Oxoproline induced acetylcholinesterase activity on subterranean termite Odontotermes obesus

Abstract

In this paper, impact of termites as serious structural insect-pests is highlighted with relevant information in Indian context. Epipremnum aureum (Linden and Andre) G.S. Bunting is an ornamental foliage rich in phytoconstituents and serves as a potential source of bioactive compounds possessing beneficial biological activities. Present study was carried out to isolate oxoproline along with other pyrrolidine alkaloids (PAs) from leaf explants and checked for its neurotransmitter effect on subterranean termite Odontotermes obesus. Spectrometric analysis via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) helped in the characterization of pyrrolidine alkaloids. Acetylcholinesterase activity affirmed the neurotransmitter effect of pyrrolidine alkaloids on termites. It is assumed that presence of higher contents of oxoproline in comparison to other alkaloids showed effective antitermite activity. Percentage mortality of termites by pyrrolidine alkaloids was similar in results when compared with the standard alkaloid Nicotine and chemical termiticide Monocrotophos. The neurotransmitter effect of pyrrolidine alkaloids on O. obesus via acetylcholinesterase induction were also supported by SEM studies. Presence of oxoproline has exposed high in-vitro antitermite activity against subterranean termites Odontotermes obesus and strongly supports the use of E. aureum as eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable approach for termite control.