Authors : Khaled B. Al-Harbi, Ibrahim M. El-Ashmawy, Hussein M. Omar and Naser A. Al-Wabel
Abstract: An in vitro screening of the effect of whole plant extracts was carried out. Twenty-one indigenous plant species were extracted in methanol and tried against the most prevalent tick species; Hyalomma dromederi of camels. Fully engorged female ticks of the same weight were immersed in the different extracts for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min. Treated ticks were revived and incubated with the control groups for daily observation of their activity and egg production. While some plant extracts have killing effects after 30-60 min exposure (Rhanterium epapposum, Achillea fragrantissima and Eragrostis poaeodes) others have stopped oviposition (Artemisia herba alba, Haloxylon salicornicum, Plantago coronopus, Moltkiopsis ciliate and Lasiurus hirsutus). Marked reduction of the egg masses associated with delayed oviposition was recorded on exposure to Lepidium sativum seeds extract. Most of the extracts have reducing effect on the egg mass that can be attributed to synergistic effect of flavonoids and phenolics. Tannins and non-tannin phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins were determined by a standard methods. Further studies are going on to support such ant-tick effects of the bioactive components.
Khaled B. Al-Harbi, Ibrahim M. El-Ashmawy, Hussein M. Omar and Naser A. Al-Wabel, 2015. Anti-Tick Activity of Some Methanol-Extracted Plants Indigenous in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 14: 407-412.