The action of extracts from the stem, leaves, and fruit of
Jatropha gossypiifolia on Biomphalaria
glabrata was studied by analyzing survival, feeding capacity and
oviposition ability. The extracts were obtained by macerating the plant parts in
92% ethanol, which were then evaporated until a dry residue was obtained
and phytochemically studied. The molluscicidal activity on B.
glabrata was investigated using the procedures recommended by WHO
(1965). The amount of food ingested and oviposition were measured
during each experiment. The extract of leaves from J.
gossypiifolia was shown to be a strong molluscicidal agent, causing
100% mortality of B. glabrata, even in the lowest
concentration tested, of 25 ppm. Regarding the fruit extract, there was
variation in the mortality, depending on the concentration used (100, 75,
50 and 25 ppm). The snails that were in contact with the fruit extract had
significant reduction in feeding and number of embryos in comparison to the
control. The stem extract did not present molluscicidal activity nor had any
influence on the feeding and oviposition abilities of B.
glabrata, in the concentrations tested. In conclusion, the extracts
of leaves and fruits of J. gossypiifolia investigated in this
work show molluscicidal effect and may be sources of useful compounds for the
schistosomiasis control.