Comparative Evaluation of Extermination Efficiency and Histological Changes Induced by the Alcoholic Extract of Lawsonia inermis and Molluscicide Metaldehyde in Ground Snail Monacha cartusiana

Abstract

Background: Wild snails, particularly Monaca cartosiana, are among the most damaging mollusc pests to crops. Given the environmental damage caused by the continued use of conventional chemical pesticides.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an alcoholic extract of (Lawsonia inermis L.) against adult Monaca cartosiana.

Methodology: An experimental study was conducted in the Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Kerbala, Karbala, Iraq, from November 2025 to March. The immersion test was used in two experiments, each involving four groups (control, 100, 150, and 200 mg/ml), each containing ten adult snails. Histopathological examination of the digestive gland and foot tissues was performed after fixation with formalin, drying with ethanol, and staining with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: The henna extract at a concentration of 200 mg/ml exhibited the strongest toxic effect, causing progressive, time-dependent mortality that continued until the seventh or eighth day. The effect of metaldehyde at the same concentration was more rapid. The extract's potency was approximately 70.0% that of metaldehyde. Histological examination revealed fibrosis and cellular degeneration in the digestive gland, and damage to muscle cells and fibers with ruptures in the foot tissues, compared to control specimens.

Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of L. inermis produces significant toxic and histopathological effects on Monacha cartusiana, supporting its potential as an environmentally friendly option in integrated management of wild snails.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, June 2026;13(1): 166-170