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Else Lemmich - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biodegradability of the molluscicidal saponins of Phytolacca dodecandra
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2000Co-Authors: Per Molgaard, Else Lemmich, Alex Chihaka, Peter Furu, Charlotte Windberg, Flemming Ingerslev, Bent HallingsorensenAbstract:The biodegradability of water-extracted saponins of berries from the Endod plant, Phytolacca dodecandra L'Herit, was evaluated under OECD standardized conditions. Persistence of the saponins was evaluated by determination of saponin concentrations in water over a 30-day period, using a quantitative HPLC method and a semiquantitative hemolytic assay, which is considered a potential field method. The two methods were compared. Bioassays were simultaneously conducted using Biomphalaria glabrata fresh water snails to assess the molluscicidal potency over time. All experiments were carried out in water, which was chemically balanced to sustain snails, and to one set river water was added to the medium to mimic natural conditions. (1) Saponin concentrations in water treated with an aqueous extract of P. dodecandra cultivar E44 were stable for 2 days then rapidly decreased during the third and fourth day. Lethal concentrations to snails were LC50 = 9.6 mg/l (95% CI: 6.3 to 19.4) in one set and LC50 = 6.8 mg/l (95% CI: 5.4 to 12.2) in the other. Adding river water to one set of the experiments had no effect on the mean saponin concentration over time (F = 0.02, P = >0.05). (2) Comparison of the hemolytic assay with the HPLC method showed no significant difference in mean saponin concentrations (t = 0.32, P > 0.05, 95% CI: −2.67 to 3.64), and a correlation of r2 = 0.88 between the two methods. (3) The saponin fraction of an aqueous extract of P. dodecandra was readily biodegraded (t1/2 = 15.8 h), and the complete consumption within a 10-day window indicates ready degradability in aquatic environments under aerobic conditions. (4) These results show that the use of Endod berries for snail control in schistosomiasis-infested water bodies is environmentally acceptable.
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berry productivity and molluscicidal saponin yield of Phytolacca dodecandra Phytolaccaceae under different sunlight watering and nutrient conditions
Economic Botany, 1996Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Peter Furu, Ian Robertson, Stephen K Chandiwana, Per MolgaardAbstract:The cultivation ofPhytolacca dodecandra has been studied in Zimbabwe in order to initiate local production of the berries from which molluscicidal saponins can be extracted and used in schistosomiasis control programs. The effect of shading, water and nutrient type on growth and berry yield of an imported Ethiopian and a Zimbabwean cultivar were monitored. The molluscicidal potency and saponin concentration of the aqueous extracts of berries, harvested at the full grown, unripe development stage, were determined. There was a marked seasonal variation in berry production with both cultivars being highly productive in the dry season. The best growth and the highest berry yield was obtained with plants grown in full sunlight, under irrigation and with application of cattle manure. The Ethiopian cultivar showed in general better growth and higher berry yield than the Zimbabwean cultivar. Cultivation in shade gave a substantially lower berry yield and saponin concentration in both cultivars, compared to full sunlight. Irrigation was beneficial to the berry yield in both cultivars but lowered the saponin concentration in berries of the Ethiopian cultivar. However, it did not counteract the advantage of irrigation on the total yield. Addition of manure did significantly increase the growth and the berry yield of both cultivars compared to fertilizer application and to the control. The saponin concentration was in general lower with addition of manure, with exception of irrigated Ethiopian plants. The combination of cattle manure and irrigation resulted in the highest saponin yield. Although the two cultivars had different saponin patterns, these patterns and the relative proportions of the saponins were constant, irrespective of the treatments.
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investigations of molluscicidal saponins from the endod plant Phytolacca dodecandra
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1996Co-Authors: Susanne T Thiilborg, Claus Cornett, Else LemmichAbstract:The parasitic disease schistosomiasis is a major health problem in many tropical countries and over 300 million people are infected. Freshwater snails act as intermediate hosts for the parasite and because of that, the infection is transmitted among humans on water contact, mainly in rural areas with minimal domestic water supply and poor sanitary facilities. It has been realized that eradication of the disease is impossible with the available resources and therefore the immediate aim is control of morbidity. Despite the success of some control programs, the prevalence of schistosomiasis remains constant, largely because population growth and development of man-made water resources is continuing (WHO, 1993). Treatment of water bodies with molluscicidal compounds, in order to reduce the number of transmitting snails, is considered an important element in integrated strategies for morbidity control. However, large scale use of synthetic molluscicides are impeded by the high costs and thus there is a demand for inexpensive alternatives (Mott, 1987). The interest in studying plant material containing molluscicidal compounds is based on the idea of producing a local supply of molluscicides in the endemic areas at low cost and by simple technologies.
