Impact of Ferula hermonis Roots Methanol Extract on Genotoxic, Biochemical and Reproductive Aspects of Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Ali R.E.M.; El-Karim R.M.G.
Journal: Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Publisher: Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health
Publication Date: 1 July 2023
Volume / Issue: Volume 27 / Issue 4
Pages: 127–142
ISSN: 11106131
DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.307666
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Article
Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Ali R.E.M., Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt; El-Karim R.M.G., Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
One of the most significant neglected tropical diseases that have a detrimental effect on economic and public health criteria is Schistosomiasis. Therefore, there is a permanent and urgent need to find alternative means of biological control. Ferula hermonis is a herbaceous plant with various pharmaceutical properties and is known for its endocrine-disrupting effects. The objective of the present study was to investigate the molluscicidal activity of F. hermonis roots methanol extract against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. The experimental results showed that F. hermonis extract has a molluscicidal activity against adult B. alexandrina snails at LC50 (14.2 mg/l) and LC90 (18.1 mg/l). Exposure of snails to sublethal concentrations LC5 (8.3 mg/l) and LC10 (9.8 mg/l) of the extract considerably lowered snail fertility and egg-laying capacity. In addition, results detected an endocrine-disrupting influence where it caused fluctuations in the levels of the three steroid sex hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), and Estrogen) following acute and chronic exposure of adult B. alexandrina snails to the sublethal doses of the tested extract. Regarding biochemical alterations, glucose and total lipids levels increased significantly, while protein and albumin contents decreased following exposure to sublethal concentrations, compared to the control snails. The sublethal concentrations (LC5, LC10, and LC50) of F. hermonis roots methanol extract exerted noticeable DNA damage in B. alexandrina snails, whereas LC10 was the most genotoxic concentration with 18.20±0.09% tailed cells and 10.54±0.58 px tail length. F. hermonis roots methanol extract can be considered a promising biocontrol agent against B. alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in Egypt, via interference with the reproduction processes, and subsequently reducing the population size of snails in endemic areas. © 2023, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.
Keywords
Biochemical alterations; Biomphalaria alexandrina; Fecundity; Ferula hermonis; Genotoxicity; Molluscicide
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 3
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