In vitro evaluation of the acaricidal efficacy of aqueous extract and essential oil of Momordica charantia L. against Rhipicephalus (boophilus) annulatus ticks.

Abstract

Ticks are a significant threat to livestock production, and the synthetic acarcides used to control them have had negative effects on the environment, non-target organisms and the animals being treated. As a solution to this problem, it is necessary to explore alternatives that are safer for humans, animals, and the environment. The use of medicinal plants offers a promising solution. In this study, the acaricidal efficacy of Momordica charantia, a medicinal plant, was evaluated using the adult immersion test (AIT). The aqueous extract and essential oil (EO) of M. charantia leaves were evaluated. A positive control (2% cypermethrin) and negative control (distilled water) were used. Different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20%) of both aqueous and EO of plant were tested with 10 ticks per group. Tick mortality, reproductive index (RI), and inhibition of oviposition (IO %) were measured at 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days post-treatment (PT). Statistical analysis was conducted using the probit method, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that both the aqueous extract and EO of M. charantia exhibited low acaricidal activity. Even at the highest EO concentration (20%), only 45% tick mortality was observed. The effect on oviposition was negligible, as the aqueous extract did not inhibit oviposition in live engorged female ticks. Consequently, M. charantia may not be a suitable alternative to synthetic acaricidal agents available on the market.