Abstract
It has already been reported that among the constituents of the root of Anthriscus sylvestris HOFFM., deoxypodophyllotoxin (anthricin : I), anthriscinol methyl ether and (Z)-2-angeloyl-oxymethyl-2-butenoic acid show insecticidal action against several species of insects. In order to clarify the mechanisms of insecticidal action of I, which showed the strongest action among the above chemicals, the distribution of I in the tissues of the 5th instar larvae of silkworm, Bombyx mori, fed on mulberry leaves treated with I was investigated. I was analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The amount of I in the blood increased rapidly after the administration and no decrease was seen even after 96 h. Compound (I) accumulated in the fat body in a larger amount for a longer time, as compared with the other tissues. It was also accumulated at the skin, the ventriculus and the Malpighian tubules in somewhat higher amounts than in other tissues. Degeneration of the skin and the fat body were observed in the intoxicated insects. The concentration of I in feces reached its peak at 48 h after administration.
