Biological Activity Of Extracts Research Articles

A Review on the Medicinal Plant Dalbergia odorifera Species: Phytochemistry and Biological Activity.

The crucial medicinal plant Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen species belongs to genus Dalbergia, with interesting secondary metabolites, consisting of main classes of flavonoid, phenol, and sesquiterpene derivatives, as well as several arylbenzofurans, quinones, and fatty acids. Biological studies were carried out on extracts, fractions, and compounds from this species involved in cytotoxic assays; antibacterial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiplatelet, antiosteosarcoma, antiosteoporosis, antiangiogenesis, and prostaglandin biosynthetic enzyme inhibition activities; vasorelaxant activities; alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities; and many other effects. In terms of the valuable resources for natural new drugs development, D. odorifera species are widely used as medicinal drugs in many countries for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, blood disorders, ischemia, swelling, necrosis, or rheumatic pain. Although natural products from this plant have been increasingly playing an important role in drug discovery programs, there is no supportive evidence to provide a general insight into phytochemical studies on D. odorifera species and biological activities of extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds. To a certain extent, this review deals with an overview of almost naturally occurring compounds from this species, along with extensive coverage of their biological evaluations.

Biological Activities of Extracts from Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.): A Review.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical fruit tree with high medicinal value native to China. Different organs of loquat have been used historically as folk medicines and this has been recorded in Chinese history for thousands of years. Research shows that loquat extracts contain many antioxidants, and different extracts exhibit bioactivity capable of counteracting inflammation, diabetes, cancer, bacterial infection, aging, pain, allergy and other health issues. Bioactive compounds such as phenolics and terpenoids have been isolated and characterized to provide a better understanding of the chemical mechanisms underlying the biological activities of loquat extracts. As the identification of compounds progresses, studies investigating the in vivo metabolism, bioavailability, and structure–activity relationships, as well as potential toxicity of loquat extracts in animal or cell models are receiving more attention. In addition, genetic studies and breeding of loquat germplasms for high contents of health-benefiting compounds may provide new insight for the loquat industry and research. This review is focused on the main medicinal properties reported and the possible pharmaceutically active compounds identified in different loquat extracts.

Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts and essential oil of Boswellia dalzielii leaves

Context: Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. (Burseraceae) is an aromatic plant. The leaves are used for beverage flavouring. Objective: This study investigates the chemical composition and biological activities of various extracts. Materials and methods: The essential oil was prepared via hydrodistillation. Identification and quantification were realized via GC-MS and GC-FID. Consecutive extractions (cyclohexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol) were carried out and various chemical groups (phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, antocyanins and sugar) were quantified. The volatile compounds of organic extracts were identified before and after derivatization. Antioxidant, antihyperuricemia, anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities were evaluated. Results: In the essential oil, 50 compounds were identified, including 3-carene (27.72%) and α-pinene (15.18%). 2,5-Dihydroxy acetophenone and β-d-xylopyranose were identified in the methanol extract. Higher phenolic (315.97 g GAE/kg dry mass) and flavonoid (37.19 g QE/kg dry mass) contents were observed in the methanol extract. The methanol extract has presented remarkable IC50 = 6.10 mg/L for antiDPPH, 35.10 mg/L for antixanthine oxidase and 28.01 mg/L for anti-5-lipoxygenase. For acetylcholinesterase inhibition, the best IC50 (76.20 and 67.10 mg/L) were observed, respectively, with an ethyl acetate extract and the essential oil. At 50 mg/L, the dichloromethane extract inhibited OVCAR-3 cell lines by 65.10%, while cyclohexane extract inhibited IGROV-1 cell lines by 92.60%. Discussion and conclusion: Biological activities were fully correlated with the chemical groups of the extracts. The ethyl acetate and methanol extracts could be considered as potential alternatives for use in dietary supplements for the prevention or treatment of diseases because of these extracts natural antioxidant, antihyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Biological activity of extracts and active compounds isolated from Siegesbeckia orientalis L.

