The plant molluscicide Millettia thonningii (Leguminosae) as a topical antischistosomal agent

The West African legume Millettia thonningii is used in Ghana as an anthelmintic and as a purgative agent. A chloroform extract of the seeds of Millettia thonningii which is known to be molluscicidal and cercaricidal was topically applied to mouse skin 2 and 24 h prior to exposure to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. The presence of Millettia thonningii extract components on the surface of the skin appeared to be effective in preventing subsequent establishment of infection. The compound responsible for the activity is thought to be the isoflavonoid alpinumisoflavone.