Chemical Profiling, Molluscicidal Impact of Ethanolic Extract of Saussurea costus Root against Biomphlaria alexandrina Snails, Intermediate Host of Schistosoma mansoni

The trematodes, specifically the genus Schistosoma, are responsible for causing the parasitic disease known as schistosomiasis. In this research, the aim was to utilize the extract of Saussurea costus root as a molluscicidal substance to target the snails, which act as the intermediary host for the parasite species and disrupt the life cycle of the parasite. During the investigation, Biomphalaria alexandrina snails were treated with S. costus root extract for twenty four hours, before undergoing a 24-hour recuperation phase. According to the results, the extract was found to have a molluscicidal potential, with a lethal concentration (LC₉₀) of 113.70ppm. Hemocyte abnormalities in B. alexandrina snails were brought about by exposure to ethanolic extract's LC₁₀ and LC₂₅. Furthermore, histopathological changes were recognized in the hermaphrodite and digestive glands which were confirmed through transmission electron microscope imaging. The genotoxic effects of the extract were also investigated using the RAPD-PCR technique, revealing a decrease in genomic stability (GTS) to 25% at the LC₂₅ concentration. AlsoMoreover, the root extract of S. costus has negative effects on the viability and infection of Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and cercariae.   The study examined the effects of exposing the infected B. alexandrina snails with S. mansoni  miracidia to the LC₁₀ and LC₂₅ concentrations of the root extract after 3 and 21 days. The analysis using GC/MS identified seven compounds in the extract. Therefore, the root extract of S. costus as a bio control agent could replace the chemical molluscicides in decreasing reducing schistosomiasis.