A new insecticidal sesquiterpene ester from Celastrus angulatus

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Insect Toxicology

Background:

• Celastrus angulatus is a plant species known for its potential medicinal and insecticidal properties.
• Isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds from plant sources are crucial for discovering new therapeutic and agrochemical agents.
• Sesquiterpene polyol esters represent a class of natural products with diverse biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize novel and known compounds from the root bark of Celastrus angulatus.
• To evaluate the insecticidal potential of the isolated compounds, particularly against agricultural pests.
• To elucidate the chemical structure of a new sesquiterpene polyol ester.

Main Methods:

• Bioassay-guided fractionation of highly polar methanol extracts from Celastrus angulatus root bark.
• Structure elucidation using Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data analysis.
• Assessment of insecticidal activity using 4th instar Mythimna separata larvae.

Main Results:

• Isolation of a new beta-dihydroagarofuran sesquiterpene polyol ester, designated NW37 (1).
• Isolation of three known compounds: NW13 (2), NW16 (3), and NW35 (4).
• Compound NW37 (1) exhibited insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata larvae with a KD(50) value of 252.3 microg g(-1).

Conclusions:

• A new sesquiterpene polyol ester with insecticidal properties was identified from Celastrus angulatus.
• The findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical constituents of Celastrus angulatus and their potential applications in pest control.
• Compound NW37 represents a promising lead for the development of new insecticidal agents derived from natural sources.