Phytochemistry and insecticidal activity of Annona mucosa leaf extracts against Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus

Abstract

A new oleanane type triterpene characterized as 3α, 24-diacetoxy-12-oleanene (1) together with known compounds 2-10, were isolated from Annona mucosa leaf extracts. Their structural elucidation was accomplished using physical and spectroscopic methods. The compounds showed weak to moderate insecticidal activities against stored maize insect pests Sitophilus zeamais and Prostephanus truncatus.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Annona mucosa
• Annonaceae
• sterol
• triterpenoids
• alkaloid
• flavonols
• contact toxicity
• anti-feedant activity

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Mr. Mutiso (Taxonomist) of Botany Department, University of Nairobi for identification of the plant materials and Mr. Mwangi of KARLRO Kitale for his assistance when conducting the bioassay experiments. The Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Saarland, Germany is acknowledged for spectroscopic data.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.