Phytochemical screening and evaluation of Acaricidal effects of Adhatoda vasica, Kalanchoe pinnata, Costus igneus, and Cissus quadrangularis

Abstract

The present study investigated the phytochemical composition and acaricidal potential of four medicinal plants: Adhatoda vasica, Kalanchoe pinnata, Costus igneus, and Cissus quadrangularis. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves of each species, all of which belong to different botanical families. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and phenols. The acaricidal activity of these extracts was evaluated in vitro using the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. While extracts of Kalanchoe pinnata, Costus igneus, and Cissus quadrangularis. showed no significant acaricidal activity, the methanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica exhibited dose-dependent effects, including reduced egg production, decreased reproductive index, inhibition of oviposition, and 100% adult tick mortality at 10% and 12.5% concentrations. These findings highlight the phytochemical richness and potential pharmacological value of the selected plants, particularly A. vasica, in developing botanical acaricides and supporting their traditional medicinal uses.