Aim:

In Cuba, Galba cubensis is the main intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica. The objective of this research is to determine at the laboratory level the molluscicidal activity of S. saponaria on G. cubensis to propose this plant as another candidate for ecological control of this snail.

Methods:

Different hidroalcoholic extract concentrations from S. saponaria pericarp after six months collected were assessed according to the WHO methodology. With a concentrations gradient, CL50 y CL90 were determined, at these concentrations influence on hearth rate of the mollusks were evaluated.

Results:

It was verified a considerable molluscicidal effect of extracts respect to the lethality (R2= 60.6; P ≤ 0.01) in a concentration dependent manner, as well as in the decrease of the heart rate frequency at CL50 y CL90. Differences between LC50= 39.8 mg/l and LC90= 67.9 mg/l were significant (P ≤ 0.01), and also between the control group and LC90 (P ≤ 0.01); but not between control group and LC50 (P = 0.24).

Conclusion:

The fact that plant material after six months collected has molluscicidal activity is very important in order to propose this plant as a Fasciolosis intermediate host control candidate in our area.