Bioacaricidal properties of Passiflora edulis (Passifloraceae) vine methanol extract on two species of cattle ticks

Résumé

Background: Cattle tick infestations, particularly those caused by Amblyomma variegatum and Argas argas, pose a significant challenge to livestock productivity in tropical regions. Overdependence on synthetic acaricides has led to widespread resistance, environmental pollution, and toxic residues in animal products, highlighting the need for safer, environmentally friendly alternatives. This study examined the bioacaricidal activity of Passiflora edulis (Passifloraceae) vine methanol extract against two economically important cattle tick species.

Methods:  Fresh vines were collected, authenticated, shade-dried, ground, and soaked in absolute methanol. The crude extract was prepared in concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/mL, and applied topically (20 ?L) to groups of ten ticks per species in triplicate. Mortality was recorded over 24 hours, and results were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test.

Results: The extract showed strong, concentration-dependent activity against both tick species. Complete mortality of A. variegatum was achieved at 10 mg/mL within 3 hours, while A. argas required 20 mg/mL to reach 100% mortality within 2 hours. At lower concentrations, mortality increased gradually, with significant differences (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: These results represent the first report of acaricidal activity of P. edulis vine extract, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic acaricides in integrated livestock parasite control. Further research should focus on isolating active compounds, understanding their mechanisms, and conducting field validation.