Evaluating the Pesticidal Potential of Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii)

Extract Against Common Agricultural Pests

ABSTRACT
Agriculture plays a crucial role in sustaining the Philippine economy, providing livelihood
and food security for millions of Filipinos. However, the sector continuously struggles
with pest infestations that threaten crop yield and quality. The widespread use of
synthetic pesticides has been effective in pest control, yet it poses environmental and
health risks due to chemical residues and pollution. This study focuses on exploring
Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii), a native medicinal plant known for its bioactive
compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and diterpenes, as a potential natural
pesticide. These compounds have demonstrated antimicrobial and insecticidal
properties in previous studies, suggesting possible applications in pest management.
The research aims to evaluate the pesticidal potential of Makabuhay extract against
common agricultural pests and assess its viability as an eco-friendly alternative to
chemical pesticides. Through this investigation, the study hopes to contribute to
sustainable agricultural practices by promoting safer, plant-based pest control methods
that protect both farmers and the environment.
Keywords: Makabuhay, Tinospora rumphii, botanical pesticide, agricultural pests,
phytochemicals, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly pest control

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The growing awareness of the harmful effects of synthetic pesticides on human health
and the environment has led to a rising interest in botanical pesticides which is the
natural pest control agents derived from plants. Among the most studied examples are
Azadirachta indica (neem), Eucalyptus globulus, and Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
(pyrethrum), which have been widely researched and commercialized due to their
proven effectiveness and safety profiles (Isman, 2017). These botanicals are now
integral to integrated pest management programs across various regions. However,
Tinospora rumphii, locally known as Makabuhay, remains largely understudied and
under-commercialized despite its abundance in tropical areas such as the Philippines.
While it is traditionally recognized for its medicinal uses such as treating fever,
inflammation, and infections. Scientific exploration of its pesticidal potential remains
limited. Only a few studies have examined its bioactive compounds, particularly
alkaloids, diterpenes, and glycosides, which may contribute to insecticidal activity
(Gutierrez, 2016).
In a study by Gutierrez (2016), the powdered stem of Tinospora rumphii demonstrated
insecticidal effects against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais), showing significant
pest mortality at varying concentrations. Yet, compared to neem and other well-known
botanical pesticides, the research on T. rumphii is minimal, and no large-scale or
commercial applications have been reported. This gap suggests a need for further
studies focusing on its formulation, effectiveness, and environmental safety.
Furthermore, according to Isman (2017), one of the primary challenges in promoting
new botanical pesticides is the lack of standardization and consistent product quality,
which limits their acceptance and commercialization. In this context, exploring the
pesticidal potential of Tinospora rumphii could contribute valuable insights into the
development of local, sustainable pest control alternatives that are both eco-friendly and
accessible to farmers.
The investigation of the pesticidal potential of Tinospora rumphii (commonly known as
Makabuhay) is supported by emerging evidence of key phytochemical classes in its
extracts. Phytochemical screening of T. rumphii stem and leaf extracts has revealed the
consistent presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and tannins, and occasionally
saponins (Gutierrez, 2016). For example, one storage-pest study on maize and rice
weevils noted that T. rumphii extracts contained flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and
tannins, which the author linked to the observed insecticidal action (Gutierrez, 2016).
Similarly, a larvicidal assay against the mosquito Aedes aegypti reported that T. rumphii
leaf and stem/bark extracts comprised alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and
steroids all of which are known in entomological research to contribute to insect
mortality or disruption of insect physiology (Gutierrez et al., 2014).
Beyond this particular species, studies of closely related species in the genus (for
instance, Tinospora crispa) reveal more detailed compound identifications, including
clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids and flavone-glycosides, along with alkaloids and
triterpenes (Haque et al., 2023). These analogs further suggest that T. rumphii may
harbour similar secondary metabolites that could function as botanical pesticides. Taken
together, the presence of these compound classes especially alkaloids and flavonoids,
which are well-documented for insecticidal and antifeedant properties that provides a
credible biochemical basis for exploring T. rumphii as a sustainable pest-management
option. While specific compound-to-effect pathways in agricultural pests remain
under-investigated for this plant, the literature signals a promising foundation for further
bioassay-guided isolation and mechanistic studies.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The increasing awareness of the harmful impacts of synthetic pesticides on both human
health and the environment has driven a global interest toward botanical pesticides
which is the natural pest control agents derived from plants. Notably, botanicals such as
Azadirachta indica (neem), Eucalyptus globulus, and Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
(pyrethrum) have been extensively studied and commercialized due to their proven
efficacy, safety, and biodegradability (Isman, 2017). These plant-based pesticides have
become essential components of integrated pest management programs, serving as
sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals. In contrast, Tinospora rumphii, locally
known as Makabuhay, remains largely under-researched and under-commercialized
despite its abundance across tropical regions, including the Philippines. Traditionally,
Makabuhay has been used for treating fever, inflammation, wounds, and infections
(Ruan et al., 2012; Gutierrez et al., 2015). Scientifically, its stem and leaves have been
found to contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenes, and
saponins, which are known for antimicrobial and insecticidal effects (Gutierrez, 2016).
A study conducted by Gutierrez (2016) revealed that powdered T. rumphii stem
exhibited insecticidal activity against maize weevils (Sitophilus zeamais), showing a
concentration-dependent mortality rate. Similarly, research by Lobitos et al. (2025)
demonstrated that T. rumphii extracts possessed larvicidal properties against Aedes
aegypti mosquito larvae, confirming its potential as an eco-friendly pest control agent.
Beyond its insecticidal activity, the extract also showed molluscicidal effects against
Radix (Lymnaea) spp. Snails (Esquilla et al., 2021). These findings collectively point to
T. rumphii’s versatility and potential as a natural biopesticide.
Comparative studies with related species, such as Tinospora crispa, have identified
compounds like clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids, flavone glycosides, and triterpenes
(Haque et al., 2023). Such similarities suggest that T. rumphii may contain analogous
secondary metabolites responsible for pesticidal activity. The presence of alkaloids,
flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in T. rumphii supports its biochemical potential to
disrupt insect feeding and reproduction processes, similar to the mechanism observed
in alkaloid-rich plants like Sophora flavescens, whose compound oxymatrine acts as a
neurotoxicant and feeding deterrent (Aly et al., 2019).
Despite promising laboratory results, research on T. rumphii remains limited compared
to established botanical pesticides like neem. According to Isman (2017), challenges
such as lack of standardization, formulation stability, and consistent product quality
hinder the transition of plant-based pesticides from laboratory testing to large-scale
agricultural use. Furthermore, there is still minimal data on the extract’s long-term
environmental safety and its effects on non-target organisms.
To address these research gaps, future investigations should focus on bioassay-guided
isolation of active compounds, standardized extraction protocols, and toxicity
assessments. Exploring formulation optimization and field trials will also be essential to
evaluate its real-world effectiveness. By advancing the study of Makabuhay’s pesticidal
potential, researchers can help provide Filipino farmers with a sustainable, cost-
effective, and locally available pest control solution that reduces dependence on harmful
synthetic chemicals while promoting environmental conservation.

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