title: Mammal toxicity assessment of the plant molluscicide, Apodytes dimidiata (Icacinaceae), in South Africa.
abstract: Apodytes dimidiata has recently come to the fore as a potential plant molluscicide for schistosomiasis control in rural communities in South Africa. Prior to field applications of its leaves and extract to waterbodies, selected acute and sub-acute mammal toxicity tests were conducted in accordance with the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines to identify any potential hazards that might arise form the plant's use. Acute and sub-acute mammal toxicity test results classified A. dimidiata as non-toxic and non-irritating. Based on this toxicity evaluation, the dried leaf material and aqueous extracts of this plant are considered safe for use in preliminary field trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Natal, South Africa.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Brackenbury
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Appleton
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thurman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008975:Molluscacides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D013019:South Africa
chemical_list: D008975:Molluscacides; D010936:Plant Extracts