Aquatic weed control of fanwort (cabomba furcata)

Abstract

The fast spreading and invasion of aquatic plant Cabomba furcata (ekor kucing) in Tasik Chini causes a major hazard for recreational water users such as boating, kayaking and swimming. Furthermore, it may also disturb the lake ecosystem. So far, no study has been undertaken to identify the components in the plant and their effects on environment and pharmacology have not been reported. Before any step is taken to eradicate or control the growth, phytochemicals from the species need to be screened and identified first for the possible existence of potentially valuable pharmaceutical products. The two main objectives are to determine the phytochemical profiles of Cabomba furcata and to investigate the alleopathic and bioassay effects. The study investigates the presence of several groups of phytochemicals such as alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, terpenoid and tannin by standard chemical screenings, identifies the group and individual components by analytical methods, and determines the extraction and the effects of components on the water quality (alleopathic) and bioassay. Early component detection of ekor kucing plant showed the existence of alkaloids, but these alkaloids have so far yet to be identified. Alkaloid is believed to have medicinal properties that are potentially useful for pharmaceutical. Alkaloid was identified by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods. Results of identification using TLC showed the types of alkaloids found in plant extracts of C. furcata are nicotine and tomatine. Further study by HPLC confirmed that the extract contains nicotine. Alkaloids content in the C. furcata plant was found to have no effect on the water of Tasik Chini. The study also found the existence of several types of flavonoids in C. furcata.