The Effects of Aqueous Root Bark and Seed Extracts of Azadirachta indica in the Treatment of Ticks (Hyalomma spp) in vitro

Abstract

The acaricidal effect of the aqueous extracts of neem (Azadrichta indica) seed and root bark on tick (Hyalomma spp) was investigated. Adult Hyalomma ticks of both sexes were incubated in aqueous extracts of neem seed and root bark. The extracts were made in varying concentrations (100%, 50% and 25%) with sand and sawdust media. Survival rate of the ticks in the extracts were monitored daily by recording of the ratio of dead to live ticks. Phytochemical screening of the extracts was also determined. The results showed the presence of tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, phlobatanins and cardiac glycosides. Both extracts contained alkaloids, phlobatanins and cardiac glycosides. Tannin occurred in larger concentration in the root bark than in the seed whereas the seed contained larger quantities of anthraquinones and saponins than the root bark. The results further showed that the seed and root extracts of neem have acaricidal effect against the ticks through death of the ticks incubated in them. However, the root bark extract was more effective than the seed extract as it produced higher killing effects of the ticks incubated in it. Therefore, the aqueous extracts of the root bark and seeds of Azadirachta indica can be used as commercial acaricide to control ticks and tick infestation.