Changes in phospholipid and lipid peroxidation levels due to latex of Croton tiglium in freshwater snail Lymnaea acuminata

Exposure to 40% and 60% of LC50 of 48h of the latex extract of Croton tiglium Linn (Euphorbiaceae) for 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h significantly reduced the endogenous levels of phospholipid and increased the rate of lipid peroxidation in brain and foot tissue of Lymnaea (Radix) acuminata Lamarck. Alteration in the levels of phospholipid and rate of lipid peroxidation were time and dose dependent. It is concluded that latex extract of Croton tiglium or its metabolites increase peroxidation of lipids in Lymnaea acuminata, which brings about change in membrane permeability to various ions and may thus be the cause of the toxicity of this plant extract