Effects of Molluscicidal Constituents in Spices on Reproduction in Snails

Sublethal treatment (20% and 60% of 24 hr LC50) of young snails (Lymnaea acuminata) with the active molluscicidal constituents ferulic acid and umbelliferone from Ferula asafoetida, eugenol from Syzygium aromaticum, and limonene from Carum carvi caused a significant reduction in the fecundity, hatchability, and survival of the snails. Treatment with the constituents also increased the length of time to hatching of snails. Withdrawal of the snails from constituent treatments after 96 hr with movement to fresh water enabled a significant reproductive recovery in the snail. A 24 hr sublethal treatment with the ferulic acid, umbelliferone, eugenol, and limonene caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in protein, amino acid, DNA, and RNA levels in the ovotestis of treated snails.