Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Histopathological effects of Datura alba leaf extract on the midgut of Periplaneta americana

Khan I, *Qamar A, Mehdi SH, Shahid M

In the present work, the effect of crude leaf extract of Datura alba, which is a medicinal plant was studied on the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. The efficacy of leaf extract of D. alba in disturbing the normal metabolic and physiological processes was determined in the cockroach midgut. Histological studies revealed disruption of the cellular structures of the cockroach midgut, fed on different doses of leaf extract of D. alba (10µg/ml, 20µg/ml, 40µg/ml, 80µg/ml & 100µg/ml). The most characteristic effects were disruption of peritrophic membrane, striated border, secretory cells, regenerative cells and longitudinal muscles. Nuclei of the epithelial cells disintegrated as compared to the control. The columnar cells were moderately disturbed. Overall tissue destruction leaving gaps and lacunae at various layers was observed. Thus, as a biological, plant-derived preparation, extract of D. alba could be used as an effective botanical insecticide to be included in the Integrated Pest Management Programme for P. americana and other insect pests as well.