Phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal activities of aerial parts of Polygonatum verticillatum

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the aerial parts of the Polygonatum verticillatum for various biological activities such as phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal properties. Outstanding phytotoxicity was observed for the crude extract and its subsequent solvent fractions against Lemna acquinoctialis Welv at tested doses of 5, 50 and 500 μ g/ml. Complete growth inhibition (100%) was demonstrated by the crude extract and aqueous fraction at maximum tested dose (500 μ g/ml). Among the tested insects, moderate insecticidal activity was recorded against Rhyzopertha dominica. However, neither crude extract nor its solvent fraction registered any significant (> 100 μ g/ml) leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania major. Based on the phytotoxicity, the aerial parts of the plant could be a significant source of natural herbicidal for sustainable weed control. © 2010 Academic Journals.