total of 14 components representing 96.12% of the oil were identified and the main compounds in the oil were found to be methyl eugenol (42.15%) and safrole (17.15%), followed by myristicin (14.18%) and 3,5-dimethoxytoluene (10.60%). After screening, the essential oil exhibit potential insecticidal activity. In the progress of assay, it showed that the essential oil exhibited potent contact toxicity against Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila adults, with LD50 values of 13.36, 11.28 µg/adult and 21.37 µg/cm2, respectively. The essential oil also exhibited strong repellency against the three stored product insects. At the same concentrations, the essential oil was more repellent to T. castaneum than to L. serricorne adults. The results indicate that the essential oil of Liriope muscari has potential to be developed into a natural insecticide or repellent for controlling insects in stored tobacco and traditional Chinese medicinal materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil of Clausena anisum-olens (Blanco) Merr. showed strong contact toxicity and repellency against Lasioderma serricorne and Liposcelis bostrychophila adults. The components of the essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It was found that the main components were myristicin (36.87%), terpinolene (13.26%), p-cymene-8-ol (12.38%), and 3-carene (3.88%). Myristicin and p-cymene-8-ol were separated by silica gel column chromatography, and their molecular structures were confirmed by means of physicochemical and spectrometric analysis. Myristicin and p-cymene-8-ol showed strong contact toxicity against L. serricorne (LD50=18.96 and 39.68 μg per adult) and Li. bostrychophila (LD50=20.41 and 35.66 μg per adult). The essential oil acting against the two grain storage insects showed LD50 values of 12.44 and 74.46 lg per adult, respectively. Myristicin and p-cymene-8-ol have strong repellent toxicity to Li. bostrychophila. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schinifoline (SF), a 4-quinolinone derivative, was found in Zanthoxylum schinifolium for the first time. 4-Quinolinone moieties are thought to have cytotoxic activity and are often used as a tubulin polymerization inhibitors, heterogeneous enzyme inhibitors and antiplatelet agents. However, very little information respect to radiosensitization has focused on SF. This work aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of SF on A549 cells. The cell viability results indicated cytotoxicity of SF on A549 cells, with IC50 values of 33.7 ± 2.4, 21.9 ± 1.9 and 16.8 ± 2.2 μg/mL, respectively, after 6, 12, 24 h treatment with different concentrations, and the 10% or 20% IC50 concentration during 12 h was applied in later experiments. The results of cell proliferative inhibition and clonogenic assay showed that SF enhanced the radiosensitivity of A549 cells when applied before 60Co γ-irradiation and this effect was mainly time and concentration dependent. The flow cytometric data indicated that SF treatment before the irradiation increased the G2/M phase, thus improving the radiosensitivity of A549, leading to cell apoptosis. This paper is the first study that describes the in vitro radiosensitising, cell cycle and apoptotic-inducing effects of schinifoline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential oil obtained from Citrus wilsonii Tanaka leaves by hydrodistillation was investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be citronellol (16.94 %), neryl acetate (10.35 %), γ-terpinene (9.85 %), citronellal (9.36 %) and β-pinene (6.72 %). These four compounds, predicted with a bioactivity-test to be the active constituents, were isolated and identified. It was found that the essential oil of C. wilsonii leaves and the isolated compounds possessed fumigant and contact toxicity against Tribolium castaneum adults. The essential oil and γ-terpinene showed strong fumigant toxicity against T. castaneum (LC50 = 8.18 and 4.09 mg L-1, respectively). The repellency of the crude oil and the active compounds was also determined. Citronellol, neryl acetate and β-pinene were strongly repellent (100, 86 and 92 %, respectively, at 78.63 nL cm-2, after 2 h treatment) against T. castaneum. The essential oil and citronellol exhibited the same level of repellency compared with the positive control, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). The results indicate that the essential oil of C. wilsonii leaves and its active compounds had the potential to be developed as natural fumigants, insecticides and repellents for the control of T. castaneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new compound and seven known compounds were isolated from Murraya tetramera Huang for the first time, and they were identified with NMR and MS spectral analysis. It was confirmed that the new compound was 10-methoxy-7-methyl-2Hbenzo[ g]chromen-2-one (3) and the others were β-eudesmol (1), trans-3β-(1-hydroxy-1- methylethyl)-8aβ-methyl-5-methylenedecalin-2-one (2), 5,7-dimethoxy-8-[(Z)-3'-methylbutan- 1',3'-dienyl]coumarin (4), 7-geranyloxy-6-methoxycoumarin (5), 5,7-dimethoxy-8-(3- methyl-2-oxo-butyl)coumarin (6), murrangatin acetate (7) and toddalenone (8). Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (SMMC-7721), human bladder tumor cells (EJ), human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), and human B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 cells (BALL-1) was evaluated for all compounds. It was found that five of them displayed various degrees of cytotoxicity against different testing targets. