Phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal activities of aerial parts of Polygonatum verticillatum

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore the aerial parts of the Polygonatum verticillatum for various
biological activities such as phytotoxic, insecticidal and leishmanicidal properties. Outstanding
phytotoxicity was observed for the crude extract and its subsequent solvent fractions against Lemna
acquinoctialis Welv at tested doses of 5, 50 and 500 ìg/ml. Complete growth inhibition (100%) was
demonstrated by the crude extract and aqueous fraction at maximum tested dose (500 ìg/ml). Among
the tested insects, moderate insecticidal activity was recorded against Rhyzopertha dominica. However,
neither crude extract nor its solvent fraction registered any significant (> 100 ìg/ml) leishmanicidal
activity against Leishmania major. Based on the phytotoxicity, the aerial parts of the plant could be a
significant source of natural herbicidal for sustainable weed control.