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University in Ottawa, and in other laboratories in different parts of the world,
and the results are promising (Lambert et al. 1985).
Some 50 scientific papers have been published on the subject and several
patents have been secured on different aspects of processing this plant product
(Lemma et al. 1979). Chemical studies to isolate and identify the active
principle in endod berries led to the discovery of a new compound, oleanolic
acid glucoside, which Stanford Research Institute's chemists have named
lemmatoxin (Parkhurst et al. 1974).
Agronomic studies have also been carried out to select endod strains with high
molluscicidal potency and high yields as well as those that are easy to cultivate
and have a high resistance to insect pests (Legesse and Kloos 1990). Genotypes
of endod, two to three times more potent than the original type, have been
developed by selection since the 1970s. At present, out of 65 types, 10 have
been selected for their high berry yield, high molluscicidal potency, and insect
resistance (Legesse and Kloos 1990). Three are in production (Lugt 1981;
Legesse 1983; Legesse et al. 1986; Legesse and Kloos 1990). The selected types
are producing berries with the capacity to kill all snails in a sample within 24 h
at a concentration of 7-10 ppm (of dry berry material) (Legesse 1983; Legesse
et al. 1986; Legesse and Kloos 1990).
The detergent properties of endod are also promising. Its foaming and thermal
stability and cleaning properties equal or exceed most imported or locally
made detergents in developing countries. The water extract of endod can be
used as an effective substitute for dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DDBSA), a
petrochemical byproduct used as a surfactant in commercial detergent formulations
for washing fine grades of cotton, linen, and wool.
From a point of view of acceptability, endod has been used locally for centuries.
People in the Ethiopian highlands have used the berries as a laundering
agent for the white cotton shawls (shama) that are a part of the Ethiopian
culture.
Addis Ababa University and the National Chemical Corporation are collaborating
on research into the detergent properties of endod ("Findings on the
viability of utilizing endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) in detergent production."
Unpublished report, 1984). In two pilot projects at Reppi Soap Factory, endod
extract was substituted for DDBSA. The cleaning properties of the endodbased
product were comparable to those of DDBSA-based detergent. The
detergent preparation can also be used without further processing for snail
control (Legesse and Kloos 1990). Use of endod is expected to save foreign
currency now spent on importing detergent ingredients.
Investigations have also been undertaken on the agrobotanical characteristics
of endod in Ethiopia and elsewhere (Table 1). The annual dry-weight yield of
endod berries, types 3, 17, and 44, increased over the 4-year study period,
especially between the first and third harvests. Mean berry yield per hectare
was higher for type 44 (2 040 kg) than for types 17 (1165 kg) and 3 (829 kg).
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