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Published on: February 13, 2019
Molluscicidal effect of Piper guineense
N C D Ukwandu1, A B Odaibo, T G Okorie
1Department of Zoology, Faulty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. ncdukwandu@yahoo.com
Summary
Piper guineense fruit extracts show potent toxicity against Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni. Ethanolic extract proved more effective in controlling snail populations, indicating potential for schistosomiasis management.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Parasitology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails are intermediate hosts for Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis.
- Controlling snail populations is crucial for interrupting the transmission of schistosomiasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dosage-mortality effects of Piper guineense fruit extracts on adult Biomphalaria pfeifferi.
- To determine the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) of the extracts.
- To assess the impact of the extracts on snail oviposition rates.
Main Methods:
- Adult Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were exposed to varying concentrations of crude ethanol and hot water extracts of Piper guineense fruits.
- Dosage-mortality ratios were calculated using the arithmetic method to determine LC50 and LC90 values.
- Oviposition rates were monitored to assess reproductive effects.
Main Results:
- Both crude ethanol and hot water extracts exhibited significant toxic effects on Biomphalaria pfeifferi.
- The ethanolic extract was more potent, with LC50 and LC90 values of (0.10 ± 0.04) mgl(-1) and (0.9 ± 0.2) mgl(-1), respectively.
- The hot water extract had LC50 and LC90 values of (5.0 ± 1.4) mgl(-1) and (8.5 ± 0.7) mgl(-1), respectively. A significant decrease in oviposition rate (p < 0.02) was observed.
- An 'all or none' phenomenon characterized the biological activity of the extracts.
Conclusions:
- Piper guineense fruit extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, demonstrate significant molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria pfeifferi.
- The findings suggest that Piper guineense holds promise as a natural agent for the control of Biomphalaria pfeifferi and potentially for managing intestinal schistosomiasis transmission.
