Properties of the Extract and Spicules of the Dermatitis Inducing Sponge Neofibularia mordens Hartman

Abstract

Skeletal components and the exudate of the sponge Neofibularia mordens, as well as four fractions of the extract were investigated. Possible causes, and management, of the contact dermatitis resulting from application of extract fractions were studied. Antimicrobial activity of the sponge extract fractions, together with their effect on small crustaceans, was determined. Two fractions exhibited strong neuroactivity on guinea-pig isolated intestine, octopus-arm nerve-muscle and crustacean cheliped nerve-muscle preparations.