Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (7), 256-258, July 2007          
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

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.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: muilinks@mu.ac.ke or beckip2002@yahoo.com or selkebenei@yahoo.com.

Accepted 2 April, 2007

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 salicifolia, Phaedon cochleariae, 3-Acetyl moraldehyde, agauriasterone.