The anti-tick properties of the root extracts of Senna italica subsp. arachoides

Abstract

This study examined the anti-tick properties of the root extracts of Senna italica subsp. arachoides against adults of Hyalomma marginatum rufipes. Of the hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts tested, only ethyl acetate extracts proved to be potent against adults of H. marginatum rufipes. The acaricidal activity of the ethyl acetate root extract of S. italica subsp. arachoides increased significantly (P < 0.05) with concentration when tested against H. marginatum rufipes. The potency of the extract persisted to the second day. The LC50 of the ethyl acetate root extract of S. italica subsp. arachoides in 24 h was 8.66% (w/v) while in 48 h was 3.59% (w/v). Chemical characterization of the extracts revealed  ,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dibutyl ester, 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methylanthraquinone, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, hexadecanoic acid, 9-hexadecanoic acid as components.