Evaluation of the Toxicity ofVirola sebiferaCrude Extracts, Fractions and Isolated Compounds on the Nest of Leaf-Cutting Ants

Abstract

The phytochemical study ofVirola sebiferaleaves led to the isolation of three lignans: (+)-sesamin, (−)-hinokinin, and (−)-kusunokinin and three flavonoids: quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and quercetin-3-methoxy-7-O-β-D-glucoside by using techniques as high-speed counter-current chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The crude extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds were evaluated for their insecticidal and fungicidal potential againstAtta sexdens rubropilosaand its symbiotic fungusLeucoagaricus gongylophorus. The bioassay results showed a high insecticidal activity for the methanol crude extract of the leaves ofV. sebiferaand itsn-hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions. The fungicidal bioassay revealed high toxicity of the lignans againstL. gongylophorus.