Phytochemical Constituents and Toxicity of the Ethanol Extract of Ricinus communis (L.) in Drosophila melanogaster
Tran Thi Tu Ai
College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Viet Nam.
Huynh Hong Phien
Biotechnology Research and Development Institute, Can Tho Universit, Viet Nam.
Tran Thanh Men *
College of Natural Sciences, Can Tho University, Viet Nam.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the toxic ability of the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis (L.) in Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly model. The toxicity was determined through different criteria, including the ability to cause harmful effects on second instar larvae, reproduction, growth and development, and the movement ability of fruit flies. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis expressed its high toxicity against 2nd instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaste with the LD50 value of 64.63 mg/mL. In addition, Ricinus communis extract reduced the growth rate, reproduction and decreased the movement ability of Drosophila melanogaster. The total flavonoid and polyphenol content of the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis were 338.26 mgQE/g extract and 160.43 mgGAE/g extract, respectively. These findings contribute to confirming the toxic properties of ethanol extract of Ricinus communis and their potential use in preventing and controlling pest.
Keywords: Drosophila melanogaster, flavonoid, polyphenol, Ricinus communis, toxicity