Invertebrate Marine Extracts Efficacy Against Biomphalaria alexandrina Snails: Biological and Molecular Studies

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Morad M.; Tawfik E.; Farghal T.; Ibrahim A.

Journal: Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries

Publisher: Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health

Publication Date: 1 November 2025

Volume / Issue: Volume 29 / Issue 6

Pages: 3669–3694

ISSN: 11106131

DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2026.388920.5944

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Morad M., Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Capital University (Formerly Helwan Univesity), Helwan, 11795, Egypt; Tawfik E., Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Capital University (Formerly Helwan Univesity), Helwan, 11795, Egypt; Farghal T., Nature Conservation Sector, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Ibrahim A., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Marine-derived bioactive compounds have attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in biomedical and environmental control strategies. Over 240 million individuals worldwide suffer from schistosomiasis, one of the most serious and common aquatic parasite infections. Biomphlaria alexandrina is the host snail of Schistosoma mansoni, a species distributed in some governorates of Egypt. This study aims to evaluate the molluscicidal and larvicidal activities of methanolic extracts of the soft coral Dendronephthya sp. (DE) and the sea cucumber Holothuria atra (HaE) against the freshwater snail Biomphalaria alexandrina and the larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to determine their components. Miracidicidal and cercaricidal effects of both extracts, soft coral Dendronephthya sp. and the sea cucumber Holothuria atra were detected. Histological and biochemical effects on Biomphlaria alexandrina tissues were determined. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular marker was used to estimate the effect of DE and HaE treatments on B. alexandrina snails’ genetic variation within species under investigation. Both extracts exhibited pronounced molluscicidal activity, with LC₂₅ values of 55.6 and 27.01mg/ L for Dendronephthya sp. and H. atra, respectively. Exposure to sublethal concentrations (LC₂₅) significantly reduced snail survival and fecundity. Complete mortality of miracidia and cercariae was achieved after 40 and 70min, respectively, with the soft coral extract, whereas H. atra extract showed higher potency, causing total larval mortality within 35 and 50min. Biochemical analyses revealed significant reductions in succinate dehydrogenase activity, glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, and phospholipids compared to control groups. Additionally, exposure to both extracts disrupted the endocrine system of B. alexandrina, as evidenced by significantly decreased testosterone and estradiol levels. Histopathological examination demonstrated severe alterations in the digestive and hermaphrodite glands of treated snails. These findings suggest that Dendronephthya sp. and H. atra extracts represent promising natural molluscicidal agents; however, further studies are required to assess their safety toward non-target organisms. © 2025, Egyptian Society for the Development of Fisheries and Human Health. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Biochemical study; Biomphlaria alexandrina; Molecular study; Sea cucumber; Soft corals

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0

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