Abstract

Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are a key vector for the transmission of various microorganisms to humans and animals. Current research focuses on evaluating herbal medicines and natural products for tick control. This study assessed the acaricidal effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of the plants Achillea millefolium L. and Ferula asafoetida H. Karst. against Hyalomma sp. ticks in vitro, while determining their toxicity using the MTT assay. The acaricidal activities of both plant extracts were evaluated at concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml after exposure times of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, using spray and contact methods. The chemical composition of the extracts was analysed via gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and toxicity was assessed by the MTT assay. Results indicated that A. millefolium L. extracts achieved 100 % mortality at 200 mg/ml after 15 minutes and at 150 mg/ml after 30 minutes of exposure. In contrast, F. asafoetida H. Karst. exhibited 100 % mortality at 200 mg/ml after 60 minutes. The main chemical components identified in A. millefolium L. and F. asafoetida H. Karst. were docosane (9.82%) and 2-Methoxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (13.9%), respectively. The MTT toxicity test revealed that A. millefolium L. exhibited low toxicity across all concentrations, while F. asafoetida H. Karst. showed significant cytotoxicity against the Vero cell line. These findings demonstrate that both plants possess acaricidal activity, with A. millefolium L. showing the most potent effects at lower concentrations. However, further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of these extracts in vivo.