Agrochemicals from the flowers of Datura metel Linn

Abstract

This work was the first report on agricultural-based activity of the flowers of Datura metel Linn. From the preliminary biological screening test, the alkaloid crude extract revealed toxicity against Pomacea canaliculata Lamark. (golden apple snail). In addition, ethyl acetate crude extract displayed medium cytotoxicity against brine shrimp Artemia salina Linn. and plant growth inhibition against Lactuca sativa. The separation of two active fractions led to the isolation of nine substances. By means of physical properties, chemical reactions and spectroscopic evidences, the structures of four mixtures and four compounds could be deduced as a mixture of long chain esters, a mixture of steroid ester, a mixture of steroids, kaempferol, scopolamine, tropine, aposcopolamine, and two derivatives of scopolamine. The bioassay results indicated that kaempferol exhibited low cytotoxicity against brine shrimp. Moreover, scopolamine displayed the molluscicidal activity against golden apple snail and high root growth inhibition on L. sativa. In addition, tropine displayed insecticidal activity against Spodoptera litura.