The acaricidal activity of a methanolic extract and fractions from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale against Dermanyssus gallinae adults was investigated. The C. officinale methanolic extract exhibited 100% acaricidal activity after 48 h of treatment at a dose of 4,000 ppm. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed (Z)-ligustilide as a constituent of C. officinale. Acaricidal activity was examined in three experimental tests (spray, fumigation and contact), with the spraying method being the most effective. The methanolic extract of C. officinale showed both contact and fumigant activities, though only fumigant activity was observed with (Z)-ligustilide. These results suggest that C. officinale derived material can be used for the development of a control agent for D. gallinae.

• Seung Ju Lee(Department of Plant Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
• Hyun Kyung Kim(Department of Plant Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
• Bang-Yeon Hwang(College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University)
• Jong Ung Yoon(Biogenoci Co., Ltd.)
• Gil-Hah Kim(Department of Plant Medicine, Chungbuk National University)