Effects of the plant alkaloid castanospermine as an antimetabolite of storage pests

Abstract

The secondary plant compound castanospermine is toxic to the larvae of the bruchid beetle Callosobruchus maculatus E and the flour beetle Tribolium confusum J. & V. when incorporated into the diet. The larval alimentary tract c~-D-glucosidase and i3-D-glucosidase activities of C. maculatus were strongly inhibited by castanospermine in a non-competitive and competitive manner respectively. The larval alimentary tract t3-D-glucosidase activity of T. confusum was strongly inhibited in a competitive manner, but the c~-Dglucosidase activity was not markedly inhibited; however, the 13-D-galactosidase activity exhibited strong uncompetitive inhibition.

Effect of α-glycosidase inhibitors from endophytic fungus Alternaria destruens on survival and development of insect pest Spodoptera litura Fab. and fungal phytopathogens

“…The inhibition of these enzymes would slow the process of digestion; leading to adverse effects in the insects. The production of α-glycosidase inhibitors (AGIs) has been reported as an inherent mechanism in plants to resist herbivory and insect pests 23–26 . Transgenic plants expressing AGI genes have been produced and found to possess resistance against various insects 27–29 .…”

“…Transgenic plants expressing AGI genes have been produced and found to possess resistance against various insects 27–29 . Though, digestive enzyme inhibitors from plants have been extensively reported for their insecticidal activity 23–26 , there are few reports available of similar studies on bio control efficiency of enzyme inhibitors from endophytes. In this study, we evaluated the insecticidal potential of AGIs obtained from endophytic fungi against Spodoptera litura (Fab.).…”

Australine, a Novel Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Glucosidase Inhibitor from Castanospermum australe

“…The consequent modification of glycoprotein processing in cells due to inhibition of glucosidase I (5) has stimulated considerable interest in the biological effects of castanospermine on a variety of organisms. The alkaloid is an intensely active feeding deterrent and toxin to certain insects (6,7) and adversely affects root length growth in a number of dicotyledonous plants (8). It has been shown to alter glycogen metabolism and distribution (9) and to block the hyperglycemic response to carbohydrates (10) in rats.…”

Potential of natural products as insect antifeedants

“…It is a potential inhibitor of several glycosidases and exhibits a diverse array of biological activities (Molyneux et al, 1988). If we consider this compound from a stereochemical point of view, the subtle alteration in the hydroxy group causes significant changes in potency (Nash et al, 1986).…”