Biological activities and mechanisms of action of Tripterygium wilfordii in controlling insect pests
ZHENG Weiqing
WANG Chongcai
TAN Weilong
Abstract：As a valuable botanical resource for pest control,Tripterygium wilfordii exhibits broad-spectrum bioactivity against multiple pest orders,including Lepidoptera,Diptera,and Coleoptera—through its bioactive constituents,predominantly sesquiterpene alkaloids and diterpenoids.Diterpenoids such as triptolide demonstrate potent contact toxicity,while alkaloids like wilforine primarily function via stomach poisoning and antifeedant effects.The acquisition methods for bioactive compounds in T.wilfordii encompass solvent extraction,chemical synthesis,and biosynthesis.The chemical structures of active constituents directly influence anti-insect efficacy,wherein the epoxide moiety within diterpenoids constitutes a critical functional group governing pest resistance.The mechanism of action involves complex multitarget interactions beyond single-site disruption.Wilforine severely compromises calcium ion(Ca2+)homeostasis in cells—particularly muscle tissues—impairing contraction-relaxation cycles,ultimately causing muscular structural disintegration,disrupted neural signaling,and energy depletion.Triptolide substantially reduces insect lipase activity and induces severe midgut histopathological damage,critically hindering nutrient digestion and absorption.Additional actions include metabolic enzyme dysregulation and growth inhibition.Owing to this unique multitarget mechanism,combined with low resistance risk and environmental compatibility,the bioactive compounds of T.wilfordii hold significant promise for developing next-generation eco-friendly insecticides.
Keywords：Tripterygium wilfordiisesquiterpene alkaloidstriptolideinsecticidesbioactivitymechanism of action
Publication Date：2025-10-20
Online Publishing Date：2025-11-04(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：9( 499-507 )