Mangrove Snail Cassidula nucleus: A Natural Source of Antibacterial Compounds from Semarang Waters

Molluscs are not only vital components of coastal ecosystems but also harbor remarkable potential as sources of bioactive compounds. One example is the mangrove snail Cassidula nucleus, a species found in the mangrove ecosystem of Mangkang, Semarang. Recent research has revealed that this snail contains secondary metabolites with promising antibacterial properties.

Cassidula nucleus measurement (source: JMI)

This study was conducted by Sauwa Khusna Salsabilla, Delianis Pringgenies, and Josua Gabriel Lumban Gaol from the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Diponegoro University.

The research aimed to analyze the secondary metabolite profile of Cassidula nucleus through several methods:

• Maceration extraction using ethanol (1:7 ratio, 48 hours) to obtain bioactive compounds.

• Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) to identify metabolite classes.

• Antibacterial tests using the disc diffusion method against two pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

The extract was tested at different concentrations (1000 μg/disc to 62.5 μg/disc), with observations recorded every 12 hours over a total of 36 hours.

Key Findings

The results revealed that Cassidula nucleus extract contains flavonoids and alkaloids, both known for their antibacterial activity.

The effectiveness was confirmed by the formation of clear inhibition zones in the test medium, indicating the ability of the extract to suppress the growth of both E. coli and S. aureus.

Why Is This Important?

With the global challenge of antibiotic resistance, exploring marine resources for novel compounds has become increasingly crucial. The antibacterial potential of Cassidula nucleus highlights its role not only in marine biodiversity but also as a natural candidate for health and pharmaceutical applications.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the mangrove snail Cassidula nucleus from Semarang waters can serve as a valuable source of antibacterial compounds. The presence of flavonoids and alkaloids makes it a strong candidate for further research and development in natural medicine.

Reference

Salsabilla, S. K., D. . Pringgenies, and J. G. L. . Gaol. “Biological Activity of Cassidula Nucleus Extract from Semarang Waters”. Jurnal Moluska Indonesia, vol. 9, no. 1, Apr. 2025, pp. 33-39, doi:10.54115/jmi.v9i1.124.