Evaluation of bio-insecticidal capacity of datura (Datura stramonium L.) leaves and flowers using GC-MS and phytochemical techniques

Abstract

The widespread use of synthetic insecticides has led to many negative consequences, resulting in increasing attention to natural products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bio-insecticidal capacity of Datura stramonium leaves and flowers using GC-MS and phytochemical techniques and also mosquito's larvae as bioindicators. The phytochemical screening and the biological effect tests were run at Basic Sciences Laboratories, whereas GC-MS applications were run at the Central Laboratory, University of Gezira. The results showed that, Datura leaves contained saponnins, alkaloids, tannins but the flowers contained also flavonoids and steroids. 14 compounds were detected from Datura leaves ethanol extracts of which Butanol, 3-methyl is the main component (79.76%) followed by Toluene (6.14%) and Phytol (3.9%), while that of the flowers detected also 14 compounds of which formic acid, 3-methylbut-2-yl ester is the main component (82.22%). The ethanol extract of Datura leaves reflected LC50 of: 844.43 mg/L, against Cx. quiquefasciatus larvae, while that of the flowers was 636.62 mg/L. The ethanol extract of Datura leaves, after one week, left no survived Anopheles or Culex larvae, whereas, 10% of Aedes larvae were survived. The ethanol extract of Datura flowers, after one week, left no survived Anopheles or Culex or Aedes larvae, but some were developed to pupae. Field assessment should be run to evaluate the impact on the aquatic predators.