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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Vol. 2, Issue 5 (2014)

Phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity of the fish poison plant Synaptolepis alternifolia oliv. (Thymelaeaceae).

Author(s):

Mungenge, C., Zimudzi C., Zimba, M., Nhiwatiwa, T.

Abstract:
Synaptolepis alternifolia is a commonly used fish poison plant in Zimbabwe. Root methanolic extracts of S. alternifolia were screened for phytochemicals and tested for cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity. Tests indicated the presence of reducing sugars, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. Cytotoxic effects of the plant were assessed through the Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) bioassay. An LD50 of 0.372 mg/ml was found indicating that the root extract were cytotoxic. Insecticidal activity was assessed by the mosquito larvae test using Culex quinquefasciatus 3rd and 4th instars. LD50 and LD90 of the methanol extract after 24 hr was 5.6 mg/ml and 82.5 mg/ml while the LD50 and LD90 after 48 hr were 0.45 mg/ml and 11.3 mg/ml respectively, showing a higher insecticidal activity after 48 hours of exposure to the extract. The results show a huge potential of S. alternifolia as an insecticide.

Pages: 15-19  |  3212 Views  575 Downloads


Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
How to cite this article:
Mungenge, C., Zimudzi C., Zimba, M., Nhiwatiwa, T.. Phytochemical screening, cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity of the fish poison plant Synaptolepis alternifolia oliv. (Thymelaeaceae).. J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2014;2(5):15-19.

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