MOLLUSCICIDAL ACTIVITY OF MICROCAPSULES OF PIMENTA DIOICA ESSENTIAL OIL

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of microcapsules containing Pimenta dioica essential oil against Biomphalaria glabrata snails and characterize its chemical composition. Methods: The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation from leaves collected in Maranhão, Brazil, and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. Microcapsules were prepared by ionic gelation using sodium alginate and calcium chloride. Molluscicidal activity was assessed against adult B. glabrata snails following WHO recommendations, with LC₅₀ determined by Probit analysis. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed a predominance of eugenol (78.96%) and chavicol (8.78%), confirming the "eugenol-rich" chemotype. The microcapsules exhibited significant molluscicidal activity with an LC₅₀ of 74.36 ± 3.99 mg/L, attributed to the high phenolic content, particularly eugenol, which acts on the snail's nervous system. Conclusion: P. dioica essential oil microcapsules demonstrated promising molluscicidal activity against B. glabrata, positioning themselves as a sustainable alternative for schistosomiasis control. Future studies on formulation optimization and field efficacy are necessary for practical application.