IN VITRO EVALUATION OF PHYTOTHERAPIC ACTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW FORMULATION AGAINST TICKS FOR CATTLE

Abstract

Purpose: The search for new formulations in order to obtain better results in parasite control of domestic animals has been a constant factor in the pharmaceutical industry. Considering the need for new formulations, the present study evaluates the in vitro acaricide effectiveness of 7 essential oils extracted from grown in Brazil. Methods: For this, the essential oils of eucalyptus, citronella, pine, lemon grass, star anise, rosemary, and Chinese pepper were diluted in solutions at concentrations of 6.00%, 3.00% and 1.00% and evaluated through an in vitro test (first stage). In the second stage, the results obtained from the in vitro test, the star anise 1,00%, which had shown the highest efficacy, was associated with fipronil, along with fenthion in an attempt to develop a new therapeutic alternative for in vivo control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in naturally infected cattle (ongoing study). Results: In vitro tests revealed that all 7 essential oils had acaricide activity at all concentrations tested, but had the highest efficacy in the star anise 1,00% treatment group, which was considered to be 100.00%. At for the larvicide activity, all 7 essential oils were 100,00% efficient at all concentrations tested. In the in vivo test, partial results showed that three (3) days after application of the products, the new formulation showed the highest efficacy. Conclusion: In conclusion, formulations using herbal essential oils associated with chemotherapy may be important alternatives for controlling infestations of ticks.