Molluscicidal Activity of SomeSolanumSpecies Extracts against the SnailBiomphalaria alexandrina

Abstract

Background. Snails' species are associated with transmission parasitic disease as intermediate host. Biological control stands to be a better alternative to the chemical controls aimed against snails. The search of herbal preparations that do not produce any adverse effects in the non-target organisms and are easily biodegradable remains a top research issue for scientists associated with alternative molluscicides control.Method. Solvent extracts of fresh mature leaves ofS. nigrum, S. villosum, and S. sinaicumwere tested againstBiomphalaria alexandrina, a common intermediate host ofschistosoma mansoni. A phytochemical analysis of chloroform: ethanol extract was performed to search for active toxic ingredient. The lethal concentration was determined.Results. Extracts isolated from mature leaves ofSolanumspecies were found to be having molluscicidal properties.S. nigrumextract was recorded as the highest mortality rate. When the mortality of different solvent extracts was compared, the maximum () mortality was recorded at a concentration of 90 ppm of ethanol extract ofS. nigrum.Conclusion. Extract of mature leaves ofS. nigrumexhibited molluscicidal activity followed byS. sinaicumand the less one wasS. villosum. The study provides considerable scope in exploiting local indigenous resources for snails' molluscicidal agents.