Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences (JEAS). Sahifa et al., 2024. Volume 26(1&2): 1-10
Open Access – Research Article
Identification of volatile constituents and biological activity potential of Abelia triflora
Sahifa 1, Samar Ali 1, Maria Bibi 1
1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Abstract: Abelia triflora, a member of the plant family i.e., Caprifoliaceae, is known for its pharmaceutical properties including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits. An experiment was performed to investigate the insecticidal and antibiotic potential of A. triflora. It is widely distributed under diverse ecological conditions including America and Eastern Asia. Main objectives of this study were to explore the biological activities of A. triflora and describe its chemical constituents. Two plant extracts i.e., ethyl acetate and n-hexane, were isolated from the A. triflora plants and tested for their insecticidal and antibacterial characteristics. Moreover, the n-hexane fraction was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to recognize its chemical constituents.
The GC MS analysis identified 36 phytochemicals like fatty acids, phenols, stigmasterols, and vitamins, often linked with various biological activities. The insecticidal activity tests of n-hexane extract were promising and demonstrated strong efficacy (100% inhibition) against Sitophilus oryzae (rice weevil), a notorious grain pest. However, the extract was not effective in controlling other investigated insect species like Callosobruchus analis, Rhyzopertha dominicia, Tribolium castaneum, and Trogoderma granarium.
On the other hand, ethyl acetate fraction of A. triflora was ineffective against the tested insect species. Moreover, the ethyl acetate fraction showed moderate inhibition (46.57%) of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium. The n-hexane fraction, however, showed no antibacterial activity. These findings suggest the phytochemical potential of A. triflora against insects and bacteria. Further studies may help to explore its full potential for developing medicines or natural pest control solutions.
Keywords: GC MS, bactericidal activity, insecticidal activity, Phytochemicals, biological pest control, Abelia triflora,
*Corresponding author: Sahifa
Cite this article as:
Sahifa, S. Ali and M. Bibi. 2024. Identification of Volatile Constituents and Biological Activity Potential of Abelia triflora. Journal of Environmental & Agricultural Sciences. 26 (1&2): 1-10. [Abstract] [View Full-Text] [Citations] 
Copyright © Sahifa et al., 2024. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original author and source are appropriately cited and credited.
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