Five new sesquiterpenoids, three mono-cyclofarnesane, and two cuparane derivatives,
isolated from the liverwort Ricciocarpos natans (L.) Corda have been tested against Biomphalaria glabrata, one of the snail vectors of schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Molluscicidal activity
is exhibited by four of the sesquiterpenoids with an LC100 of 11 ppm of the most toxic compound. Lunularic acid, a common growth inhibitor of
liverworts, and five of its synthetic derivatives have also been tested, and two derivatives
were found to be highly active.
Liverwort - lunularic acid derivatives - molluscicidal activity -
Ricciocarpos natans
- schistosomiasis - sesquiterpenoids
