Extract of the seeds of the plant Vitex agnus castus proven to be highly efficacious as a repellent against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and biting flies

Parasitol Res. 2005 Mar;95(5):363-5. doi: 10.1007/s00436-004-1297-z. Epub 2005 Jan 29.

Abstract

About 70 plant extracts were tested for their ability to repel the attacks of blood-sucking arthropods. It was found that a CO2 extract of the seeds of the Mediterranean plant Vitex agnus castus (monk's pepper) can be used as a spray to keep away especially Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks from animals and humans for at least 6 h. In addition mosquitoes, biting flies and fleas are also repelled for about 6 h.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropods / drug effects*
  • Cats
  • Culicidae / drug effects
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insect Repellents / pharmacology*
  • Ixodidae / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Muscidae / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Seeds / chemistry*
  • Siphonaptera / drug effects
  • Vitex / chemistry*

Substances

  • Insect Repellents
  • Plant Extracts