Siegesbeckia orientalis L. (Asteraceae) is an annual herb with a worldwide distribution and has been used in Asia as folk medicine. In this study, the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of various fractions from Siegesbeckia orientalis L. were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The bioassay guided isolation of the ethyl acetate fraction led to twelve compounds: 16β-hydro-ent- kauran-17,19-dioic acid (1), 16α,17-dihydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (2), 16β,17,18- trihydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (3), 17,18-dihydroxy-ent-kauran-19-oic acid (4), siegesmethyletheric acid (5), 2-oxo-15,16,19-trihydroxy-ent-pimar-8(14)-ene(6), 3, 16-dihydroxyl-15-one-ent-pimar-8(14)-ene-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (7), quercetin (8), ursolic acid (9), β-sitosterol (10), stigmasterol (11) and uracil (12). Among all the twelve compounds, compounds 1-4 exhibited the striking antimicrobial activity against screened microorganisms, especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 1, 3 and 4 were found to possess antimicrobial activity for the first time. Compound 8 exhibited antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Compound 9 exhibited cytotoxic activity. These results demonstrate that Siegesbeckia orientalis extracts and active compounds could be potential pharmaceutical products, especially against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

Biological activities and chemical composition of Morus leaves extracts obtained by maceration and supercritical fluid extraction

Supercritical CO2 extraction of Morus species (Morus alba and Morus nigra) was performed and compared with maceration as conventional extraction technique. Composition and biological activity of extracts were evaluated. The thirteen fatty acids were quantified in obtained extracts by GC-FID analysis. Their percentages varying from 0.33% for palmitoleic acid (C16:1) to 37.57% for α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3). The main fatty acids were palmitic acid (C16:0) (26.38 and 25.99%), α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3) (34.97 and 37.57%) and linoleic acid (C18:2 n6c) (14.76 and 16.05%). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods, while phenolic profile was determined using HPLC-DAD analysis. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were also determined. Main phenolic compound was caffeic acid. Rutin, derivatives of caffeic acid and quercetin were also presented in high amounts. Our findings demonstrated that Morus CO2 extracts possess significant characteristics and may be suggested as a new potential source of natural compounds.

Patents on Phytochemicals: Methodologies of Extraction, Application in Food and Pharmaceutical Industry.

Patents on phytochemicals are being registered worldwide. Such phytochemicals provide benefits to human health, and include terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, lignin, and fiber. This review has the purpose to provide a comprehensive overview of patents published in the last five years about extraction of phytochemicals and their application in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Forty eight pa- tents were analyzed and classified in four topics of interest; 1) Extraction, 2) Functional foods, 3) Biological activity, and 4) Prevention of diseases. Extraction yield of phytochemicals is the critical step. The techniques to extract phytochemicals include enzymat- ic hydrolysis, nano-particulate precipitation, salts formation and combination of solvents; however, the use of ultrasound and microwave is increasing. Patents concerning functional foods include pediatric formulations, sport drink, and compo- sitions that produce beneficial effects. Biological activity of plant extracts tested in animals or cell cultures, as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activity, reduction of obesity and diabetes are presented in this review. Application of phy- tochemicals in the prevention and treatment of health disorders, such as diabetes, gastritis, enteritis, topical inflammation, macular degeneration, gingivitis, prostatic hyperplasia, urinary impairments. Patents revised include 30% methodologies for extraction of phytochemicals, 16% application of phytochem- icals in food matrixes to obtain functional foods, 18% biological activity of extracts or compounds and 36% application in the prevention and treatment of illness, which reveals a great interest to protect intellectual property concerning applica- tion of phytochemicals formulations for human health.