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxic activity against the five cell lines (A549, SMMC-7721, EJ, Hela and BALL-1). Compounds 2 and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity against three cell lines (A549, SMMC-7721 and BALL-1). Compound 4 showed significant cytotoxicity against three cell lines (A549, EJ and BALL-1). However, compound 3 only showed fair cytotoxicity against the BALL-1 cell line. The structure-active relationships were investigated as well. These active compounds might be potential lead compounds for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our screening program for agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs and wild plants, the essential oil of Cinnamomum camphora leaves was found to possess strong fumigant and contact toxicity against Lasioderma serricorne adults with LC50/LD50 values of 2.5 mg/L air and 21.25 µg/adult, respectively. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be D-camphor (40.54%), linalool (22.92%), cineole (11.26%), and 3,7,11-trimethyl-3-hydroxy-6,10-dodecadien-1-yl acetate (4.50%). Bioactivity-directed chromatographic separation on repeated silica gel columns led to the isolation of D-camphor and linalool. D-camphor and linalool showed strong fumigant toxicity (LC50 = 2.36 and 18.04 mg/L air, resp.) and contact toxicity (LD50 = 13.44 and 12.74 µg/adult, resp.) against L. serricorne. The results indicate that the essential oil of C. camphora and its active compounds had the potential to be developed as natural fumigants and insecticides for control of L. serricorne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine larvicidal activity of the ethanol extract of Inula racemosa Hook. f. (Compositae) roots against the larvae of the Culicidae mosquito Aedes albopictus and to isolate any larvicidal constituents from the extract. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, 11,13-dihydroisoalantolactone (1), macrophyllilactone E (2), 5α-epoxyalantolactone (3), and epoxyisoalantolactone (4) were isolated and identified as the active constituents. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited strong larvicidal activity against the early fourth-instar larvae of A. albopictus with LC50 values of 21.86 µg/mL and 18.65 µg/mL, respectively, while the ethanol extract had a LC50 value of 25.23 µg/mL. Compounds 3 and 4 also possessed larvicidal activity against the Asian tiger mosquitoes with LC50 values of 29.37 µg/mL and 35.13 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicated that the ethanol extract of I. racemosa and the four isolated constituents have potential for use in the control of A. albopictus larvae and could be useful in the search of newer, safer, and more effective natural compounds as larvicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six compounds were isolated from the stems of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels by repeated sillica gel column chromatography. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basic of physicochemical and spectroscopic data. Among them, 8-geranyloxypsolaren (3) and 2-methoxy-1-(3-methyl-buten-1-yl)-9H-carbazole-3- carbaldehyde (6) were isolated for the first time from this plant. These compounds were screened for cytotoxicity in human cervical cancer (Hela), leukemia (K562), lung cancer (A549), non-small lung carcinoma (H1299) and liver cancer (SMMC-7721). Within the series of cytotoxic tests, compounds 4-6 displayed potent cytotoxic activity against H1299 and SMMC-7721, with the IC50 values of 6.19 to 26.84 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal and repellent activity of the essential oil of Artemisia rupestris L. aerial parts against the booklice Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and isolation of insecticidal and repellent constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of A. rupestris was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 30 components of the essential oil of A. rupestris was identified and the principal compounds in the essential oil were α-terpinyl acetate (37.18%),spathulenol (10.65%),α-terpineol (10.09%),and linalool (7.56%),followed by 4-terpineol (3.92%) and patchoulol (3.05%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation,the four active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as α-terpineol,α-terpinyl acetate,4-terpineol and linalool. The essential oil of A. rupestris exhibited contact toxicity against L. bostrychophila with LD50 value of 414.48 μg/cm2. α-Terpinyl acetate (LD50 = 92.59 μg/cm2) exhibited stronger contact toxicity against booklice than α-terpineol (LD50 = 140.30 μg/cm2),4-terpineol (LD50 = 211.35 μg/cm2),and linalool (LD50 = 393.16 μg/cm2). The essential oil of A. rupestris (LC50 = 6.67 mg/L air) also possessed fumigant toxicity against L. bostrychophila while the four constituents,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,α-terpinyl acetate and linalool had LC50 values of 0.34,1.12,1.26 and 1.96 mg/L air,respectively. α-Terpinol and α-terpinyl acetate showed strong repellency against L. bostrychophila,while linalool and 4-terpinol exhibited weak repellency. The results indicate that the essential oil of A. rupestris aerial parts and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural insecticides or fumigants as well as repellents