Therapeutic Efficacy Of Gold Nanoparticles And Thyme Extracts Against Ticks In Vivo

Abstract

This study aims to explore the therapeutic efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and thyme Thymus vulgaris extracts against ticks, to examine the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles and thyme extract as anti-tick agents. And the study involved collecting 268 tick samples from cattle in various areas of Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq.

Gold nanoparticles were prepared using the citrate reduction method, with the particles having a diameter of approximately 20 nanometers. The effect of different concentrations of gold nanoparticles (2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/ml) and thyme extract (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml) on ticks was tested, with their effects monitored over different time periods (from 30 minutes to 24 hours). The results showed that both gold nanoparticles and thyme extract exhibited lethal activity against ticks, with efficacy increasing with increasing concentration and exposure periods.

The synergistic effect between gold nanoparticles and thyme extract was also evaluated, and the results showed that this combination increased the effectiveness of the treatment compared to using either extract alone. This combination of the two extracts improved the speed of action and increased the kill rate.

The main conclusions of this study are that gold nanoparticles and thyme extract can be effective alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides for tick control. The synergistic interaction between them provides a stronger effect, suggesting the potential for using this combination in tick control strategies in an environmentally friendly and more sustainable manner.