Endod: safety evaluation of a plant molluscicide.

Toxicity tests, in accordance with the Minimal Data Requirements (Tier 1) of the OECD Guidelines for Pre-Market Chemicals, were conducted on a standard extract (Endod-S) from the unripe berries of Phytolacca dodecandra, a potent botanical molluscicide of potential importance in the control of schistosomiasis. In acute mammalian toxicity tests, except for the eye irritation toxicity test which indicated severe irritancy, all test results were classified as either nontoxic or slightly toxic. Eye protection is therefore recommended during berry crushing and handling of dry powders. Ecotoxicity tests indicated that Endod is no more toxic than currently recommended synthetic molluscicides; however, environmental fate and additional local ecotoxicity tests are recommended for nontarget aquatic organisms present in the endemic situations of field trials. Given these toxicological data and recognizing the need for an affordable, locally cultivated, botanical molluscicide, it is concluded that field trials of Endod in schistosomiasis control are now justifiable.