In vitro antitermite activity of alkaloids from Epipremnum aureum(Linden and Andre) Bunting (Araceae) against Indian white termite Odontotermes obesus
Abstract
Nidhi Srivastava*, Anju Meshram1
Plants of Araceae family are well known sources of secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancerous, antioxidative, analgesic, and antipyretic properties, among others. In the present study laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate antitermite response of alkaloids isolated Epipremnum aureum(Linden and Andre) Bunting leaf, stem and root against Indian white termite Odontotermes obesus. Purified fractions of alkaloid showed remarkable toxicity against O. obesus at forty times dilution with respect to control. Soil sample with termites were collected from field and healthy termites were sorted out. Thirty active workers were released on each treated Whatman filter paper (90mm diameter) fitted inside glass petridishes. Mortality of termites was observed after fifteen minutes and compared with untreated filter papers. Highest mortality rate has been recorded with alkaloids isolated from leaves of E. aureum. Results of present study may be useful for development of herbal formulation for spot treatment in termite infested buildings, agriculture, furniture and to overcome synthetic termiticides borne problems.
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