Available online Aug 25, 2025.

[ Original ] Volume 31, Issue 5, 2025, Pages 823-830

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Abstract

 

Schistosomiasis control is increasingly challenged by the limitations of chemical molluscicides, including environmental toxicity and the threat of drug resistance, highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives. This study evaluated the qualitative and quantitative cercaricidal potency of aqueous extracts from the leaves, bark, and roots of Azadirachta indica against the infective stage of Bulinus globosus, and profiled their phytochemical constituents. Extracts were tested at concentrations of 50, 150, and 300 mg/ml, and cercarial mortality was assessed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes post-exposure. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and cercarial mortality data were analyzed using Predictive Analytical Software (PASW), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results showed that all extracts exhibited significant, time- and concentration-dependent cercaricidal activity (p < 0.05). Notably, the root extract induced 100% mortality at 15 minutes with 300 mg/ml, while the bark extract achieved 100% mortality at 45 minutes with the same concentration. The leaf extract showed a maximum of 66.7% mortality at 60 minutes with 150–300 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis revealed bioactive constituents such as hexadecanoic acid, isophytol, morin, and octanoic acid esters, which are known for their antiparasitic and molluscicidal properties. These findings demonstrate that A. indica, particularly the root extract, possesses rapid and potent cercaricidal activity against B. globosus cercariae, supporting its potential as an environmentally friendly alternative for schistosomiasis vector control.

 

 

 

Keywords

Azadirachta indica, Bulinus globosus, Cercaria, Mortality, Phytochemicals, Schistosomiasis control,

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