Background: Argulus is a common and widespread ectoparasite that causes major parasitic diseases and is a virus and bacteria carrier in the ornamental fish trade.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine what types of phytochemicals are present in the essential oil extracted from turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa L.) and to assess the efficacy of turmeric oil in eliminating Argulus spp. infestations in goldfish (Carassius auratus).
Methods: The chemical composition and quantity of the major substances in essential oils from fresh turmeric rhizome were detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antiparasitic effect of turmeric oils on Argulus spp. was tested at 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm and compared to 0.25 ppm Neguvon® (the positive control). The percentage of Argulus spp. killed, the percentage of the mean mortality rate, and the effectiveness of each test were evaluated.
Results: By using GC-MS analysis, it was possible to identify the primary phytochemical component of turmeric essential oil as b-turmerone. The results obtained from the in vitro test indicated that there was a correlation between the concentration of turmeric essential oil and the average mortality rate of fish lice. The mean mortality of fish louse exposed to 200 ppm turmeric essential oil was higher than the mean mortality of fish louse exposed to Neguvon® (p < 0.05). In an in vivo study, the effectiveness of 12.5 ppm turmeric essential oil against parasites was 44.44%, 55.46%, and 62.83% at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively.
Conclusion: In summary, the efficacy of turmeric essential oil against fish louse has been shown both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Keywords: Argulus spp. goldfish; Carassius auratus; Curcuma longa L.; Turmeric; antiparasitic.