In Vitro Evaluation of Essential Oils Derived from Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) and Citrus limonum (Rutaceae) against the Tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

The present research aimed to study the chemical composition and acaricidal activity of Citrus limonum and Piper nigrum essential oils against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. GC-MS analysis of C. limonum essential oil showed limonene (50.3%), β-pinene (14.4%), and γ-terpinene (11.7%) as the major components; P. nigrum oil was mainly composed of β-caryophyllene (26.2%), σ-ocymene (5.8%), and α-pinene (5.5%). Acaricide activity was evaluated at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% (v/v) of each plant oil, as well as 1 : 1 combination of both oils (5% : 5%, 2.5% : 2.5%, and 1.25% : 1.25% each), by immersing engorged R. microplus females for one minute. The LC90 of oils from C. limonum, P. nigrum, and the combination were 4.9%, 14.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. C. limonum essential oil caused 100% mortality of engorged females at the highest concentration (10%). P. nigrum essential oil inhibited egg-laying by up to 96% in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting it reduces tick fecundity. When combined, the oils presented toxicity as to C. limonum oil alone, but with stronger inhibition of oviposition (5% : 5%), indicating a possible additive effect against R. microplus. The present data provide support for further investigation of novel natural products to control bovine tick infestations.

Piper Species: A Comprehensive Review on Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Applications

“… a According to Lawrence [66] the high levels of eugenol found in oils produced from ground green and white pepper are extremely unusual [34,63,67,68,69,70,71]. …”

The application of essential oils as a next-generation of pesticides: recent developments and future perspectives

“…The acaricidal effect against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (a thick that parasites multiple livestock species) of EOs obtained from different Ocimum species was studied by Hüe et al [103], the best results being obtained for Ocimum urticaefolium and O. gratissimum originating from Cameroon. The same tick was used by Costa-Júnior et al [104], Monteiro et al [105], and Vinturelle et al [106] to test the acaricidal effect of EOs isolated from Lippia gracilis, Cinnamomum verum Presl, respectively, Piper nigrum, and Citrus limonum (further details presented in Table 3). While Costa-Júnior et al [104] assigned the acaricidal effect of EOs to the monoterpenes present, especially carvacrol and thymol, Vinturelle et al [106] compared the efficiency of two different composition EOs (C. limonum dominated by monoterpenes, respectively, P. nigrum dominated by sesquiterpenes), obtaining superior results for the C. limonum EO, thus suggesting a more potent acaricidal effect related to the presence of monoterpenes.…”

Exploring the Insecticide and Acaricide Potential of Development Regulators obtained from Restinga vegetation from Brazil

“…For in vivo analysis of the biological activity, the fractions, essential oils and isolated metabolites were administered to our arthropod models (see item 3.0) either orally (mixed with blood), topically (brushing the dorsal cuticle) or by continuous treatment (i.e., contact with the previously treated substrate). Periodically after the treatments, the following biological parameters were quantified: preference or refusal by untreated fertilized females to deposit their eggs on substrates treated with different concentrations of the tested compounds; viability and hatchability of the eggs deposited or relocated to these substrates; differential sensitivity of different molting stages to treatments; attraction and repellency; anatomical malformations; phagoinhibition; feed rate and excretion; weight gain and body growth; rate, time and period of moulting; death after 24 hours, and at different times of the development and longevity; oviposition (fecundity); viability and egg hatching (Mello et al 2007, Vinturelle et al 2017 (Fig. 2).…”