Nanoemulsion of as an Alternative to Combat Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is caused by the intestinal parasite . Individuals are affected by schistosomiasis when they are exposed to aquatic environments contaminated with that emerged from the infected intermediate host mollusk of the genus . The WHO recommends using molluscicidal products to reduce the snail population and disease transmission. The WHO encourages the search for alternative substances in schistosomiasis control. Natural products are seen as a promising alternative because they are abundant in countries where schistosomiasis is endemic and have many different substances in their extracts, impairing cases of resistance. Therefore, the nanoemulsion effect of a butanol-soluble fraction of leaves was evaluated against three study points in the biological cycle of the disease, that is, adults and young , spawning by the host mollusk, and infectious larvae of the parasite. Extract-SOB (butanol fraction) and nano-SOB (nanoemulsion) demonstrated promising activity in adult population control with an LC of 125.4 mg/L, an LC of 178.1 mg/L, an LC of 75.2 mg/L, and an LC of 97 mg/L. Nano-SOB presented greater potency against young , with an LC of 72.1 mg/L and an LC of 58.3 mg/L. Still, relevant activity against cercariae was eliminated in 4 h (LC: 34.6 mg/L). Nano-SOB reduced viable spawning by approximately 30% at 178.1 and 97 mg/L. Referring to most substances in this extract, quercetin-3-rhamnosyl-(1-6)-galactoside and hyperoside may cause low environmental toxicity and human toxicity according to analysis. Thus, nano-SOB is a promising agent to combat population growth and schistosomiasis transmission.