Anti-termite Activity of Tamanu Bark Extract (Calophyllum inophyllum L.)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the anti-termite properties of tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum L.) stem bark extracts against subterranean termites, specifically, Coptotermes curvignathus. The bark powder of C. inophyllum was extracted using different solvents, such as n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, using the maceration method. Anti-termite testing was performed using two paper disc methods: no-and two-choice tests. Whatman test paper was dripped with the extract solutions at concentrations of 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% (w/v). Subsequently, the treated paper disc was placed into an acrylic tube, and the subterranean termite was added. The parameters utilized in the test included termite mortality and the weight loss of the test paper. The results revealed that the total extract yield of C. inophyllum stem bark was 30.24%. Furthermore, the extractive substances from C. inophyllum bark exhibited anti-termite activity. The most favorable outcomes were obtained with the n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts at a concentration of 10%. The termite mortality and weight loss of the test paper were respectively 66% and 5.67% for the n-hexane extract and 66.67% and 6.19% for the ethyl acetate extract. In addition, the n-hexane extract contained friedelan-3-one, while the ethyl acetate extract contained 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, dinonyl ester, and friedelan-3-one. The results suggested that these compounds are responsible for the observed anti-termite activity.