Biological Activities of Extracts and Essential Oil of Thymus transcaucasicus Ronniger

Hexane, chloroform, water extracts and essential oil obtained from flowering aerial parts of Thymus transcaucasicus Ronniger were screened for potential in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Chemical composition of essential oil was determined by employing GC-MS analysis; thymol being the main component in 55%. The essential oil and extracts were screened for their possible antioxidant activities by two complementary test systems, namely DPPH free radical scavenging and β-Carotene color bleaching test-a spectrophotometric method. The highest free radical scavenging activity was observed in the essential oil (IC50: 20 μg/ml) whilst, in β-Carotene color bleaching test, hexane extract showed superiority, with an inhibition rate at 72.3%. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extracts were also evaluated and among which the essential oil exerted better activity against all microorganisms tested except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nevertheless, none was effective against test viruses, namely HSV and Influenza.

Extreme effects of Seabuckthorn extracts on influenza viruses and human cancer cells and correlation between flavonol glycosides and biological activities of extracts.

Seabuckthorn is a medicinal plant that is used to prevent cold. It was tested for its metabolic content followed by activity against cancer and virus. The metabolic distribution of different polarity solvent extractions from the leaves was analyzed by LC–MS/MS. Flavonol glycoside contents in EA and Bu extracts were higher than MeOH and DW was observed. MeOH and EA extracts recorded high activity against influenza A/PR virus with IC50 of 7.2 μg/mL and 10.3 μg/mL compared with known drug Oseltamivir of 60.3 μg/mL. A similar trend showed in influenza A/Victoria virus. In case of influenza B viruses such as B/Lee and B/Maryland, EA extract (2.87 μg/mL and 4.5 μg/mL of IC50) emerged strongest among other extracts and Oseltamivir (103.73 μg/mL and 71.6 μg/mL). Each extract showed potent anticancer activities. Interestingly, Bu extract showed stronger anticancer activity against human cancer cells such as NCL-H1299, HeLa, SKOV and Caski (8.2 μg/mL, 8.6 μg/mL, 18.2 μg/mL and 9.2 μg/mL of IC50) respectively. Correlation study reveals that aglycones and flavonol mono-glycosides highly correlated with anti-influenza activities but not correlated with anticancer activities. Reversely, di-glycosides and tri-glycosides have a high correlation with cytotoxic effect with both normal and cancer cells. Therefore, this study provides significant information concerning Seabuckthorn for further medicinal drug development.

Phytochemical Screening, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activities and Cytotoxicity ofDendrobium signatumLeaves

In the present work, the leaves of Dendrobium signatum were extracted with ethanol by maceration; called M; and by sonication-maceration for 30 and 45 mins; called MS30 and MS45. Some biological activities of extracts were investigated. The results showed that the sonication for 30 mins and then maceration 72 hr gave the highest yield at 7.32%. The phytochemical investigation revealed that the bioactive compound from M, MS30 and MS45 were similar which composed of carbohydrates, coumarins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols and glycosides, respectively. The total phenolic contents were assessed by Folin – Ciocalteau method using gallic acid as the chemical standards. The results showed that MS30 displayed the highest total phenolic contents at the value of 8.83 gGAE/100 g extract. The antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay. The results showed that MS30 had the stronger free radical scavenging activity than M and MS45 and had moderate radical scavenging ability compared to ascorbic acid. The cytotoxicity was performed against human cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The results showed that all ethanol extracts displayed weak anticancer activity against MCF-7 and NCI-H187 cell lines, compared to the standard drug doxorubicin. In addition, they showed no activity against KB cell lines.

