Comparative efficacy of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), makabuhay (Tinosphora rumphii), tubli (Derris philippinensis), and neem (Azadirachta indica) against carabao louse Haematopinus tuberculatus)

In part 1 of this study, the efficacy of tobacco, makabuhay, tubli, and neem in oil emulsion and mixture in distilled water at 10%, 20% and 40% concentrations were evaluated against carabao louse in vitro. Four hundred five mature Haematopinus tuberculatus were used and observed. In vitro experimentation showed that mixtures in oil-emulsion had a percentage mortality of 90 or better. Mixtures in distilled water showed that only tobacco obtained a percentage mortality greater than 80 in all concentrations. Tubli was most effective at 40% concentration with mean percentage mortality of 24 after five hours of exposure. Neem and makabuhay were least effective with mean percentage mortality of less than 10 in all concentrations. Positive control using pure mineral oil obtained a percentage mortality of 86 while positive control using distilled water showed no effect. In part 2 of this study, the lowest concentration in both preparations which obtained a percentage mortality of 80 or better after five hours of exposure in vitro was used in vivo. Thirty-two infested carabaos from PCC-UPLB [Philippine Carabao Center-University of the Philippines at Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines)] were used. All animals were apparently healthy except for their lice infestation. Previous management practice was maintained. The percentage reduction was monitored using the 10-min count before and after treatment every week for three consecutive weeks. In vivo experimentation showed that the tobacco-pour-on using oil emulsion was more effective than the spray method, although the difference was insignificant (greater than P0.05). There was percentage reduction after the first week of treatment with an increasing trend after three weeks post treatment (in vivo). Tobacco and makabuhay in oil emulsion were most effective with a percentage reduction of 45.91 and 79.67, respectively. Neem and tubli in in vivo oil-emulsion showed a negative percentage reduction after three weeks of post-treatment. Tobacco mixture in distilled water using the spray method obtained a percentage reduction of 15.83 after three weeks of post treatment. Results showed that tobacco, makabuhay, neem, and tubli are potential sources of ectoparasiticide against carabao louse. Like all chemically-based medicines, herbal plants should also undergo a battery of experimental procedure to determine their total pharmacological profile. The plants' many uses still remain to be explored