Investigation of the larvicidal activity of Pothomorphe peltata and isolation of the active constituent.

The insecticidal activity of the leaves of Pothomorphe peltata (Piperaceae) was evaluated on Aedes aegypti larvae. The active methanol extract was subjected to a bioactivity-directed fractionation, monitored by the larvicidal assay, and led to the isolation of a catechol derivative, 4-nerolidylcatechol. This compound was quite potent against Aedes aegypti larvae (LC(50) = 9.1 microg/mL). Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.