Molluscicidal and Leishmanicidal Activity of the Leaf Essential Oil of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels from Brazil

The chemical composition and biological potential of the essential oil extracted from Syzygium cumini leaves collected in Brazil were examined. GC/MS Analyses revealed a high abundance of monoterpenes (87.12%) in the oil. Eleven compounds were identified, with the major components being -pinene (31.85%), (Z)--ocimene (28.98%), and (E)--ocimene (11.71%). To evaluate the molluscicidal effect of the oil, it was tested against Biomphalaria glabrata and the LC50 obtained was 90mg/l. The essential oil also showed significant activity against Leishmania amazonensis, with an IC50 value equal to 60mg/l. In addition, to evaluate its toxicity towards a non-target organism, the essential oil was tested against Artemia salina and showed a LC50 of 175mg/l. Thus, the essential oil of S. cumini showed promising activity as a molluscicidal and leishmanicidal agent and might be valuable in combating neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Further research is being conducted with regard to the purification and isolation of the most active essential-oil compounds.