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response of the molluscicidal berry plant Phytolacca dodecandra to different climatic and edaphic conditions
Tropical Agriculture, 1995Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per Molgaard, S K Chandiwana, Peter FuruAbstract:Clonal material from an imported Ethiopian cultivar (E44) and a local Zimbabwean cultivar (MS1) of the molluscicidal berry plant, Phytolacca dodecandra, was planted in eight ecological zones of Zimbabwe to assess the influence of different climatic and edaphic conditions on plant growth performance, berry yield, saponin content, and the molluscicidal potency of water extracts of the berries. The locations were at altitudes ranging from 429 m to 1650 m above sea level and were chosen to represent the major ecological regions where the plant molluscicide would be required. The highest berry yield of 1057 g per plant was obtained from the Ethiopian cultivar cultivated at an altitude of 1650 m while the highest berry yield from the Zimbabwean cultivar was 683 g per plant at an altitude of 1100 m. Saponin content and molluscidical potency of berry extracts from the Ethiopian plants cultivated at all localities were higher than the Zimbabwean cultivar (P < 0.01). This indicated the greater ecological adaptability of the Ethiopian variety for use in schistosomiasis control programmes. The addition of cattle manure at planting reduced the nutrient differences in inherent soil chemical properties on berry saponin content and molluscicidal potency. Regular irrigation during the study period prevented the previously demonstrated water stress related increase in saponin content and potency of the berries from low rainfall areas. Saponin yield was highest (212 g per plant) in the Ethiopian cultivar at high altitudes. In lowland areas, however, this was highest for the Zimbabwean cultivar, notwithstanding the good growth of the Ethiopian cultivar.
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molluscicidal saponins from a zimbabwean strain of Phytolacca dodecandra
Phytochemistry, 1994Co-Authors: Susanne T Thiilborg, Brogger S Christensen, Claus Cornett, Carl Erik Olsen, Else LemmichAbstract:Three new monodesmosidic saponins, all glycosides of 2 beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid, were isolated from an aqueous extract of a Zimbabwean strain of Phytolacca dodecandra. Their structures were, mainly by spectroscopic methods (LSIMS, 1H NMR, COSY, NOESY, TOCSY, J-resolved 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HETCOR), established as 3-O-[2',4'-di-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]2 beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid, 3-O-[O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl- (1-->3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]2 beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid and 3-O-[3'-O-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]2 beta-hydroxyoleanolic acid. Two of the saponins were submitted to a preliminary screening for molluscicidal activity against the schistosomiasis transmitting snail Biomphalaria glabrata and showed, respectively, strong and weak activity. In addition, four saponins previously reported from other strains of Phytolacca dodecandra were identified.
Per Molgaard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biodegradability of the molluscicidal saponins of Phytolacca dodecandra
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2000Co-Authors: Per Molgaard, Else Lemmich, Alex Chihaka, Peter Furu, Charlotte Windberg, Flemming Ingerslev, Bent HallingsorensenAbstract:The biodegradability of water-extracted saponins of berries from the Endod plant, Phytolacca dodecandra L'Herit, was evaluated under OECD standardized conditions. Persistence of the saponins was evaluated by determination of saponin concentrations in water over a 30-day period, using a quantitative HPLC method and a semiquantitative hemolytic assay, which is considered a potential field method. The two methods were compared. Bioassays were simultaneously conducted using Biomphalaria glabrata fresh water snails to assess the molluscicidal potency over time. All experiments were carried out in water, which was chemically balanced to sustain snails, and to one set river water was added to the medium to mimic natural conditions. (1) Saponin concentrations in water treated with an aqueous extract of P. dodecandra cultivar E44 were stable for 2 days then rapidly decreased during the third and fourth day. Lethal concentrations to snails were LC50 = 9.6 mg/l (95% CI: 6.3 to 19.4) in one set and LC50 = 6.8 mg/l (95% CI: 5.4 to 12.2) in the other. Adding river water to one set of the experiments had no effect on the mean saponin concentration over time (F = 0.02, P = >0.05). (2) Comparison of the hemolytic assay with the HPLC method showed no significant difference in mean saponin concentrations (t = 0.32, P > 0.05, 95% CI: −2.67 to 3.64), and a correlation of r2 = 0.88 between the two methods. (3) The saponin fraction of an aqueous extract of P. dodecandra was readily biodegraded (t1/2 = 15.8 h), and the complete consumption within a 10-day window indicates ready degradability in aquatic environments under aerobic conditions. (4) These results show that the use of Endod berries for snail control in schistosomiasis-infested water bodies is environmentally acceptable.
