Natural insecticidal and antimicrobial compounds from medicinal plants for crop protection and health applications

Overview

This research program at the University of Bamenda investigates bioactive natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants traditionally used by Cameroonian communities for both health and agricultural purposes. The project targets a diverse set of plant-derived molecules, including limonoids with antifeedant and insecticidal activity, piperine-type alkaloids known for insecticidal properties, and lignans, flavonoids, and triterpenoids with potential antimicrobial and protective applications. By evaluating these individual chemical constituents rather than whole plant extracts, the research aims to identify the specific compounds responsible for biological activity and provide more precise insights into their mechanisms of action.

The work addresses two complementary application areas: grain protection against weevils in agricultural storage, and the treatment of microbial infections in human health. This dual focus reflects the traditional uses of the source plants and positions the research at the intersection of crop protection science and antimicrobial drug discovery.

Technical specifications

Compound classes under investigation:

• Limonoids: well-documented antifeedant and insecticidal agents suitable for pest management
• Piperine-type alkaloids: recognized for insecticidal activity against stored-product pests
• Lignans: polyphenolic compounds with reported antimicrobial and bioactive properties
• Flavonoids: broad-spectrum bioactive molecules with antimicrobial and antioxidant potential
• Triterpenoids: natural product class with antimicrobial and pharmacological relevance

Research approach:

• Isolation of individual bioactive constituents from medicinal plant sources
• Bioassay-guided evaluation of antifeedant, insecticidal, and antimicrobial potency
• Correlation of traditional uses with specific chemical compounds responsible for observed activity

Technology readiness level

This is an early-stage research and discovery program focused on compound isolation and biological evaluation. The research hypothesis is grounded in ethnobotanical knowledge and prior literature on the activity of these compound classes. Future validation will involve systematic bioassay testing of isolated compounds to confirm and quantify their insecticidal and antimicrobial activities, with the goal of identifying promising candidates for further development in crop protection or pharmaceutical applications.