Insecticidal Activity of L. on Causing Myiasis.

BACKGROUND

L. (Solanaceae) generally known as henbane, is commonly distributed in Europe and Asia. In Turkey, henbane seeds have been used in folk medicine to remove worms from the eyes. The present study aimed to investigate the insecticidal activity of seeds.

METHODS

-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and alkaloid extracts were prepared from the seeds of the plant and their insecticidal activities on larvae were evaluated. EC and EC values of the alkaloid extract were calculated and morphological abnormalities were investigated.

RESULTS

Alkaloid extract prepared from the seeds of this plant displayed significant insecticidal activity. EC values of seeds alkaloid extract were found to be 8.04, 8.49, 7.96 μg/mL against first, second and third instar, respectively. It was determined that malformations of larvae included damaged larvae with small size, contraction and weak cuticle. Furthermore, HPLC analysis was performed on alkaloid extract of seeds and main components of the extract were determined. It was determined that alkaloid extract mainly contain hyoscyamine and scopolamine.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm the folkloric usage of the plant and suggest that the alkaloid content of the plant could be responsible for the insecticidal activity.