Insecticidal activity of deoxypodophyllotoxin, isolated from Juniperus sabina L, and related lignans against larvae of Pieris rapae L

摘要: In the course of screening for naturally occurring insecticides from plants northwestern part China, a petroleum ether extract Juniperus sabina L was found to show insecticidal activity against fifth-instar larvae Pieris rapae L. From extract, an compound isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation. The identified as deoxypodophyllotoxin (1) comparison its spectroscopic characteristics with literature data. bioassays, 1 showed antifeedant P at 0.05–1.00 g litre−1 and AFC50 (concentration 50% activity) values 12 48 h were 0.170 0.060 litre−1, respectively. that concentration range, all treated insects died within after treatment delayed activity. At 0.015–0.100 activity, LC50 0.020 litre−1. related deoxypicropodophyllotoxin (2), however, lower activities than in bioassay. This indicated trans-lactone ring is important moiety enhancing these compounds. Comparison another compound, podophyllotoxin (3), suggested varying substituent C-4 exciting possibility synthesizing more potent analogues. Copyright © 2004 Society Chemical Industry