MOLLUSCICIDAL POTENTIAL OF Tetrapleura tetraptera AND Spondias mombin AGAINST Bulinus globosus

Abstract

Background: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of major global concern. Resistance to praziquantel, the primary drug used for schistosomiasis control, has been reported in endemic regions, highlighting the need for alternative strategies such as snail vector control.

Objectives: This study evaluated the molluscicidal activity of cold water, hot water, and methanolic extracts of Spondias mombin and Tetrapleura tetraptera against Bulinus globosus, the intermediate host of urinary schistosomiasis.

Methods: Snails were exposed to varying extract concentrations (10–250 mg/L) for 24 hours.

Results: Results showed that all extracts of T. tetraptera exhibited significant molluscicidal activity, with LC₅₀ values as low as 10 mg/L and LC₉₀ values between 50 and 100 mg/L. In contrast, S. mombin showed moderate activity only at higher concentrations (150–250 mg/L), with LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of 150 mg/L and 200 mg/L, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, T. tetraptera meets the criteria for an effective plant-based molluscicide and could serve as a locally available alternative to synthetic agents such as niclosamide.