Chromatographic examination of essential oils with reference to acaricidal activity

Purpose. Search for natural essential oils with low toxicity to humans and their individual components possessing acaricidal activity, with the aim of further identification and use as individual components of acaricidal agents; development and testing of a method for identifying components of a wide range of essential oils.

Methods. The acaricidal activity of essential oils was studied using bioassays with adult and large nymph ticks. Gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector was used to conduct a comparative analysis of the essential oil composition. Rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, clary sage, peppermint, lavender, and jasmine oils were used for the study. Results. The studies revealed varying acaricidal activity among the essential oils tested. An essential oil with the highest acaricidal activity was identified, demonstrating a strong and rapid effect on all test specimens. An analytical method was developed to determine the composition of essential oils and the release times of individual components. The composition of the essential oils tested was compared based on the release times of components obtained using a gas chromatograph. The obtained data demonstrated high consistency.

Conclusion. Rosemary oil was found to possess the most pronounced acaricidal activity of the essential oils analyzed. This, coupled with its low toxicity, makes it promising for practical use both as a component of acaricidal products and in its pure form. Melissa, clary sage, peppermint, and jasmine essential oils also demonstrated strong acaricidal activity. Gas chromatography revealed that all oils with high acaricidal activity contained compounds characterized by similar column yields.

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