Molluscicidal activity of monoterpenes and their effects on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity on Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni.

The molluscicidal action of essential oils have been attributed to the most prevalent terpene compounds. However, molluscicidal properties, mode of action, and toxicity to non-target organisms remain unclear. In this study, the molluscicidal potential of four monoterpenes (camphor, thymol, α-pinene, and 1,8-cineole) against the snail Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, was analyzed.