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berry productivity and molluscicidal saponin yield of Phytolacca dodecandra Phytolaccaceae under different sunlight watering and nutrient conditions
Economic Botany, 1996Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Peter Furu, Ian Robertson, Stephen K Chandiwana, Per MolgaardAbstract:The cultivation ofPhytolacca dodecandra has been studied in Zimbabwe in order to initiate local production of the berries from which molluscicidal saponins can be extracted and used in schistosomiasis control programs. The effect of shading, water and nutrient type on growth and berry yield of an imported Ethiopian and a Zimbabwean cultivar were monitored. The molluscicidal potency and saponin concentration of the aqueous extracts of berries, harvested at the full grown, unripe development stage, were determined. There was a marked seasonal variation in berry production with both cultivars being highly productive in the dry season. The best growth and the highest berry yield was obtained with plants grown in full sunlight, under irrigation and with application of cattle manure. The Ethiopian cultivar showed in general better growth and higher berry yield than the Zimbabwean cultivar. Cultivation in shade gave a substantially lower berry yield and saponin concentration in both cultivars, compared to full sunlight. Irrigation was beneficial to the berry yield in both cultivars but lowered the saponin concentration in berries of the Ethiopian cultivar. However, it did not counteract the advantage of irrigation on the total yield. Addition of manure did significantly increase the growth and the berry yield of both cultivars compared to fertilizer application and to the control. The saponin concentration was in general lower with addition of manure, with exception of irrigated Ethiopian plants. The combination of cattle manure and irrigation resulted in the highest saponin yield. Although the two cultivars had different saponin patterns, these patterns and the relative proportions of the saponins were constant, irrespective of the treatments.
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response of the molluscicidal berry plant Phytolacca dodecandra to different climatic and edaphic conditions
Tropical Agriculture, 1995Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per Molgaard, S K Chandiwana, Peter FuruAbstract:Clonal material from an imported Ethiopian cultivar (E44) and a local Zimbabwean cultivar (MS1) of the molluscicidal berry plant, Phytolacca dodecandra, was planted in eight ecological zones of Zimbabwe to assess the influence of different climatic and edaphic conditions on plant growth performance, berry yield, saponin content, and the molluscicidal potency of water extracts of the berries. The locations were at altitudes ranging from 429 m to 1650 m above sea level and were chosen to represent the major ecological regions where the plant molluscicide would be required. The highest berry yield of 1057 g per plant was obtained from the Ethiopian cultivar cultivated at an altitude of 1650 m while the highest berry yield from the Zimbabwean cultivar was 683 g per plant at an altitude of 1100 m. Saponin content and molluscidical potency of berry extracts from the Ethiopian plants cultivated at all localities were higher than the Zimbabwean cultivar (P < 0.01). This indicated the greater ecological adaptability of the Ethiopian variety for use in schistosomiasis control programmes. The addition of cattle manure at planting reduced the nutrient differences in inherent soil chemical properties on berry saponin content and molluscicidal potency. Regular irrigation during the study period prevented the previously demonstrated water stress related increase in saponin content and potency of the berries from low rainfall areas. Saponin yield was highest (212 g per plant) in the Ethiopian cultivar at high altitudes. In lowland areas, however, this was highest for the Zimbabwean cultivar, notwithstanding the good growth of the Ethiopian cultivar.
