Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Teklu Yitbarek, Abebe Tibebu, Adane Bahiru, Ayalew Assefa, Kandasamy Ulaganathan
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0348007
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that cause significant economic losses by reducing animal productivity and damaging hides and skins. Ticks control and prevention strategies primarily rely on the regular use of synthetic acaricides. However, the widespread misuse of these commercial acaricides has led to the emergence of acaricide-resistant ticks, compromising their sustainable effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate alternative plant-based acaricides and determine their effective dose levels. Crude ethanol extracts from six plant species, previously reported to possess acaricidal activity, were initially screened at a concentration of 100 mg/mL using the adult immersion test. Based on the prescreening results, Ricinus communis, Azadirachta indica, and Jatropha curcas, which showed promising acaricidal effects, were subsequently tested at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL. Tick mortality and oviposition inhibition were monitored over seven days at 3-hour intervals. Ricinus communis produced the highest acaricide efficacy (70 ± 1.8%) at 100 mg/mL. In comparison, 100 mg/mL of Azadirachta indica and Jatropha curcas resulted in 56.7 ± 2.2% and 16.7 ± 3.02% acaricide activity, respectively. The minimum lethal doses required to kill 50% (LD₅₀) and 90% (LD₉₀) of the tested ticks were 18.47 mg/ml and 184.3 mg/ml for Ricinus communis and 83.4 mg/ml and 431.8 mg/ml for Azadirachta indica, respectively. Ricinus communis exhibited the highest mean oviposition inhibition (98.5%), followed closely by Azadirachta indica (96.57%), while Jatropha curcas demonstrated comparatively lower inhibition (68.05%). A statistically significant dose-dependent oviposition inhibition effect was observed for Ricinus communis and Azadirachta indica (p < 0.05).In conclusion, Ricinus communis and Azadirachta indica demonstrated strong potential as botanical acaricide alternatives and warrant further evaluation in clinical trials.
Introduction
Ticks are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites that cause blood loss, irritation, and toxicosis. Tick infestations’ associated economic losses include reduced weight gain, lower milk production, poor hide quality, and increased veterinary costs [1]. Ticks can transmit pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, leading to anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis, and heartwater diseases between animals [2]. In endemic areas, ticks maintain and transmit East Coast fever between animals, a transboundary disease with significant impact in livestock production [3].
Amblyomma variegatum (A. variegatum) is one of the most economically important and widely distributed livestock tick species in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, it is the most common tick species, particularly in the Wag-Lasta area [3–5]. It causes severe bite wounds often complicated by secondary infections and serves as a major vector of pathogens such as Ehrlichia ruminantium and Rickettsia africae, the causative agents of heartwater and African tick-bite fever, respectively [6].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Teklu Yitbarek, Abebe Tibebu, Adane Bahiru, Ayalew Assefa, Kandasamy Ulaganathan. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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