for control of insects in stored grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Acorus calamus rhizomes, its insecticidal activity against the booklouse, (Liposcelis bostrychophila) and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of A. calamus rhizomes was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 32 components of the essential oil of A. calamus rhizomes was identified and the principal compounds in the essential oil were determined to be α-asarone (50.09%), (E)-methylisoeugenol (14.01%), and methyleugenol (8.59%), followed by β-asarone (3.51%), α-cedrene (3.09%) and camphor (2.42%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the three active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as methyleugenol, (E)-methylisoeugenol and α-asarone. The essential oil exhibited contact toxicity against L. bostrychophila with an LD50 value of 100.21 μg/cm² while three constituent compounds, α-asarone, methyleugenol, and (E)-methylisoeugenol had LD50 values of 125.73 μg/cm², 103.22 μg/cm² and 55.32 μg/cm², respectively. Methyleugenol and (E)-methylisoeugenol possessed fumigant toxicity against L. bostrychophila adults with LC50 values of 92.21 μg/L air and 143.43 μg/L air, respectively, while the crude essential oil showed an LC50 value of 392.13 μg/L air. The results indicate that the essential oil of A. calamus rhizomes and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural fumigants/insecticides for control of the booklice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and nematicidal activity of essential oil of Agastache rugosa flowering aerial parts against the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and to isolate and identify any nematicidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of A. rugosa aerial parts was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 37 components of the essential oil were identified, with the principal compounds being methyleugenol (50.51%), estragole (8.55%), and eugenol (7.54%), followed by thymol (3.62%), pulegone (2.56%), limonene (2.49%) and caryophyllene (2.38%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the three active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as methyleugenol, estragole and eugenol. The essential oil of A. rugosa exhibited strong nematicidal activity against M. incognita, with a LC50 value of 47.3 μg/mL. The components eugenol (LC50 = 66.6 μg/mL) and methyleugenol (LC50 = 89.4 μg/mL) exhibited stronger nematicidal activity against M. incognita (LC50 = 185.9 μg/mL). The results indicate that the essential oil of A. rugosa aerial parts and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural nematicides for control of the root knot nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Illicium pachyphyllum fruits against two grain storage insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum, and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 36 components of the essential oil were identified, with the principal compounds in the essential oil being trans-ρ-mentha- 1(7),8-dien-2-ol (24.56%), D-limonene (9.79%), caryophyllene oxide (9.32%), and cis-carveol (5.26%) followed by β-caryophyllene (4.63%) and bornyl acetate. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the three active constituents were isolated and identified as trans-ρ-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, D-limonene and caryophyllene oxide. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits exhibited contact toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, with LD50 values of 17.33 μg/adult and 28.94 μg/adult, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (LD50 = 8.66 μg/adult and 13.66 μg/adult, respectively) exhibited stronger acute toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults than either caryophyllene oxide (LD50 = 34.09 μg/adult and 45.56 μg/adult) and D-limonene (LD50 = 29.86 μg/adult and 20.14 μg/adult). The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults with LC50 values of 11.49 mg/L and 15.08 mg/L, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol exhibited stronger fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, respectively, with LC50 values of 6.01 mg/L and 8.14 mg/L, than caryophyllene oxide (LC50 = 17.02 mg/L and 15.98 mg/L) and D-limonene (LC50 = 33.71 mg/L and 21.24 mg/L). The results indicate that the essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural insecticides or fumigants for the control of insects in stored grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight compounds were isolated from the water extract of Pu-erh tea and their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS as gallic acid (1), (+)-catechin (2), (-)-epicatechin (3), (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate (4), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (5), (-)-epiafzelechin- 3-O-gallate (6), kaempferol (7), and quercetin (8). Their in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by the DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods with microplate assays. The relative order of DPPH scavenging capacity for these compounds was compound 8 > compound 7 > compound 1 > compound 6 > compound 4 ≈ compound 5 > compound 2 > VC (reference) > compound 3, and that of ABTS scavenging capacity was compound 1 > compound 2 > compound 7 ≈ compound 8 > compound 6 > compound 5 > compound 4 > VC (reference) > compound 3. The results showed that these phenolic compounds contributed to the antioxidant activity of Pu-erh tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling rhizomes against the booklouse Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 43 components of the essential oil were identified and the principal compounds in the essential oil were 1,8-cineole (15.26%), camphor (10.12%), germacrone (6.86%), β-elemene (6.33%), curzerene (6.70%), and β-elemenone (5.23%). followed by curzerenone (4.52%), curdione (4.45%) and linalool (4.43%). Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the two main active constituents were isolated from the essential oil and identified as 1,8-cineole and camphor. The essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes exhibited contact toxicity against L. bostrychophila with an LD50 value of 208.85 μg/cm2. Camphor (LD50 = 207.26 μg/cm2) exhibited stronger contact toxicity than 1,8-cineole (LD50 = 1048.75 μg/cm2) against booklouse. The essential oil of C. wenyujin (LC50 = 2.76 mg/L air) also possessed fumigant toxicity against L. bostrychophila, while the two constituents, camphor and 1,8-cineole had LC50 values of 1.03 mg/L air and 1.13 mg/L air, respectively. The results indicate that the essential oil of C. wenyujin rhizomes and its constituent compounds have potential for development as natural insecticides or fumigants for control of insects in stored grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Paederia scandens against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. Methods: Steam distillation of the aerial parts of P. scandens was carried out using Clavenger apparatus in order to obtain the volatile oils. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analyses (HP-5MS column) of the essential oil were performed and its composition determined. Insecticidal activity of the essential oil was measured following topical application and seal-spaced fumigation. Results: The main components of the essential oil were β-pinene (24.77 %), α-pinene (8.22 %), 1, 8- cineol (8.01 %), δ-terpinene (5.32 %), (E)-β-ocimene (5.21 %), linalool (4.92 %) and 4-terpineol (3.63 %). The essential oil exhibited strong fumigant toxicity against adult S. zeamais with LC50 (lethal concentration at 50 %) value of 7.14 mg/L air. P. scandens essential oil also possessed contact toxicity against S. zeamais with LD50 (lethal dosage at 50 %) value of 47.78 mg/adult insect. Conclusion: The study indicates that the essential oil of P. scandens has a potential for development into a natural fumigant for control of insects in stored grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-distilled essential oil from Heracleum moellendorffii Hance (Apiaceae) flowering aerial parts was analysed by GC-MS for the first time. Fourty-one components comprising 98.7% of the total oil were identified, of which apiol (11.0%), β-pinene (9.2%), α-terpineol (7.5%), myristicin (7.1%), osthole (6.1%) and (E)-anethole (5.2%) were found to be the major components. The essential oil of H. moellendorfii showed moderate contact toxicity against Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum adults with LD50 values of 27.19 μg/adult and 23.01 μg/adult, respectively. The essential oil of H. moellendorffii also possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults with LC50 values of 23.14 mg/L air and 12.09 mg/L air, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five phenolic compounds, namely N-trans-coumaroyltyramine (1), N-transferuloyltyramine (2), N-trans-feruloyloctopamine (3), 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone (4) and (3S)3,5,4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylhomoisoflavanone (5), were isolated from the fibrous roots of Liriope muscari (Liliaceae). Compounds 2-5 were isolated for the first time from the Liriope genus. Their in vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by the DPPH and ABTS scavenging methods with microplate assays. The structure-activity relationships of compounds 1-3 are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screening of several Chinese medicinal herbs for nematocidal properties showed that the ethanol extract of Liriope muscari fibrous roots possessed significant nematocidal activity against the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). From the ethanol extract, a new constituent (1,4-epoxy-cis-eudesm-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) and three known glycosides [1β,6α-dihydroxy-cis-eudesm-3-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (liriopeoside A), 1β,6β-dihydroxy-cis-eudesm-3-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and 1α,6β- dihydroxy-5,10-bis-epi-eudesm-4(15)-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside] were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and MS techniques. 