Comparison of Plant Growth, Dormancy Breaking, Yield, and Biological Activities of Extracts in Four Asparagus Cultivars

The present study investigated the plant growth characteristics, dormancy breaking, yield, and biological activity properties (contents of flavonoid and phenolic compounds, nitrite scavenging activity, and the survival rate of lung cancer) of four asparagus cultivars. It aimed to examine selection possibilities for high efficacy cultivar to promote biological activity in asparagus cultivation in South Korea. The results showed that the number of asparagus buds and root fresh and dry weight of 'Jersey Giant', 'Jersey Supreme', and 'NJ953' were higher than those of 'UC157' cultivar, and there were no differences in the number of roots. The dormancy breaking period of 'Jersey Supreme' was prolonged compared to the other cultivars. 'Jersey Giant' and 'NJ953' had more total spears, and greater spear diameter, and yield than other cultivars. Total flavonoid content was unaffected by cultivar and was higher in ethanol extraction than in hot water extraction. Total phenolic compound content was the lowest in 'NJ953' for both hot water and ethanol extracts, whereas in the ethanol extraction, 'UC157' had the highest, with 39.23 mg·L -1 . 'Jersey Giant', 'Jersey Supreme', and 'NJ953' all showed greater than 70% nitrite scavenging activity. In the case of ethanol extraction, the survival rates of lung cancer in extracts from 'Jersey Giant', 'Jersey Supreme', and 'UC157' were lower than 'NJ 953' cultivar, regardless of extraction concentration. The survival rate of lung cancer was lower in hot water extraction than in ethanol extraction, so that the consumption of asparagus is also expected to be helpful in preventing lung cancer. The growth characteristics and biological activity effects of edible asparagus that were identified in the present study are expected to be useful in selection of high efficacy cultivars for biological activity and utilization.

Biological Activity of Extracts from Olive and Basil Leaves against Pathogenic Microbial Isolates

Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts of olive leaves from Sinai and basil leaves from Iran against some selected pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains and to analyze both extracts to prove the active components responsible for their antimicrobial activity. Methodology: Methanolic/chloroform extract of olive and methanolic extract of basil leaves were prepared and their antimicrobial activities were tested against 5 types of pathogenic bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella and one type of fungus, Candida spp. using agar well-diffusion method. HPLC was done for analysis of phenolic compounds and GC-MS was done for analysis of volatile compounds. Results: Antimicrobial activity of basil extract was stronger than that of olive. HPLC showed that the main phenolic compounds were oleuropein for olive and rosmarinic acid for basil. GC-MS showed the major peak for olive was triterpene and that for basil was Linalool. Conclusion: Basil has stronger antimicrobial activity than olive. It varies with different strains being the best against S. aureus, Pseudomonas and candida. Phenolic compounds mainly oleuropein for olive and rosmarinic acid for basil and caffeic acid in both had antimicrobial activity. In vivo study is recommended.

Characteristics, Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Extracts from Tunisian ChetouiOlea europaeaVariety

This study selected 10 extracts from Tunisian chetouiO. europaeavariety for their total phenolics, flavonoids, and phytochemical analyses as well as for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities determination. Thein vitroantioxidant property was investigated using DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP), oxygen reducing antioxidant capacity (ORAC), andβ-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assays while antimicrobial activity was evaluated using macrodilutions method. For all organs of chetouiO. europaeavariety, the investigated activities were found to be higher in the polar extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and methanol/water). These activities were correlated with the presence of phenolic compounds. Phytochemical analyses revealed that the crude extracts contain triterpenoids, quinones, and flavonoids. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the studied extracts.

Two-stage extraction of antitumor, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase compounds from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body

Ganoderma lucidum has been used in oriental medicine for its contribution to vitality and longevity. None of them report about targeted antitumor activity against adenocarcinoma cells, or antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activity for potential application in treatment of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. To date, there are a few studies available concerning supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of biologically active compounds from G. lucidum fruiting body. In our study, two stage extractions of biologically active compounds from G. lucidum were performed. First, supercritical carbon dioxide was used as extraction solvent. Next, the same material was used for hot water isolation of biologically active polysaccharides. Cytotoxicity, antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activity were tested for all obtained extracts. Additionally, the effect of extraction process conditions on the biological activity of extracts was assessed.

ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Adenium obesum (Forsk.) Roem. et Schult

AbstractReview: 45 refs.

철피석곡의 원괴체상구체 및 다신초 추출물의 생리활성에 관한 비교 연구

철피석곡은 중국에서 전통의약식물로 잘 알려진 난과 식물 중 하나이다. 본 연구에서는 생물반응장치를 이용하여 조직 배양된 철피석곡에 대하여 화장품 성분으로써 응용 가치를 평가하였다. 이미 몇몇 보고된 논문에서 철피석곡은 항암, 상처 치유 그리고 면역기능증진 등의 약리학적 활성에 대한 연구가 진행되었다. 본 연구에서는 생물반응장치를 이용하여 조직 배양된 철피석곡의 원괴체상구체 및 다신초에 대하여 화장품 성분으로서 효능, 효과를 자연에서 자란 철피석곡과 비교 평가하였다. 항산화 활성 비교 실험 결과 철피석곡의 원괴체상구체는 조직배양된 다신초 및 철피석곡 지하부 및 지상부보다 항산화 효과가 우수하였다. 조직배양된 원괴체상구체의 총 페놀 및 총 플라보노이드 성분 또한 다른 다신초나 자연에서 자란 철피석곡 추출물보다 함유량이 높음을 알 수 있었다. 다른 한편으로는 피부 미백과 관련한 효과를 비교 조사한 결과, 조직 배양된 다신초가 자연에서 자란 철피석곡 지상부, 지하부 및 조직 배양된 원괴체상구체보다 타이로 시네이즈 활성 억제 및 멜라닌 생성 억제 효과가 우수하였다. 이러한 결과들은 피부개선을 위한 화장품 성분으로서 조직배양체의 부분별 응용 가능성을 제공할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. Dendrobium candidum is one of the well-known orchid on traditional and rare medicinal herb in China. We artificially cultured protocorm-like body and multiple shoots using the bioreactor culture system from Dendrobium candidum and experimented an efficacy as a cosmetic ingredient for skin care. Several studies previously have reported anti-tumor, wound healing and immunological function of Dendrobium candidum but other efficacies were not well known. In the present study, we investigated the cosmetic efficacy to know applicable value of protocorm-like body and multiple shoots cultured from Dendrobium candidum as a cosmetic ingredient. The biological activities of extracts from protocorm-like body, multiple shoots, aerial part and underground part of Dendrobium candidum were investigated. Results were found that extracts of protocorm-like body are superior to other extracts (underground part, aerial part and multiple shoots extracts) on anti-oxidant effect. Also, protocorm-like body extract contained the phenolic and flavonoid compounds more than aerial part, underground part and multiple shoots extracts. In addition, we investigated skin whitening effect related to whitening of skin. In tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis assay, multiple shoots extract is superior to other extracts (aerial part, underground part and protocorm-like body), on inhibitory effect of tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis respectively. These results indicate that the protocorm-like body and multiple shoots extracts cultured from Dendrobium candidum presents a new possibility of being applicable to skin improvement as a cosmetic ingredient.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Adenium obesum (Forsk.) Roem. et Schult.

Contents1. Introduction2. Chemical Constituents2.1. Cardiac Glycosides2.2. Pregnanes2.3. Triterpenes2.4. Flavonoids2.5. Carbohydrate3. Biological Activities of Extracts and Pure Compounds3.1. As Biological Pesticides3.2. Pharmacological Activities3.2.1. Antibacterial Activity3.2.2. Antitumor Activity3.2.3. Antiviral Activity3.2.4. Immunomodulatory Activity3.2.5. Toxicity3.2.6. Other Effects4. Concluding Remarks1. Introduction. – Adenium obesum, which is commonly known as desert rose,belongstothefamilyApocynaceae,andoccursalloverAfricaandcultivatedinAsia.Itisaxerophytewiththickstemandratherfleshyleavesandusedasanornamentalplant.Name of its genus was derived from Aden, the former name of Yemen and nowadaysthecapitaltownofthecountry,whilethetermobesumreferstotheswellingofthestemin its basal parts. The plant has several synonyms such as Nerium obesum Forssk.,A.arabicum Balf.f., and A. tricholepis Chior, and more than one vernacular names like,Ombo gaduud, Obbe, Karya, and Locombolo based on different dialects used in thearea [1–9]. Various parts of A. obesum had long been used as traditional medicines forthe treatment of skin problems, wound, ear ache, rhinitis, skin lumps, gonorrhea, andinfectious diseases. It is also a poisonous and toxic plant, and therefore used as a

Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from an endemic Salvia cilicica Boiss.

Chemical composition and biological activities of extracts from an endemic Salvia cilicica Boiss.

The genus Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae): an ethnobotanical, biological and phytochemical review

Eremophila (Scrophulariaceae) is an endemic Australian genus with 214 species, which is commonly known as Fuchsia bush, Emu bush or Poverty bush. Plants of this genus played an important role for the Australian Aborigines who used them widely for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Many studies have been carried out on many species of this genus and have generated immense data about the chemical composition and corresponding biological activity of extracts and isolated secondary metabolites. Thorough phytochemical investigations of different Eremophila species have resulted in the isolation of more than 200 secondary metabolites of different classes with diterpenes as major constituents. Biological studies and traditional clinical practice demonstrated that Eremophila and its bioactive compounds possess various pharmacological properties. Plants were employed especially as a cardiotonic drug and also as potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agents. Further investigations are required to explore other Eremophila species, to evaluate the different biological activities of either their extracts or the isolated compounds and the possible underlying modes of action.

Biological Activities of Extracts from Chinese Bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.): A Review

Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) is a subtropical fruit tree native to China and other Asian countries, and culture of this Myricaceae plant has been recorded in Chinese history for more than 2000 years. Bayberry fruit is delicious with attractive color, flavor, and high economic value. Compared with other berries, bayberry fruit is a rich source of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G, e.g., 64.8 mg/100 g fresh weight in 'Biqi' cultivar), which accounts for at least 85 % of the anthocyanins in the fruit. Bayberry is also a plant with high medicinal value since different organs have been used historically as folk medicines. Research efforts suggest bayberry extracts contain antioxidants that exhibit bioactivities counteracting inflammation, allergens, diabetes, cancer, bacterial infection, diarrhea and other health issues. Bayberry compounds have been isolated and characterized to provide a better understanding of the chemical mechanisms underlying the biological activities of bayberry extracts and to elaborate the structure-activity relationships. As the identification of compounds progresses, studies investigating the in vivo metabolism and bioavailability as well as potential toxicity of bayberry extracts in animal models are receiving more attention. In addition, breeding and genetic studies of bayberry with high accumulation of health-benefiting compounds may provide new insight for the bayberry research and industry. This review is focused on the main medicinal properties reported and the possible pharmaceutically active compounds identified in different bayberry extracts.

Larvicidal Activity of Isoflavonoids from Muellera Frutescens Extracts Against Aedes Aegypti

The biological activity of extracts from the leaves, bark and roots of Muellera frutescens, an Amazonian ichtyotoxic plant, were evaluated to find new environmentally safe insecticides. The n-hexane extracts of bark, leaf, and root showed a strong toxic activity against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Bioguided fractionation of the bark extract led to the isolation of seven isoflavonoids (12a-hydroxyelliptone, elliptone, (-)-variabilin, rotenone, rotenolone, tephrosin and deguelin). Rotenone and deguelin are responsible for the larvicidal activity of the plant. M frutescens leaves contain up to 0.6%, w/w, deguelin. These results justify the traditional ichtyotoxic use of M frutescens. The leaves contain a relatively high proportion of deguelin and, therefore, can be considered as a renewable source of this environmentally friendly insecticidal isoflavonoid.