THE ANTIPARASITIC EFFECT OF LEMON (CITRUS LIMON) AND SWEET POTATO (IPOMOEA BATATAS) PEELS ON CAT FLEAS (CTENOCEPHALIDES FELIS)

Abstract

Cat ownership is widespread in the Philippines; however, it presents challenges such as flea infestations and environmental concerns. Commercially available flea treatments, although effective, often contain chemical components, prompting the need to investigate organic and eco-friendly alternatives that can efficiently eliminate fleas while minimizing environmental impact. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of sweet potato and lemon peel extracts as an alternative flea treatment, addressing a gap in existing flea control options. This study employed a true experimental research design to evaluate the efficacy of an anti-flea bar soap formulated from sweet potato and lemon peels. The assessment focused on knockdown time, mortality rate, toxicity, and odor. Ethanolic extraction was used to obtain the active components, and a rotary evaporator was utilized for solvent concentration. The brush application method was applied to a total of 63 test subjects. Descriptive statistical tools, including percentage tables, pie charts, and one-way ANOVA, were used to analyze the data. The alternative anti-flea bar soap composed of 50% lemon peel extract and 50% sweet potato peel extract demonstrated the shortest knockdown time of 15 minutes against cat fleas. The mortality rate reached 81.5% within a 30-minute exposure period. The soap also exhibited the lowest pH level among the treatment groups, with a value of 7.1. Additionally, most respondents perceived the soap as having a very mild scent, making it a gentle option for cats with sensitive olfactory senses. The soap formulation containing equal proportions of sweet potato and lemon peels produced the most favorable results, characterized by rapid knockdown time, high flea mortality rate, mild scent, and lower acidity. The findings suggest that further optimization of the formulation and investigation of its long-term effects may strengthen its potential as a sustainable solution for controlling flea infestations.