Effect of B. papyfera extract on growth of Drosophila species

In our research we are investigating the use of birch bark extract; containing triterpenoids such as betulin, betulinic acid, and lupeol as its major components, in order to observe the effects it has on Drosophila species. In previous studies it has been shown that extracts from Terminalia Arjuna have similar triterpenoids and have been observed to be a deterrent in the growth and development of D. Melanogaster when incorporated into their diet.  Dried bark of white birch (Betula papyrifera) was extracted by Soxhlet method using various solvents. The average yield of concentrated extracts was 19.35%. 1H-NMR studies confirmed the presence of Betulinic triterpenoids when compared to known reference spectra. The relative content of betulin, betulinic acid, and lupeol is being investigated by GCMS analysis. Silylation was found to be necessary for elution of betulinic acid. Preliminary results have indicated that there is enhanced development of the larvae’s life cycle when B. papyrifera extract is incorporated into their diet contrary to the extract obtained from T. Arjuna.