The chemical exploration of Dimorphandra mollis (Fabaceae) in Brazil, with emphasis on insecticidal response: A review

摘要

This review links two apparently unconnected subjects supporting strategies for sustainable biodiversity use and conservation of the Cerrado (Savanna-type) biome in Brazil with the flavonoid astilbin from Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Fabaccae) flowers. This plant is abundant in the Cerrado flowering from October to January. Larvae and hives of the honey bee Apis mellifera L., 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) died after bee worl rs have pollinated crops of orange Citrus spp. (Rutaccae) near D. mollis in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, suggesting that bee workers might have collected pollen from D. mollis intoxicating themselves, other adults and the offspring. Pollen from D. mollis was collected and dried out of direct sunlight. Diehloromethane and methanol solutions were obtained from extracts of this pollen and the second was toxic to honey bees in the laboratory. Methanol solutions of astilbin from D. mollis were tested against insect-pests, with better results to Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel. 1908 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) [pest of eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae)] and the defoliator caterpillars Antiearsia gemmatalis Huebner, 1818 [pest of soybean Glycine max L. Merrill (Fabaceae)] and Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith, 1797 (Lepidoptera: Noetuidae) [pest of corn Zea mays L. (Poaceae)]. The abundance in the Cerrado and the toxic activity of astilbin from D. mollis flowers against forest and agriculture insect-pests show the potential to develop a new insecticide.