Biological and biochemical responses of Biomphalaria alexandrina to some extracts of the plants Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L.

The molluscicidal activity of cold water, boiled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform extracts of Solanum siniacum and Artemisia judaica L. plants against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails was carried out. The tests revealed plant’s ethanol extract was more toxic to the snails than the other tested extracts. Therefore, it was tested against snails’ fecundity (Mx), reproduction rate (R0) and their infection with Schistosoma mansoni miracidia. In addition, biochemical parameters and the activities of some enzymes in tissues of snails treated with the two tested plants were determined. As well, glucose concentration in snails’ hemolymph was evaluated. Exposure of B. alexandrina snails to plant’s ethanol extract led to a significant reduction in their survival and snails’ fecundity, reproduction rate. In addition, it caused a considerable reduction in the infectivity of S. mansoni miracidia to the snails. Also, it caused a reduction in number of cercariae per snail during the patent period and in the period of cercarial shedding. The results revealed that the glucose concentration in hemolymph and Lactate level in soft tissues of treated snails were increased (P < 0.001) while glycogen, total protein, the lipid content and the pyruvate level in snail’s tissues decreased (P < 0.001). The activities of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), pyruvatekinase (PK) and cytochrome oxidase (CY) enzymes in homogenate of snail’s tissues were reduced (P < 0.001) in response to treatment with the two tested plants while protease (PR) activity increased (P < 0.001). It is concluded that the application of LC25 of ethanol extract of S. siniacum and A. judaica L. may be helpful in snail control as it interferes with the snails’ biology and physiology.

Graphical abstractEthanol extract of the plants S. Siniacum and A. judaica exhibited on acceptable molluscicidal effect against B. alexandrina snails. This extract significantly suppressed fecundity of treated snails, as well cercarial production from snails infected with S. mansoni. Moreover, it reduced glycogen, total protein, Pyruvate, lactate and lipids levels, in addition to the activities of LDH, PK and CY enzymes in snails’ tissues, while the activity of PR enzyme was elevated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► S. siniacum and A. judaica plants have molluscicidal effect to B. alexandrina. ► Ethanol extract of these plants significantly decreased the snails’ fecundity. ► S. mansoni cercarial production from infected treated snails was suppressed. ► Glycogen, total protein, pyruvate and lipids levels of treated snails were reduced. ► The enzymes LDH and PK of treated snails were reduced while PR ones was elevated.