Anti-termite efficacy of hydro-alcoholic extracts from wild giant taro plant (Alocasia macrorrhizos)

Dr. Neil L. Egloso

A method of measuring the percentage of mortality and its cytotoxicity against white termites Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Odontotermitidae) using plant extracts from wild giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos).  The utility of this technique is demonstrated using the different samples of plants extracts from leaves, rhizomes, and stalks using water and ethanol as solvents. The results of the study showed that the extraction of samples from stalks using ethanol were highly acidic, high mortality rate on brine shrimp nauplii and high toxicity level with an LC50 value of 39.75 g/ml as compared to the positive control. Almost no mortality was found in the control group.  Hence, the extraction from the stalks proved to have high percentage yield and anti-termite efficacy using ethanol as solvent. More details about phytopharmacological studies must be investigated and it is recommended that people should be educated about these problems so as to prevent further poisonings and decrease use of this plant for decorative household purposes.