Biologically active constituents of tropical and subtropical plants

Abstract

Methanol extracts of a number of tropical and subtropical plants, such as Ailanthus altissima, Acanthospermum hispidum, Heritiera littoralis, and seed cake of Azadirachta indica (“neem cake”), have been tested for antifeedant, insecticidal, insect growth regulating (IGR), nematicidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal activity. Antifeedant activities towards Epilachna varivestis were observed with the Ailanthus, Acanthospermum, Heritiera, and neem cake extracts, resp., IGR activities were found in addition with Ailanthus and neem cake extracts. Bactericidal and fungicidal effects were observed with extracts from A. hispidum. We report on isolation, structure, and biological activity of some of the active principles. © 1994 IUPAC