Molluscicidal Applications of Essential Oils in Schistosomiasis Control
Summary
Schistosomiasis remains a significant global health challenge, transmitted through waterborne cercariae released by Biomphalaria snails. Conventional molluscicides often carry environmental risks and can select for resistant snail populations. Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants offer a biodegradable alternative, characterised by complex mixtures of terpenoids and phenolics that disrupt molluscan physiology. Advances in formulation science—particularly nanoemulsification—have enhanced aqueous dispersion, bioavailability and target specificity of hydrophobic oils. These formulations demonstrate potent lethality against multiple life stages of the host snail and the parasite’s infective larvae, while minimising non-target toxicity. Integrating plant-derived molluscicides into schistosomiasis control programmes complements chemotherapy and sanitation measures, potentially reducing transmission in endemic regions through environmentally sustainable practices.
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Molluscicidal Applications of Essential Oils in Schistosomiasis Control publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in molluscicidal applications of essential oils in schistosomiasis control across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nanoemulsion: A colloidal system of nanoscale oil droplets stabilised by surfactants to enhance dispersion of hydrophobic compounds in water.
LC50 and LC90: Concentrations of a substance required to kill 50% or 90% of a test population within a defined exposure period.
Cercariae: The free-swimming larval stage of Schistosoma parasites responsible for infecting human hosts.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: Disruption of neural function in molluscs by blocking the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, leading to paralysis and death.
References
- Molluskicidal nanoemulsion of Neomitranthes obscura (DC.) N. Silveira for schistosomiasis control. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023).
- Molluscicidal and Cercaricidal Effects of Myrciaria floribunda Essential Oil Nanoemulsion. Molecules (2023).
- Nanoemulsion of Sideroxylon obtusifolium as an Alternative to Combat Schistosomiasis. Frontiers in Plant Science (2022).
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