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release of molluscicidal saponins from Phytolacca dodecandra aqueous berry extracts as influenced by the male plant and the extraction procedure
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 1994Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per MolgaardAbstract:Abstract The molluscicidally active saponins extractable with water from the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra , the most promising molluscicide of plant origin, are not the genuine natural compounds. On HPLC analysis of the aqueous extract of whole unground berries or of the ground pulp, only non-molluscicidal bidesmosidic saponins can be detected. On addition of ground seed to these aqueous extracts the transformation of the naturally occurring saponins to the monodesmosidic molluscicidal saponins can be monitored by HPLC. This confirms earlier conclusions of the confinement of the bidesmosidic saponins to the fruit pulp and hydrolysis to the highly molluscicidal monodesmosidic saponins only after release of an enzyme contained in the seed by crushing the berries. Presence of saponins and enzymes is then determined by two separate genetic systems. Saponins in the pulp are maternally determined only, whereas enzymes in the seed as a result of the pollination also are dependent on the paternal source. Consistent saponin concentrations were obtained in extracts of berries from the same plant pollinated through controlled experiments using male flowers of different origin. It was then concluded that the origin of the pollen was not critical in determining the activity of the enzyme. As a result of an investigation of the optimal extraction time we found, that when finely crushed berries were extracted with water at room temperature almost all of the monodesmosidic saponins were released within 2 h, while coarsely crushed berries took 3 h to release the molluscicidal compounds. Thus, soaking the berries for a longer period of time in the hope of achieving higher concentration of the active saponins was deemed unnecessary.
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investigation of the diurnal ontogenetic and seasonal variation in the molluscicidal saponin content of Phytolacca dodecandra aqueous berry extracts
Phytochemistry, 1993Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per MolgaardAbstract:Abstract Daily variation in the content of the saponins of the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra was determined in berries harvested at the full grown green unripe stage of development once every two hours. The saponin content was quantitatively determined by HPLC analysis of the molluscicidal monodesmosidic saponins in the aqueous extract of the crushed berries. No significant daily variations were observed in extracts of berries collected at different times of day (P> 0.05 by ANOVA). But, seasonal variation was apparent in extracts prepared from berries harvested from the same plants once every two weeks. Berries of highest saponin content were those harvested during the dry season and just before the onset of the rainy season. The seasonal variation was attributed to increased water stress during the dry season. Very young racemes had the highest saponin content, while mature berries produced the lowest saponin concentration. There was, however, consistency in the berry saponin composition during the day, season and all stages of berry development.
Jerikias Ndamba - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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berry productivity and molluscicidal saponin yield of Phytolacca dodecandra Phytolaccaceae under different sunlight watering and nutrient conditions
Economic Botany, 1996Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Peter Furu, Ian Robertson, Stephen K Chandiwana, Per MolgaardAbstract:The cultivation ofPhytolacca dodecandra has been studied in Zimbabwe in order to initiate local production of the berries from which molluscicidal saponins can be extracted and used in schistosomiasis control programs. The effect of shading, water and nutrient type on growth and berry yield of an imported Ethiopian and a Zimbabwean cultivar were monitored. The molluscicidal potency and saponin concentration of the aqueous extracts of berries, harvested at the full grown, unripe development stage, were determined. There was a marked seasonal variation in berry production with both cultivars being highly productive in the dry season. The best growth and the highest berry yield was obtained with plants grown in full sunlight, under irrigation and with application of cattle manure. The Ethiopian cultivar showed in general better growth and higher berry yield than the Zimbabwean cultivar. Cultivation in shade gave a substantially lower berry yield and saponin concentration in both cultivars, compared to full sunlight. Irrigation was beneficial to the berry yield in both cultivars but lowered the saponin concentration in berries of the Ethiopian cultivar. However, it did not counteract the advantage of irrigation on the total yield. Addition of manure did significantly increase the growth and the berry yield of both cultivars compared to fertilizer application and to the control. The saponin concentration was in general lower with addition of manure, with exception of irrigated Ethiopian plants. The combination of cattle manure and irrigation resulted in the highest saponin yield. Although the two cultivars had different saponin patterns, these patterns and the relative proportions of the saponins were constant, irrespective of the treatments.