1,4-Epoxy-cis-eudesm-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside possessed moderate nematocidal activity against B. xylophilus with a LC50 value of 339.76 μg/mL, while liriopeoside A (LC50 = 82.84 μg/mL) and 1β,6β-dihydroxy-cis-eudesm-3-ene-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (LC50 = 153.39 μg/mL) also exhibited nematocidal activity against B. xylophilus. The crude extract of L. muscari fibrous roots exhibited nematocidal activity against the pine wood nematode with a LC50 value of 182.56 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screening of several Chinese medicinal plants for insecticidal principles showed that essential oil of Rhododendron anthopogonoides flowering aerial parts possessed significant toxicity against maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais. A total of 37 components were identified in the essential oil and the main constituents of the essential oil were 4-phenyl-2-butanone (27.22%), nerolidol (8.08%), 1,4-cineole (7.85%), caryophyllene (7.63%) and γ-elemene (6.10%), followed by α-farnesene (4.40%) and spathulenol (4.19%). Repeated bioactivity-directed chromatographic separation on silica gel columns led us to isolate three compounds, namely 4-phenyl-2-butanone, 1,4-cineole, and nerolidol. 4-Phenyl-2-butanone shows pronounced contact toxicity against S. zeamais (LD50 = 6.98 μg/adult) and was more toxic than either 1,4-cineole or nerolidol (LD50 = 50.86 μg/adult and 29.30 μg/adult, respectively) against the maize weevils, while the crude essential oil had a LD50 value of 11.67 μg/adult. 4-Phenyl-2-butanone and 1,4-cineole also possessed strong fumigant toxicity against the adults of S. zeamais (LC50 = 3.80 mg/L and 21.43 mg/L) while the crude essential oil had a LC50 value of 9.66 mg/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our screening program for new agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs and wild plants, Zanthoxylum schinifolium essential oils were found to possess strong insecticidal activity against the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais. The essential oils of Z. schinifolium fruits and leaves were extracted via hydrodistillation and investigated by GC and GC-MS. Estragole (69.52%) was the major compound of the essential oil of fresh fruits, followed by linalool (8.63%) and limonene (4.34%) and 94.33% of the total components were monoterpenoids. The main components of the essential oil of fresh leaves were linalool (12.94%), ar-tumerone (8.95%), limonene (6.45%) and elixene (5.43%) and only 50.62% were monoterpenoids. However, the essential oil from purchased fruits contained linalool (33.42%), limonene (13.66%) and sabinene (5.72%), followed by estragole (4.67%), nerol (4.56%) and 4-terpineol (4.27%). Estragole, linalool and sabinene were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography, and further identified by means of physicochemical and spectrometric analysis. The essential oil from the fresh fruits (LD50 = 15.93 μg/adult) possessed two times more toxicity to the insects compared with that of fresh leaves (LD50 = 35.31 μg/adult). Estragole, linalool and sabinene exhibited contact activity against S. zeamais with LD50 values of 17.63, 13.90 and 23.98 μg/adult, respectively. The essential oils of Z. schinifolium possessed strong fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais adults with LC50 values of 13.19 mg/L (fresh fruits), 24.04 mg/L (fresh leaves) and 17.63 mg/L (purchased fruits). Estragole, linalool and sabinene also exhibited strong fumigant toxicity against the maize weevils with LC50 values of 14.10, 10.46 and 9.12 mg/L, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screening of several Chinese medicinal herbs for insecticidal principles showed that Euphorbia fischeriana roots possessed significant feeding deterrent activity against two stored-product insects (Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus zeamais). From ethanol extract, four feeding deterrents were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The compounds were identified as jolkinolide B, 12-deoxyphorbol 13-(9Z)-octadecenoate 20- acetate, 17-hydroxyjolkinolide A and B on the basis of their phytochemical and spectral data. Jolkinolide B and 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B possessed strong feeding deterrent activities against S. zeamais (EC50 = 342.1 and 543.9 ppm, respectively) and T. castaneum adults (EC50 = 361.4 and 551.5 ppm, respectively). 17-Hydroxyjolkinolide A and 12- deoxyphorbol 13-(9Z)-octadecenoate 20-acetate A also exhibited feeding deterrent activity against the two grain storage insects with EC50 values of 631.9 and 884.3 ppm for S. zeamais and 656.5 and 1058.4 ppm for T. castaneum adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our screening program for agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs and wild plants, the essential oil of Carum carvi fruits was found to possess strong contact toxicity against Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum adults, with LD50 values of 3.07 and 3.29 μg/adult, respectively, and also showed strong fumigant toxicity against the two grain storage insects with LC50 values of 3.37 and 2.53 mg/L, respectively. The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was investigated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the essential oil were identified to be (R)-carvone (37.98%) and D-limonene (26.55%) followed by α-pinene (5.21), cis-carveol (5.01%) and β-myrcene (4.67%). (R)-Carvone and D-limonene were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography, and further identified by means of physicochemical and spectrometric analysis. (R)-Carvone and D-limonene showed strong contact toxicity against S. zeamais (LD50 = 2.79 and 29.86 μg/adult) and T. castaneum (LD50 = 2.64 and 20.14 μg/adult). (R)-Carvone and D-limonene also possessed strong fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais (LC50 = 2.76 and 48.18 mg/L) and T. castaneum adults (LC50 = 1.96 and 19.10 mg/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]