In vitro Tests for Efficacy of Tannins Extracted from Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Against Schistosoma mansoni Miracidia

Abstract

The objective of the present study was planned to investigate the in vitro efficancy of Punica granatum tannins of stem and root bark and fruit rind and placenta on miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni using different serial double concentrations. Results showed that a concentration as low as 0.39 ppm of the investigated tannins was enough to kill 100% of miracidia after 50-150 min and to kill 50% of miracidia within 25.1-48.3 min. At 50 ppm, the lethal time for 100% of miracidia ranged between 5 and 15 min and the lethal time for 50% miracidia ranged between 0.5 and 6 min. Placenta tannins were the most potent biocide for miracidia amongst the four tannins of pomegranate (P? 0.05). Fifty ppm pomegranate root and stem bark tannins killed 100% miracidia after 0.6 and 50 min, respectively, and 0.39 ppm killed 50% miracidia after 0.6 and 21.6 min respectively. The results concluded that the four investigated tannins of P. granatum were found to be completely lethal to Schistosoma mansoni miracidia and can be used as biocide.