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response of the molluscicidal berry plant Phytolacca dodecandra to different climatic and edaphic conditions
Tropical Agriculture, 1995Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per Molgaard, S K Chandiwana, Peter FuruAbstract:Clonal material from an imported Ethiopian cultivar (E44) and a local Zimbabwean cultivar (MS1) of the molluscicidal berry plant, Phytolacca dodecandra, was planted in eight ecological zones of Zimbabwe to assess the influence of different climatic and edaphic conditions on plant growth performance, berry yield, saponin content, and the molluscicidal potency of water extracts of the berries. The locations were at altitudes ranging from 429 m to 1650 m above sea level and were chosen to represent the major ecological regions where the plant molluscicide would be required. The highest berry yield of 1057 g per plant was obtained from the Ethiopian cultivar cultivated at an altitude of 1650 m while the highest berry yield from the Zimbabwean cultivar was 683 g per plant at an altitude of 1100 m. Saponin content and molluscidical potency of berry extracts from the Ethiopian plants cultivated at all localities were higher than the Zimbabwean cultivar (P < 0.01). This indicated the greater ecological adaptability of the Ethiopian variety for use in schistosomiasis control programmes. The addition of cattle manure at planting reduced the nutrient differences in inherent soil chemical properties on berry saponin content and molluscicidal potency. Regular irrigation during the study period prevented the previously demonstrated water stress related increase in saponin content and potency of the berries from low rainfall areas. Saponin yield was highest (212 g per plant) in the Ethiopian cultivar at high altitudes. In lowland areas, however, this was highest for the Zimbabwean cultivar, notwithstanding the good growth of the Ethiopian cultivar.
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release of molluscicidal saponins from Phytolacca dodecandra aqueous berry extracts as influenced by the male plant and the extraction procedure
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 1994Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per MolgaardAbstract:Abstract The molluscicidally active saponins extractable with water from the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra , the most promising molluscicide of plant origin, are not the genuine natural compounds. On HPLC analysis of the aqueous extract of whole unground berries or of the ground pulp, only non-molluscicidal bidesmosidic saponins can be detected. On addition of ground seed to these aqueous extracts the transformation of the naturally occurring saponins to the monodesmosidic molluscicidal saponins can be monitored by HPLC. This confirms earlier conclusions of the confinement of the bidesmosidic saponins to the fruit pulp and hydrolysis to the highly molluscicidal monodesmosidic saponins only after release of an enzyme contained in the seed by crushing the berries. Presence of saponins and enzymes is then determined by two separate genetic systems. Saponins in the pulp are maternally determined only, whereas enzymes in the seed as a result of the pollination also are dependent on the paternal source. Consistent saponin concentrations were obtained in extracts of berries from the same plant pollinated through controlled experiments using male flowers of different origin. It was then concluded that the origin of the pollen was not critical in determining the activity of the enzyme. As a result of an investigation of the optimal extraction time we found, that when finely crushed berries were extracted with water at room temperature almost all of the monodesmosidic saponins were released within 2 h, while coarsely crushed berries took 3 h to release the molluscicidal compounds. Thus, soaking the berries for a longer period of time in the hope of achieving higher concentration of the active saponins was deemed unnecessary.
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investigation of the diurnal ontogenetic and seasonal variation in the molluscicidal saponin content of Phytolacca dodecandra aqueous berry extracts
Phytochemistry, 1993Co-Authors: Jerikias Ndamba, Else Lemmich, Per MolgaardAbstract:Abstract Daily variation in the content of the saponins of the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra was determined in berries harvested at the full grown green unripe stage of development once every two hours. The saponin content was quantitatively determined by HPLC analysis of the molluscicidal monodesmosidic saponins in the aqueous extract of the crushed berries. No significant daily variations were observed in extracts of berries collected at different times of day (P> 0.05 by ANOVA). But, seasonal variation was apparent in extracts prepared from berries harvested from the same plants once every two weeks. Berries of highest saponin content were those harvested during the dry season and just before the onset of the rainy season. The seasonal variation was attributed to increased water stress during the dry season. Very young racemes had the highest saponin content, while mature berries produced the lowest saponin concentration. There was, however, consistency in the berry saponin composition during the day, season and all stages of berry development.
Nagappan Raja - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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evaluation of multi potential bioactive endod Phytolacca dodecandra l herit berries extracts against immature filarial vector culex quinquefasciatus say diptera culicidae
Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, 2012Co-Authors: Nurie Misganaw, Shiferaw Moges, Muche Tadele, Mamaye Tesera, Tigab Temesgen, Nagappan RajaAbstract:Aim of the present study was to evaluate larvicidal and pupicidal properties of ＂Phytolacca dodecandra＂ plant extracts against immature filarial vector, ＂Culex quinquefasciatus＂. The powdered berries were extracted with petroleum ether, acetone, benzene, methanol and water. The crude residue obtained from the extraction was used to prepare 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm concentration, respectively. The experiment was conducted by using standard WHO protocol with modifications. The immature mosquitoes were exposed to selected concentration and the percentage mortality was observed continuously for 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Among the various solvent extracts tested, petroleum ether, acetone and benzene showed maximum mortality at 125 ppm concentration and above. At 1000 ppm concentration, all the solvent extracts tested showed 100% mortality. The III-instar larva was highly susceptible compared to IV-instar and pupa. The water and methanol extract was also proved to have larvicidal and pupicidal properties. This study showed ＂P. dodecandra＂ plant extract have bioactivity compound to kill the immature ＂Cx. Quinquefasciatus＂. These plants are growing naturally in Ethiopian highlands and proper utilization may prevent unwanted pollution to the environment.
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Evaluation of Multi Potential Bioactive Endod, Phytolacca dodecandra (L' Herit) Berries Extracts Against Immature Filarial Vector Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae)
2012Co-Authors: Nurie Misganaw, Shiferaw Moges, Muche Tadele, Mamaye Tesera, Tigab Temesgen, Nagappan RajaAbstract:Abstract: Aim of the present study was to evaluate larvicidal and pupicidal properties of Phytolacca dodecandra plant extracts against immature filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. The powdered berries were extracted with petroleum ether, acetone, benzene, methanol and water. The crude residue obtained from the extraction was used to prepare 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm concentration, respectively. The experiment was conducted by using standard WHO protocol with modifications. The immature mosquitoes were exposed to selected concentration and the percentage mortality was observed continuously for 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Among the various solvent extracts tested, petroleum ether, acetone and benzene showed maximum mortality at 125 ppm concentration and above. At 1000 ppm concentration, all the solvent extracts tested showed 100% mortality. The III-instar larva was highly susceptible compared to IV-instar and pupa. The water and methanol extract was also proved to have larvicidal and pupicidal properties. This study showed P. dodecandra plant extract have bioactivity compound to kill the immature Cx. quinquefasciatus. These plants are growing naturally in Ethiopian highlands and proper utilization may prevent unwanted pollution to the environment
Legesse Woldeyohannes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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medicinal use and social status of the soap berry endod Phytolacca dodecandra in ethiopia
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2003Co-Authors: Kjell B Esser, Kassa Semagn, Legesse WoldeyohannesAbstract:Berries from Phytolacca dodecandra L'Herit. (endod in Amharic) offer a readily available molluscicide to control schistosomiasis. Parts of the endod plant have been used as a detergent and as traditional medicine for centuries in Ethiopia. An interview survey was performed in the highlands of Ethiopia to provide information on the distribution of the plant, people's traditional use of it, their perception of the plant, and the potential for increased production and use of endod as a soap for indirect control of schistosomiasis. People of all ages report that they are familiar with the plant and its detergent and medicinal uses. The plant is largely disappearing from unprotected areas due to land clearing. Younger people appear to use endod as a soap whenever it is available. Older women prefer commercial soap and consider endod to be associated with poor people. Common medicinal uses include treatment of skin itching (ringworm), abortion, gonorrhea, leeches, intestinal worms, anthrax and rabies. Two thirds of the people express interest in cultivating endod for personal use if supplied with rooted cuttings. Increased cultivation of endod and use of berries for washing might be possible if information about schistosomiasis and its control is disseminated among people. Preference for commercial soap and lack of land for cultivation are major obstacles for increasing the availability and use of endod.